Maximizing Your Home Wi-Fi: What You Should Know about Routers and Mesh Systems

Heritage Broadband

Woman-owned, Texas-based Internet service provider dedicated to bringing fast, reliable connectivity to businesses and residences in rural communities. • heritageBroadband.com   512-548-6932

WHY UPGRADE TO WI-FI 6 OR WI-FI 6E?

If you’re still using an older router, upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 (look for “AX” in the model number) can significantly boost your network’s performance, especially in homes with many devices or in crowded areas with numerous nearby Wi-Fi networks. Wi-Fi 6 offers better efficiency, faster speeds, and can handle multiple devices more effectively than previous generations.

For mesh systems, Wi-Fi 6E (marked by “AXE” in the model number) provides further improvements by utilizing the less-crowded 6 GHz band for faster connections between mesh nodes, making Wi-Fi 6E mesh systems ideal for seamless connectivity throughout your home.

PLACEMENT MATTERS: WHERE TO PUT YOUR ROUTER AND MESH NODES

Router and mesh node placement can significantly impact your Wi-Fi quality. Follow these guidelines for optimal coverage:

• Keep Devices Out in the Open –Avoid hiding your router or mesh nodes in closets, behind bookshelves, or in corners. Placing them in the open, away from walls, helps the Wi-Fi signal travel through your home more effectively.

• Elevate the Equipment – Keep your router or mesh nodes off the floor. When placed too low, the signal often has to travel through more furniture, weakening it. Put them on a shelf or table to improve range.

• Avoid Reflective and Obstructive Surfaces – Mirrors, large metal appliances, and glass can reflect or weaken Wi-Fi signals. To avoid interference, place your router and nodes away from these surfaces.

• Spacing and Separation of Mesh Nodes – If you’re using a mesh system, the placement of nodes is crucial for maintaining a strong signal. Older mesh systems based on Wi-Fi 5 typically require more separation—ideally, two walls between them. With Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems, however, nodes can often be positioned closer together for better coverage; one wall between them is usually enough. If they’re in the same room, it’s important to keep them at least 50 feet apart to avoid signal interference.

Optimizing the placement of your router and nodes can make a noticeable difference in performance, ensuring a more reliable and faster WiFi experience throughout your home.

IN SUMMARY: CHOOSING THE RIGHT WI-FI SOLUTION

Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E can greatly improve your home network, especially if you have many devices or live in a crowded area. Proper placement and understanding the capabilities of your equipment can go a long way in providing reliable, fast Wi-Fi throughout your home. Wi-Fi 6E mesh systems offer the best experience today, with broader bandwidth, less interference, and superior coverage for larger spaces.