I'm trying to improve the internet speed in my home office because the connection is terrible there, especially when using my work VPN. I have AT&T Fiber 300, and while my speeds are great downstairs near the router (over 300 Mbps down, 200 Mbps up), they drop significantly upstairs—I'm only getting about 20 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up on my work computer. My office is in a room upstairs, not too far from the router, as there are only two walls in between. I'm considering a few options like moving the fiber entry point, getting a WiFi extender, or running an Ethernet cable, but I'm not sure what's feasible. What's the best way to get better WiFi in my office?
3 Answers
ISP gateways often struggle with WiFi, so sometimes just adjusting the router’s position can help. Consider that extenders, AT&T's coverage, and mesh systems are all pretty similar, and while extenders can be a bit hit or miss, placing one strategically could enhance your speeds a bit. If you have the option, running an Ethernet wire directly to your device would be the ultimate solution for speed, followed by a wired extender setup if possible. Alternatively, turning your existing setup into passthrough mode and using a more powerful router is a great idea if you're looking for better coverage.
If you can run a LAN cable to your office device, that would be the best way to ensure a fast, secure connection. You can easily plug a powerline adapter into the wall for a wired setup without needing to install new wiring. They work well and can be a solid solution without any major renovations.
I've had great luck with a mesh WiFi system. It really improved my coverage and I get speeds close to wired connections, which has made a big difference for me. It's definitely worth considering if you're having issues with extenders or powerline adapters.
Totally agree! I used a powerline adapter before I switched to a mesh system, and it's a great budget-friendly option.