In today’s digital age, having a reliable and fast Wi-Fi connection at home is essential. Whether you’re streaming your favourite shows, working from home, or simply browsing the web, a strong Wi-Fi signal ensures a smooth online experience. However, many households in Australia face issues with weak or spotty Wi-Fi coverage, especially in larger homes or properties with thick walls. One effective solution is to improve your Wi-Fi connection by adding extra Wi-Fi points. This blog post will guide you through the steps to enhance your home Wi-Fi network and explore the best options for extra Wi-Fi points in Australia.
Why Your Wi-Fi Signal Might Be Weak
Before diving into how to improve your Wi-Fi connection, it’s important to understand some common reasons why your signal might be weak:
- Distance from the Router: The further you are from your Wi-Fi router, the weaker the signal will be. This is particularly problematic in large homes or multi-story houses.
- Physical Barriers: Walls, floors, and furniture can obstruct Wi-Fi signals, especially if they are made of dense materials like concrete or brick.
- Interference: Other electronic devices, such as microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors, can interfere with Wi-Fi signals.
- Outdated Equipment: Using an old router or Wi-Fi standard (like 802.11n instead of 802.11ac or 802.11ax) can limit your Wi-Fi speed and coverage.
What Are Extra Wi-Fi Points?
Extra Wi-Fi points, also known as Wi-Fi extenders, mesh Wi-Fi systems, or access points, are devices designed to extend the coverage of your existing Wi-Fi network. These devices work by either repeating the Wi-Fi signal from your main router or by creating a seamless mesh network that blankets your home in Wi-Fi coverage.
There are three main types of extra Wi-Fi points:
- Wi-Fi Extenders: These devices boost the signal from your existing router, extending the Wi-Fi coverage to areas that were previously hard to reach. They are easy to set up and are typically more affordable.
- Mesh Wi-Fi Systems: Mesh systems consist of a main router and one or more satellite nodes (Wi-Fi points) that work together to create a unified network. This system provides better coverage and performance than traditional extenders.
- Access Points: An access point connects directly to your router via an Ethernet cable and broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal. This is ideal for large homes or properties where you can run Ethernet cables to different areas.
How to Improve Wi-Fi Connection at Home with Extra Wi-Fi Points
Here’s a step-by-step guide to improving your Wi-Fi connection using extra Wi-Fi points in your home:
1. Assess Your Current Wi-Fi Coverage
Before purchasing extra Wi-Fi points, it’s essential to assess your current Wi-Fi coverage. Identify areas in your home where the Wi-Fi signal is weak or non-existent. You can use a Wi-Fi analyser app on your smartphone to map your Wi-Fi signal strength throughout your home.
2. Choose the Right Wi-Fi Solution
Based on your home’s layout and size, choose the right type of Wi-Fi point for your needs:
- For Small to Medium Homes: A Wi-Fi extender might be sufficient if you have a small to medium-sized home with only a few dead zones.
- For Large Homes: If you have a large home or a property with multiple floors, a mesh Wi-Fi system is the best option for consistent coverage throughout the house.
- For Complex Layouts: If your home has a complex layout or thick walls, consider installing multiple access points connected via Ethernet cables for the best performance.
3. Select the Best Wi-Fi Points Available in Australia
Here are some top-rated Wi-Fi points available in Australia that can help improve your home Wi-Fi connection:
Google Nest Wi-Fi
- Type: Mesh Wi-Fi System
- Coverage: Up to 220 square meters per point
- Features: Easy setup, smart speaker integration, seamless roaming
- Overview: Google Nest Wi-Fi is a popular choice in Australia for its ease of use and reliable coverage. The system includes a main router and additional Wi-Fi points that also function as smart speakers with Google Assistant.
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home WiFi 6 Tri-Band Mesh System
- Type: Mesh Wi-Fi System
- Coverage: Up to 350 square meters
- Features: Tri-band technology, fast speeds, parental controls
- Overview: The Netgear Orbi RBK50 is known for its powerful performance and extensive coverage, making it ideal for large homes. It offers fast speeds and advanced features like parental controls and guest networks.
TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Extender
- Type: Wi-Fi Extender
- Coverage: Extends coverage up to 1,000 square meters
- Features: Dual-band, easy setup, smart signal indicator
- Overview: The TP-Link AC1750 is a high-performance Wi-Fi extender that offers strong coverage extension and is easy to set up. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly solution.
Ubiquiti Networks UniFi 6 Pro Wireless Access Point
- Type: Access Point
- Coverage: Varies depending on the number of units installed
- Features: Enterprise-grade performance, scalable network, advanced management
- Overview: The Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC Lite is ideal for those who want to create a robust, scalable Wi-Fi network. It’s perfect for large properties or homes with complex layouts, offering enterprise-grade performance.
4. Install Your Extra Wi-Fi Points
Once you’ve selected the right Wi-Fi points, it’s time to install them. Follow these steps:
- Wi-Fi Extenders: Plug the extender into an outlet halfway between your router and the area with weak Wi-Fi. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect it to your existing Wi-Fi network.
- Mesh Wi-Fi Systems: Place the main router near your modem and distribute the satellite nodes evenly throughout your home. Ensure the nodes are within range of each other for optimal performance. Use the accompanying app to set up the system.
- Access Points: Run Ethernet cables from your router to the desired locations for the access points. Connect the access points to the Ethernet cables and follow the setup instructions to configure the network.
5. Optimize Your Wi-Fi Network
After installation, optimise your Wi-Fi network to ensure the best performance:
- Positioning: Place Wi-Fi points in open spaces and avoid obstructions like walls and large furniture.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly update the firmware of your router and Wi-Fi points to benefit from the latest features and security patches.
- Channel Selection: Use the router’s settings to select the least congested Wi-Fi channel, especially if you live in a densely populated area.
6. Monitor and Adjust
After setting up your Wi-Fi points, monitor the performance of your network. Use a Wi-Fi analyser app to check signal strength and adjust the placement of Wi-Fi points if needed. If you notice any areas with poor performance, try repositioning the points or adding an additional Wi-Fi point.
Conclusion
Improving your Wi-Fi connection at home is essential for ensuring a smooth and reliable online experience, especially in larger homes or properties with complex layouts. By adding extra Wi-Fi points, such as extenders, mesh systems, or access points, you can eliminate dead zones and enjoy seamless coverage throughout your home. With top options like Google Nest Wi-Fi, Netgear Orbi, and TP-Link RE650 available in Australia, you have plenty of choices to meet your specific needs. Follow this guide to assess, choose, and install the best Wi-Fi solution for your home, and enjoy the benefits of a stronger, more reliable Wi-Fi connection.
Boost Your Home Wi-Fi with Extra Wi-Fi Points: Top Tips for Australia
Struggling with weak Wi-Fi at home? Adding extra Wi-Fi points can eliminate dead zones and ensure strong, reliable coverage throughout your space. Here’s a quick guide to improving your home Wi-Fi in Australia:
Why Wi-Fi Might Be Weak:
- Distance from the Router: The further you are, the weaker the signal.
- Obstacles: Walls and furniture can block Wi-Fi signals.
- Interference: Other devices like microwaves can disrupt your Wi-Fi.
- Outdated Equipment: Older routers may not deliver the best performance.
Top Solutions:
- Wi-Fi Extenders: Affordable and easy to set up, great for small to medium homes.
- Mesh Wi-Fi Systems: Best for large homes, offering seamless coverage.
- Access Points: Ideal for complex layouts, providing enterprise-grade performance.
Top Picks in Australia:
- Google Nest Wi-Fi: Easy setup, integrates with Google Assistant.
- Netgear Orbi RBK50: High-performance mesh system for large homes.
- TP-Link Wi-fi Extender: Budget-friendly extender with a strong signal boost.
Installation Tips:
- Position Wisely: Place extenders or mesh nodes in open areas, away from obstructions.
- Update Firmware: Keep your devices updated for best performance.
- Optimise Settings: Choose the least congested Wi-Fi channel in your router settings.
Improve your home Wi-Fi with these tips and enjoy seamless internet across every room!