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Fed up with weak Wi-Fi speeds around the house? There are all sorts of issues that can slow a connection down, but one of the most common pitfalls is poor router placement. That goes double or even triple for mesh routers that use multiple devices, any one of which could cause issues if placed incorrectly. Sure, stashing that router in a drawer or tucking that extender behind the TV might keep things looking tidy, but it’ll also tank your system’s ability to deliver a strong, reliable Wi-Fi signal.
It’s one of the key takeaways from the years I’ve spent testing Wi-Fi hardware: Location matters. The good news? Boosting your home’s speeds and eliminating dead zones might be as simple as moving your router or mesh system to a better spot.
Whether it’s whole-home Wi-Fi coverage, a more stable connection while working from home or smoother streaming you’re after, finding the perfect placement for your router hardware could be the key. Here’s how to do it.
Save $50 on Archer BE9700
Up to $200 Off TP-link Networking Devices
Read more: CNET’s Best Wi-Fi Routers for 2026
Mesh routers and other Wi-Fi devices perform best when located out in the open and off the ground.
Router placement 101
Wi-Fi travels best through open air, and routers tend to emit signals that radiate outward and downward. That’s why perching your router up high atop a tall piece of furniture is your best bet for the strongest, most consistent Wi-Fi connection. The router’s signal will blanket everything below, and with fewer obstructions than if you placed it lower.
The ideal spot is also as close to the center of your home as possible, because routers emit their Wi-Fi signals in all directions. One potential headache here is that your router needs to stay tethered to your modem with an Ethernet cable, which might limit your initial placement options. The easy fix is to pick up an extra-long Ethernet cable and perhaps some clips to help you hide it along your baseboards. That’ll let you move the router farther away from the modem.
If that’s too impractical or if you’d prefer to keep the cables to a minimum, you’ll at least want to move that router out into the open, preferably as high off the ground as possible. Even getting it up on a low shelf or table is much better than leaving it on the floor.
What about mesh routers?
Home internet is already expensive. In fact, in 2025, over 63% of US adults reported paying at least $195 more on their internet plans than they had the year before. Mesh routers typically aren’t cheap, either, so if you’ve taken the extra step of investing in one, the last thing you want is to compromise the quality of your connection with poor placement.
Just as you would with a single router, you’ll want your mesh system’s main router, or the mesh device that’s wired to your modem, to be located as centrally in your home as possible. This is critical in mesh setups, which work best when each extender (also called a satellite, node or point) has a strong wireless connection to the main router. Situating that main router in a centralized spot makes it a lot easier.
This guide from Asus highlights a mesh rule of thumb: For the best performance, try to keep each device in your setup no more than two rooms away from another one.
Move those extenders around
Once the main router is parked in the best spot, you’ll want to pick the right locations for the extenders. In most mesh systems, you can connect each extender to the main router with an Ethernet cable for the fastest possible speeds. However, most people prefer to connect everything wirelessly to reduce clutter. Since Wi-Fi is slower than a wired Ethernet connection, you’ll want to be extra strategic about where you place the extenders throughout your home.
Again, being out in the open and up off the ground is your best bet for a clear signal, but you’ll also want to consider your home’s layout. Walls, furniture and other physical obstructions between the main router and the extenders can slow things down.
Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is to keep the devices in your mesh setup no more than two rooms apart. The thickness and material of your walls can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, especially if they’re built with dense materials such as brick or concrete, which Wi-Fi often struggles to penetrate. You’ll also want to watch out for electronic interference from TVs and other large appliances. If you’re sticking a mesh extender in the kitchen, resist the urge to hide it on top of the fridge. Better yet, move it away from your appliances altogether.
Most mesh systems come with apps that include placement guides, signal strength checks and other diagnostic tools to help you ensure everything is in the best spot.
Furniture can also block Wi-Fi signals, so if you have anything large or bulky between two of your mesh devices, consider relocating it. Aquariums are another classic antagonist for your mesh setup, as Wi-Fi has difficulty transmitting through water.
The easiest way to ensure your mesh network is as well-connected as possible is to open its app and check each device’s signal strength, which most systems offer. You can also find system-specific guidance online at the links below:
- AmpliFi
- AmpliFi
- Asus
- Eero
- Netgear
- Nest Wifi
- Netgear
- TP-Link
Fix those dead zones
If you’ve got a back room in your home where the signal drops out, it might be tempting to stick a mesh extender smack in the middle of that dead zone to boost your speeds. In a lot of cases, that would be a mistake.
Remember, like your phone or laptop, your mesh extenders need to connect wirelessly with the main router in your setup. If that back room is a dead zone for your phone or laptop, it’ll likely be a dead zone for your mesh extender, too.
The better approach is to place that extender adjacent to the dead zone in a spot where it’ll have an easier time connecting with the main router. In some cases, that might be halfway between the dead zone and the main router, but you might need to experiment a bit. Hit the sweet spot, and the Wi-Fi signal the extender puts out should be a healthy one, and one that’ll extend into the dead zone to bring it back to life.
A speed test can help you see how your Wi-Fi is holding up from room to room.
Run a speed test
Apart from the diagnostic tools in your mesh router’s app, the fastest way to check on your system’s performance is to run speed tests. There are plenty of free services online that we recommend, any of which will tell you the upload and download speeds on whatever device you’re using in a minute or less. Our top recommendation is Ookla thanks to its consistency and reliability. This is also a tool that we often use to determine speeds offered by different internet providers. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
For the best intel, grab your laptop or phone and run multiple speed tests in each room of your house where you need a usable Wi-Fi signal. Ultimately, you should have a good ballpark sense of where speeds are the steadiest and where they dip. From there, you could try moving your extenders to balance things out or consider buying an additional extender to fill any gaps. Either way, your home should be all set with a strong signal wherever needed.
Router placement tips summary
| Category | Tips and Strategies |
|---|---|
| Main router placement | Place centrally in the home for maximum reach. Elevate on tall furniture (signals radiate outward and downward). Keep your router out in the open where it can broadcast clearly (avoid drawers or cabinets). Use an extra-long Ethernet cable to move it away from the modem if needed. |
| Extender placement | Keep devices no more than two rooms apart.
Avoid thick walls (brick/concrete) and large metal objects (fridges). Keep routers and extenders away from electronics that cause interference (TVs, appliances). Avoid water obstructions like aquariums. |
| Dead zone fix | Don’t place extenders inside the dead zone; they won’t connect.
Place extenders adjacent to or halfway between the dead zone and main router. Use a wired Ethernet connection for the best reliability. |
| Troubleshooting | Use the router’s app to check signal strength and run speed tests.
Ensure router firmware is updated. Change Wi-Fi channels to avoid neighbor interference. Disable the ISP gateway’s built-in Wi-Fi to prevent network conflict. If all else fails, check with your ISP for a new plan or replace your router. |
You now have the knowledge to start placing your mesh router in the best spots in your home.
Other mesh router considerations
Just remember that your mesh router can only deliver speeds that are as fast as what you’re paying for from your ISP. If speeds are widely insufficient in your home, then it might be time to consider upgrading to a faster plan (and it might be worth seeing if your ISP will let you try a faster plan for a few days to see if that is, indeed, the problem). Your ISP might also be able to provide you with an updated modem that’ll deliver better, faster speeds to your mesh system from the start. Can’t hurt to ask.
If speeds still seem slower than you’d like — and your ISP isn’t the answer — there are still a few other things you can try. For starters, if your extender has Ethernet jacks in the back, you could wire critical devices such as your computer or media streamer directly to it to ensure they receive the extender’s fastest possible speeds. In addition, if your provider’s modem is a gateway that doubles as a router, make sure its Wi-Fi network is disabled so it doesn’t interfere with your mesh system’s Wi-Fi network.
Speaking of interference, it’s possible that a neighbor’s Wi-Fi network is interfering with yours. To remedy that, open your mesh router’s app and look for channel settings that let you tune your network to a different part of the Wi-Fi airwaves, potentially steering away from channels used by nearby networks. You’ll also want to ensure that your mesh system’s firmware is up to date, which should be easy to check in its app.
For more, check out our picks for the best 5th, 6th, 6E, and 7th-gen Wi-Fi routers, and our guide on how to find free secure Wi-Fi wherever you go.
Mesh router placement FAQs
Where is the best place to put a mesh extender?
The best place for your mesh router extenders depends on the layout of your house and whether there are any dead zones. A good rule of thumb is to keep the mesh extenders out in the open, up off the ground and no more than two rooms away from each other. It’s also best to avoid bulky furniture or large electronics that could block or interfere with the signal.
Instead of placing your extender in the middle of a dead zone, try putting it adjacent to or near the dead zone. That way, it’ll remain close enough to your main mesh router to carry the signal. If all else fails, a wired connection from the main router to the extender will deliver much faster speeds than a wireless connection, but you may need to invest in an extra-long Ethernet cable and some baseboard clips to keep it safely out of sight.
Do mesh routers make your internet faster?
No, that’s a fairly common misconception. A mesh network is perfect for ensuring consistent speeds throughout the house and eliminating dead zones, but it won’t necessarily bring faster speeds. Like a standard Wi-Fi router, mesh routers can only deliver the speeds you pay for from your ISP. Updated equipment, optimized router location and a wired Ethernet connection are ultimately the easiest ways to get faster internet speeds.
What is a major disadvantage of a mesh network?
One significant downside of a mesh router system is its high price: High-performing mesh routers tend to be more expensive than traditional Wi-Fi routers. If you want to boost your Wi-Fi, you should exhaust other options before investing in a brand-new mesh router system.
Additionally, mesh routers tend to have fewer ports for connecting USB jacks or Ethernet cables, and most don’t include adjustable antennas.
Is a mesh network better than a Wi-Fi extender?
Mesh router networks are much more efficient at boosting home connectivity and reliability than Wi-Fi extenders. A Wi-Fi extender may work if you already have a top-notch router and only need improved connectivity in one area of the house. Mesh router systems act as a replacement for your Wi-Fi router and can provide better whole-home coverage.
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Fed up with weak Wi-Fi speeds around the house? There are all sorts of issues that can slow a connection down, but one of the most common pitfalls is poor router placement. That goes double or even triple for mesh routers that use multiple devices, any one of which could cause issues if placed incorrectly. Sure, stashing that router in a drawer or tucking that extender behind the TV might keep things looking tidy, but it’ll also tank your system’s ability to deliver a strong, reliable Wi-Fi signal.
It’s one of the key takeaways from the years I’ve spent testing Wi-Fi hardware: Location matters. The good news? Boosting your home’s speeds and eliminating dead zones might be as simple as moving your router or mesh system to a better spot.
Whether it’s whole-home Wi-Fi coverage, a more stable connection while working from home or smoother streaming you’re after, finding the perfect placement for your router hardware could be the key. Here’s how to do it.
Save $50 on Archer BE9700
Up to $200 Off TP-link Networking Devices
Read more: CNET’s Best Wi-Fi Routers for 2026
Mesh routers and other Wi-Fi devices perform best when located out in the open and off the ground.
Router placement 101
Wi-Fi travels best through open air, and routers tend to emit signals that radiate outward and downward. That’s why perching your router up high atop a tall piece of furniture is your best bet for the strongest, most consistent Wi-Fi connection. The router’s signal will blanket everything below, and with fewer obstructions than if you placed it lower.
The ideal spot is also as close to the center of your home as possible, because routers emit their Wi-Fi signals in all directions. One potential headache here is that your router needs to stay tethered to your modem with an Ethernet cable, which might limit your initial placement options. The easy fix is to pick up an extra-long Ethernet cable and perhaps some clips to help you hide it along your baseboards. That’ll let you move the router farther away from the modem.
If that’s too impractical or if you’d prefer to keep the cables to a minimum, you’ll at least want to move that router out into the open, preferably as high off the ground as possible. Even getting it up on a low shelf or table is much better than leaving it on the floor.
What about mesh routers?
Home internet is already expensive. In fact, in 2025, over 63% of US adults reported paying at least $195 more on their internet plans than they had the year before. Mesh routers typically aren’t cheap, either, so if you’ve taken the extra step of investing in one, the last thing you want is to compromise the quality of your connection with poor placement.
Just as you would with a single router, you’ll want your mesh system’s main router, or the mesh device that’s wired to your modem, to be located as centrally in your home as possible. This is critical in mesh setups, which work best when each extender (also called a satellite, node or point) has a strong wireless connection to the main router. Situating that main router in a centralized spot makes it a lot easier.
This guide from Asus highlights a mesh rule of thumb: For the best performance, try to keep each device in your setup no more than two rooms away from another one.
Move those extenders around
Once the main router is parked in the best spot, you’ll want to pick the right locations for the extenders. In most mesh systems, you can connect each extender to the main router with an Ethernet cable for the fastest possible speeds. However, most people prefer to connect everything wirelessly to reduce clutter. Since Wi-Fi is slower than a wired Ethernet connection, you’ll want to be extra strategic about where you place the extenders throughout your home.
Again, being out in the open and up off the ground is your best bet for a clear signal, but you’ll also want to consider your home’s layout. Walls, furniture and other physical obstructions between the main router and the extenders can slow things down.
Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is to keep the devices in your mesh setup no more than two rooms apart. The thickness and material of your walls can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, especially if they’re built with dense materials such as brick or concrete, which Wi-Fi often struggles to penetrate. You’ll also want to watch out for electronic interference from TVs and other large appliances. If you’re sticking a mesh extender in the kitchen, resist the urge to hide it on top of the fridge. Better yet, move it away from your appliances altogether.
Most mesh systems come with apps that include placement guides, signal strength checks and other diagnostic tools to help you ensure everything is in the best spot.
Furniture can also block Wi-Fi signals, so if you have anything large or bulky between two of your mesh devices, consider relocating it. Aquariums are another classic antagonist for your mesh setup, as Wi-Fi has difficulty transmitting through water.
The easiest way to ensure your mesh network is as well-connected as possible is to open its app and check each device’s signal strength, which most systems offer. You can also find system-specific guidance online at the links below:
- AmpliFi
- AmpliFi
- Asus
- Eero
- Netgear
- Nest Wifi
- Netgear
- TP-Link
Fix those dead zones
If you’ve got a back room in your home where the signal drops out, it might be tempting to stick a mesh extender smack in the middle of that dead zone to boost your speeds. In a lot of cases, that would be a mistake.
Remember, like your phone or laptop, your mesh extenders need to connect wirelessly with the main router in your setup. If that back room is a dead zone for your phone or laptop, it’ll likely be a dead zone for your mesh extender, too.
The better approach is to place that extender adjacent to the dead zone in a spot where it’ll have an easier time connecting with the main router. In some cases, that might be halfway between the dead zone and the main router, but you might need to experiment a bit. Hit the sweet spot, and the Wi-Fi signal the extender puts out should be a healthy one, and one that’ll extend into the dead zone to bring it back to life.
A speed test can help you see how your Wi-Fi is holding up from room to room.
Run a speed test
Apart from the diagnostic tools in your mesh router’s app, the fastest way to check on your system’s performance is to run speed tests. There are plenty of free services online that we recommend, any of which will tell you the upload and download speeds on whatever device you’re using in a minute or less. Our top recommendation is Ookla thanks to its consistency and reliability. This is also a tool that we often use to determine speeds offered by different internet providers. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
For the best intel, grab your laptop or phone and run multiple speed tests in each room of your house where you need a usable Wi-Fi signal. Ultimately, you should have a good ballpark sense of where speeds are the steadiest and where they dip. From there, you could try moving your extenders to balance things out or consider buying an additional extender to fill any gaps. Either way, your home should be all set with a strong signal wherever needed.
Router placement tips summary
| Category | Tips and Strategies |
|---|---|
| Main router placement | Place centrally in the home for maximum reach. Elevate on tall furniture (signals radiate outward and downward). Keep your router out in the open where it can broadcast clearly (avoid drawers or cabinets). Use an extra-long Ethernet cable to move it away from the modem if needed. |
| Extender placement | Keep devices no more than two rooms apart.
Avoid thick walls (brick/concrete) and large metal objects (fridges). Keep routers and extenders away from electronics that cause interference (TVs, appliances). Avoid water obstructions like aquariums. |
| Dead zone fix | Don’t place extenders inside the dead zone; they won’t connect.
Place extenders adjacent to or halfway between the dead zone and main router. Use a wired Ethernet connection for the best reliability. |
| Troubleshooting | Use the router’s app to check signal strength and run speed tests.
Ensure router firmware is updated. Change Wi-Fi channels to avoid neighbor interference. Disable the ISP gateway’s built-in Wi-Fi to prevent network conflict. If all else fails, check with your ISP for a new plan or replace your router. |
You now have the knowledge to start placing your mesh router in the best spots in your home.
Other mesh router considerations
Just remember that your mesh router can only deliver speeds that are as fast as what you’re paying for from your ISP. If speeds are widely insufficient in your home, then it might be time to consider upgrading to a faster plan (and it might be worth seeing if your ISP will let you try a faster plan for a few days to see if that is, indeed, the problem). Your ISP might also be able to provide you with an updated modem that’ll deliver better, faster speeds to your mesh system from the start. Can’t hurt to ask.
If speeds still seem slower than you’d like — and your ISP isn’t the answer — there are still a few other things you can try. For starters, if your extender has Ethernet jacks in the back, you could wire critical devices such as your computer or media streamer directly to it to ensure they receive the extender’s fastest possible speeds. In addition, if your provider’s modem is a gateway that doubles as a router, make sure its Wi-Fi network is disabled so it doesn’t interfere with your mesh system’s Wi-Fi network.
Speaking of interference, it’s possible that a neighbor’s Wi-Fi network is interfering with yours. To remedy that, open your mesh router’s app and look for channel settings that let you tune your network to a different part of the Wi-Fi airwaves, potentially steering away from channels used by nearby networks. You’ll also want to ensure that your mesh system’s firmware is up to date, which should be easy to check in its app.
For more, check out our picks for the best 5th, 6th, 6E, and 7th-gen Wi-Fi routers, and our guide on how to find free secure Wi-Fi wherever you go.
Mesh router placement FAQs
Where is the best place to put a mesh extender?
The best place for your mesh router extenders depends on the layout of your house and whether there are any dead zones. A good rule of thumb is to keep the mesh extenders out in the open, up off the ground and no more than two rooms away from each other. It’s also best to avoid bulky furniture or large electronics that could block or interfere with the signal.
Instead of placing your extender in the middle of a dead zone, try putting it adjacent to or near the dead zone. That way, it’ll remain close enough to your main mesh router to carry the signal. If all else fails, a wired connection from the main router to the extender will deliver much faster speeds than a wireless connection, but you may need to invest in an extra-long Ethernet cable and some baseboard clips to keep it safely out of sight.
Do mesh routers make your internet faster?
No, that’s a fairly common misconception. A mesh network is perfect for ensuring consistent speeds throughout the house and eliminating dead zones, but it won’t necessarily bring faster speeds. Like a standard Wi-Fi router, mesh routers can only deliver the speeds you pay for from your ISP. Updated equipment, optimized router location and a wired Ethernet connection are ultimately the easiest ways to get faster internet speeds.
What is a major disadvantage of a mesh network?
One significant downside of a mesh router system is its high price: High-performing mesh routers tend to be more expensive than traditional Wi-Fi routers. If you want to boost your Wi-Fi, you should exhaust other options before investing in a brand-new mesh router system.
Additionally, mesh routers tend to have fewer ports for connecting USB jacks or Ethernet cables, and most don’t include adjustable antennas.
Is a mesh network better than a Wi-Fi extender?
Mesh router networks are much more efficient at boosting home connectivity and reliability than Wi-Fi extenders. A Wi-Fi extender may work if you already have a top-notch router and only need improved connectivity in one area of the house. Mesh router systems act as a replacement for your Wi-Fi router and can provide better whole-home coverage.
Fed up with weak Wi-Fi speeds around the house? There are all sorts of issues that can slow a connection down, but one of the most common pitfalls is poor router placement. That goes double or even triple for mesh routers that use multiple devices, any one of which could cause issues if placed incorrectly. Sure, stashing that router in a drawer or tucking that extender behind the TV might keep things looking tidy, but it’ll also tank your system’s ability to deliver a strong, reliable Wi-Fi signal.
It’s one of the key takeaways from the years I’ve spent testing Wi-Fi hardware: Location matters. The good news? Boosting your home’s speeds and eliminating dead zones might be as simple as moving your router or mesh system to a better spot.
Whether it’s whole-home Wi-Fi coverage, a more stable connection while working from home or smoother streaming you’re after, finding the perfect placement for your router hardware could be the key. Here’s how to do it.
Save $50 on Archer BE9700
Up to $200 Off TP-link Networking Devices
Read more: CNET’s Best Wi-Fi Routers for 2026
Mesh routers and other Wi-Fi devices perform best when located out in the open and off the ground.
Router placement 101
Wi-Fi travels best through open air, and routers tend to emit signals that radiate outward and downward. That’s why perching your router up high atop a tall piece of furniture is your best bet for the strongest, most consistent Wi-Fi connection. The router’s signal will blanket everything below, and with fewer obstructions than if you placed it lower.
The ideal spot is also as close to the center of your home as possible, because routers emit their Wi-Fi signals in all directions. One potential headache here is that your router needs to stay tethered to your modem with an Ethernet cable, which might limit your initial placement options. The easy fix is to pick up an extra-long Ethernet cable and perhaps some clips to help you hide it along your baseboards. That’ll let you move the router farther away from the modem.
If that’s too impractical or if you’d prefer to keep the cables to a minimum, you’ll at least want to move that router out into the open, preferably as high off the ground as possible. Even getting it up on a low shelf or table is much better than leaving it on the floor.
What about mesh routers?
Home internet is already expensive. In fact, in 2025, over 63% of US adults reported paying at least $195 more on their internet plans than they had the year before. Mesh routers typically aren’t cheap, either, so if you’ve taken the extra step of investing in one, the last thing you want is to compromise the quality of your connection with poor placement.
Just as you would with a single router, you’ll want your mesh system’s main router, or the mesh device that’s wired to your modem, to be located as centrally in your home as possible. This is critical in mesh setups, which work best when each extender (also called a satellite, node or point) has a strong wireless connection to the main router. Situating that main router in a centralized spot makes it a lot easier.
This guide from Asus highlights a mesh rule of thumb: For the best performance, try to keep each device in your setup no more than two rooms away from another one.
Move those extenders around
Once the main router is parked in the best spot, you’ll want to pick the right locations for the extenders. In most mesh systems, you can connect each extender to the main router with an Ethernet cable for the fastest possible speeds. However, most people prefer to connect everything wirelessly to reduce clutter. Since Wi-Fi is slower than a wired Ethernet connection, you’ll want to be extra strategic about where you place the extenders throughout your home.
Again, being out in the open and up off the ground is your best bet for a clear signal, but you’ll also want to consider your home’s layout. Walls, furniture and other physical obstructions between the main router and the extenders can slow things down.
Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is to keep the devices in your mesh setup no more than two rooms apart. The thickness and material of your walls can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, especially if they’re built with dense materials such as brick or concrete, which Wi-Fi often struggles to penetrate. You’ll also want to watch out for electronic interference from TVs and other large appliances. If you’re sticking a mesh extender in the kitchen, resist the urge to hide it on top of the fridge. Better yet, move it away from your appliances altogether.
Most mesh systems come with apps that include placement guides, signal strength checks and other diagnostic tools to help you ensure everything is in the best spot.
Furniture can also block Wi-Fi signals, so if you have anything large or bulky between two of your mesh devices, consider relocating it. Aquariums are another classic antagonist for your mesh setup, as Wi-Fi has difficulty transmitting through water.
The easiest way to ensure your mesh network is as well-connected as possible is to open its app and check each device’s signal strength, which most systems offer. You can also find system-specific guidance online at the links below:
- AmpliFi
- AmpliFi
- Asus
- Eero
- Netgear
- Nest Wifi
- Netgear
- TP-Link
Fix those dead zones
If you’ve got a back room in your home where the signal drops out, it might be tempting to stick a mesh extender smack in the middle of that dead zone to boost your speeds. In a lot of cases, that would be a mistake.
Remember, like your phone or laptop, your mesh extenders need to connect wirelessly with the main router in your setup. If that back room is a dead zone for your phone or laptop, it’ll likely be a dead zone for your mesh extender, too.
The better approach is to place that extender adjacent to the dead zone in a spot where it’ll have an easier time connecting with the main router. In some cases, that might be halfway between the dead zone and the main router, but you might need to experiment a bit. Hit the sweet spot, and the Wi-Fi signal the extender puts out should be a healthy one, and one that’ll extend into the dead zone to bring it back to life.
A speed test can help you see how your Wi-Fi is holding up from room to room.
Run a speed test
Apart from the diagnostic tools in your mesh router’s app, the fastest way to check on your system’s performance is to run speed tests. There are plenty of free services online that we recommend, any of which will tell you the upload and download speeds on whatever device you’re using in a minute or less. Our top recommendation is Ookla thanks to its consistency and reliability. This is also a tool that we often use to determine speeds offered by different internet providers. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
For the best intel, grab your laptop or phone and run multiple speed tests in each room of your house where you need a usable Wi-Fi signal. Ultimately, you should have a good ballpark sense of where speeds are the steadiest and where they dip. From there, you could try moving your extenders to balance things out or consider buying an additional extender to fill any gaps. Either way, your home should be all set with a strong signal wherever needed.
Router placement tips summary
| Category | Tips and Strategies |
|---|---|
| Main router placement | Place centrally in the home for maximum reach. Elevate on tall furniture (signals radiate outward and downward). Keep your router out in the open where it can broadcast clearly (avoid drawers or cabinets). Use an extra-long Ethernet cable to move it away from the modem if needed. |
| Extender placement | Keep devices no more than two rooms apart.
Avoid thick walls (brick/concrete) and large metal objects (fridges). Keep routers and extenders away from electronics that cause interference (TVs, appliances). Avoid water obstructions like aquariums. |
| Dead zone fix | Don’t place extenders inside the dead zone; they won’t connect.
Place extenders adjacent to or halfway between the dead zone and main router. Use a wired Ethernet connection for the best reliability. |
| Troubleshooting | Use the router’s app to check signal strength and run speed tests.
Ensure router firmware is updated. Change Wi-Fi channels to avoid neighbor interference. Disable the ISP gateway’s built-in Wi-Fi to prevent network conflict. If all else fails, check with your ISP for a new plan or replace your router. |
You now have the knowledge to start placing your mesh router in the best spots in your home.
Other mesh router considerations
Just remember that your mesh router can only deliver speeds that are as fast as what you’re paying for from your ISP. If speeds are widely insufficient in your home, then it might be time to consider upgrading to a faster plan (and it might be worth seeing if your ISP will let you try a faster plan for a few days to see if that is, indeed, the problem). Your ISP might also be able to provide you with an updated modem that’ll deliver better, faster speeds to your mesh system from the start. Can’t hurt to ask.
If speeds still seem slower than you’d like — and your ISP isn’t the answer — there are still a few other things you can try. For starters, if your extender has Ethernet jacks in the back, you could wire critical devices such as your computer or media streamer directly to it to ensure they receive the extender’s fastest possible speeds. In addition, if your provider’s modem is a gateway that doubles as a router, make sure its Wi-Fi network is disabled so it doesn’t interfere with your mesh system’s Wi-Fi network.
Speaking of interference, it’s possible that a neighbor’s Wi-Fi network is interfering with yours. To remedy that, open your mesh router’s app and look for channel settings that let you tune your network to a different part of the Wi-Fi airwaves, potentially steering away from channels used by nearby networks. You’ll also want to ensure that your mesh system’s firmware is up to date, which should be easy to check in its app.
For more, check out our picks for the best 5th, 6th, 6E, and 7th-gen Wi-Fi routers, and our guide on how to find free secure Wi-Fi wherever you go.
Mesh router placement FAQs
Where is the best place to put a mesh extender?
The best place for your mesh router extenders depends on the layout of your house and whether there are any dead zones. A good rule of thumb is to keep the mesh extenders out in the open, up off the ground and no more than two rooms away from each other. It’s also best to avoid bulky furniture or large electronics that could block or interfere with the signal.
Instead of placing your extender in the middle of a dead zone, try putting it adjacent to or near the dead zone. That way, it’ll remain close enough to your main mesh router to carry the signal. If all else fails, a wired connection from the main router to the extender will deliver much faster speeds than a wireless connection, but you may need to invest in an extra-long Ethernet cable and some baseboard clips to keep it safely out of sight.
Do mesh routers make your internet faster?
No, that’s a fairly common misconception. A mesh network is perfect for ensuring consistent speeds throughout the house and eliminating dead zones, but it won’t necessarily bring faster speeds. Like a standard Wi-Fi router, mesh routers can only deliver the speeds you pay for from your ISP. Updated equipment, optimized router location and a wired Ethernet connection are ultimately the easiest ways to get faster internet speeds.
What is a major disadvantage of a mesh network?
One significant downside of a mesh router system is its high price: High-performing mesh routers tend to be more expensive than traditional Wi-Fi routers. If you want to boost your Wi-Fi, you should exhaust other options before investing in a brand-new mesh router system.
Additionally, mesh routers tend to have fewer ports for connecting USB jacks or Ethernet cables, and most don’t include adjustable antennas.
Is a mesh network better than a Wi-Fi extender?
Mesh router networks are much more efficient at boosting home connectivity and reliability than Wi-Fi extenders. A Wi-Fi extender may work if you already have a top-notch router and only need improved connectivity in one area of the house. Mesh router systems act as a replacement for your Wi-Fi router and can provide better whole-home coverage.
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