I'm really struggling with my internet connection in my upstairs office. I have AT&T Fiber 300, and while I get decent speeds downstairs (over 300 Mbps download and 200 Mbps upload), it drops significantly upstairs. On my phone, it's around 81 Mbps for download and 100 Mbps for upload. However, my work computer barely manages 20 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, especially when I use the VPN. My house is about 1900 sq ft with the router on one side and my office in a small room upstairs. I've thought about having AT&T relocate the fiber, using a Wi-Fi extender, subscribing to their extended coverage service, or even installing a mesh system myself. My IT suggested running an Ethernet cable to my office via existing LAN ports. What would be the best solution for improving my WiFi upstairs?
3 Answers
ISP gateways can really underperform when it comes to WiFi. Sometimes, just moving the router to a higher shelf or turning it 90 degrees can improve things quite a bit. As for extenders, ATT's extended coverage and a mesh system are similar; they aren't scams, but they do have limits. If you place an extender halfway between the router and your office, it can boost your speed, though maybe not up to 300 Mbps. Your best option, if you can run Ethernet, would be to hardwire your computer or use a wired extender, as this setup provides the fastest connection.
If your office setup allows for it, I'd suggest running a LAN cable directly to your work computer. Check your router for available LAN ports. If running a cable is too cumbersome, consider using powerline adapters, which can provide a wired-like connection without installing new wiring. This is often a faster and more stable alternative than purely relying on WiFi.
I've had a great experience using a Mesh system for my WiFi. My house isn't huge, but I've gotten close to wired speeds with mine, and it's much better than what extenders or powerline adapters offer. I recommend going the Mesh route if you want consistent speeds throughout your home.
I totally agree! Powerline adapters were my go-to for years and worked great for me before I switched to a mesh system.