I'm looking for some advice on improving my internet speeds in my home office. We're using AT&T Fiber with 300 Mbps download speeds, and everything works great when I'm downstairs near the router. However, upstairs, my connection drops significantly. For example, on my phone, I get around 81 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload, but my work device barely gets 20 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, especially when I use my work VPN. My house isn't very large (about 1900 sq ft), and the router is on the opposite side where the fiber comes in, while my office is a small room above the garage with only two walls in between us. I'm wondering how I can improve my WiFi signal upstairs. I've thought about several options: moving the fiber to my side of the house, getting a WiFi extender (though I'm skeptical about their effectiveness), subscribing to AT&T's extended coverage, installing a WiFi mesh system, or potentially using a LAN port in the house to hardwire my computer. What do you think would work best?
6 Answers
I tried the AT&T WiFi extender, but it didn't help at all, so I returned it. Still on the hunt for a reliable solution.
If your office machine is a desktop or laptop, consider running a LAN cable to it. If your router has LAN ports, you should be able to plug an adapter into your wall outlet to create a wired connection. Using a powerline adapter can give you faster and more secure internet without needing extensive wiring. A wired connection will always beat wireless in speed, and this could be an easier option than running new cables through your house.
ISP gateways can struggle with WiFi performance. Sometimes just adjusting the router’s position or elevating it can make a big difference. As for extenders, AT&T's extended coverage and mesh setups are quite similar—they're not scams, but they do have limitations. If you put an extender halfway between the router and your office, it might give you a decent speed boost, even if it's not the full 300Mbps. However, running an Ethernet cable is still the best option if you can manage that, as a wired connection will usually outperform anything wireless. If you don't have Ethernet access already, consider running a LAN cable to make things more stable and faster!
I've had great success with a mesh WiFi system myself. While my house isn't too big, I'm getting speeds close to wired connections with mine, which is a huge improvement compared to extenders I've tried before. If you're looking for reliable WiFi throughout your house, I highly recommend considering a mesh setup!
TP-Link Deco mesh units are fantastic. They work well for my setup and really improved my WiFi coverage. If you're thinking about getting a mesh system, I'd recommend those hands down!
Mesh systems can work great, but if you find they slow down your connection, consider running a hidden cable to an access point for better coverage instead.
That's not true! Properly configured mesh systems shouldn't slow down your speeds at all. You might want to check your setup if yours is.
I agree! Powerline adapters were my go-to for years before I switched to a mesh system. They’re a cost-effective solution!