Latest news with #mesh
CNET
4 days ago
- CNET
Mesh Router or Wi-Fi Extender: Which Is the Wireless Internet Champion?
Wireless internet has come a long way over the years, but figuring out the best option for you isn't always cut and dry. A Wi-Fi router can deliver internet through your home, but depending on the building materials in your home, it might deliver a weak or slow connection to certain areas. Adding a Wi-Fi extender can help to expand your coverage, while a mesh router can extend its own range with satellite devices (nodes). I've tested both, and after multiple tests, I found that Wi-Fi range extenders are the best cheap option for smaller spaces. The best model I've tested so far is the Linksys RE7310, which costs $100, but there are cheaper options available, too. On the other hand, I've found that mesh routers are unequivocally the best for whole-home coverage,though they tend to be more expensive. We have a handful of recommendations if you're looking to upgrade to a mesh system, including the TP-Link Deco W7200 and the Eero 6 Plus -- both available for around $200 for a two-pack. While a Wi-Fi extender is the simpler and cheaper option -- you just plug it into an outlet and connect it to your existing router -- a mesh router does a much better job of boosting speeds throughout your entire home. There are also some initial steps you can take to boost your connection without buying anything, but in many cases, eliminating dead zones in the house will require a hardware upgrade. That's the quick overview, but here's how I got there. Locating local internet providers Watch this: Mesh Wi-Fi or range extenders? Pick the best option for you 05:11 The quality of your Wi-Fi comes down to three things: location, location, location. Whether you choose range extenders or mesh extenders, you can only put out a network signal as strong as the incoming wireless signal from the router -- minus whatever penalty you're paying for connecting at a distance. So, if you can't connect in a particular place in your home, the best approach is to run speed tests in different rooms to find the spot closest to your dead zone where the router's incoming signal is strong. That'll ensure that the range extender or mesh point can put out the best possible network and cover your dead zone. From there, it's just a matter of finding the right hardware for the job. There's a lot to think about as you upgrade your home network; here's a quick rundown of what you should know. Read more: Best Wi-Fi router in 2025 Start with a speed test When you aren't feeling well and you go to the doctor, that doctor will start by asking you questions before running some tests to figure out what's wrong. That's the same diagnostic approach you need to take when you're trying to improve the quality of your home network. Your secret weapon on that front? Speed tests. Enlarge Image The Ookla Speed Test is a quick and easy diagnostic tool for your home network's health. Screenshot by Ry Crist/CNET Running them is really easy. There are lots of free services on the web that'll let you check your speed, but the most popular (and the one I use when I'm testing routers out at home) is the Ookla Speed Test. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) It'll pair you up with one of several nearby servers as soon as you load the page -- from there, just click the big "GO" button and wait about a minute to see your current upload and download speeds, as well as the connection's latency. Also, make sure you're connected to your home network while you do this, preferably from whatever device you use online the most. If you're using a phone, disable cellular while you run this test. You'll want to move around in your home, running a few speed tests at a time in each room where your Wi-Fi connection matters. If you want, you can repeat this process at different times of day. When you're done, average those download speed results in each room to get a sense of where your connection is and isn't up to snuff. If you're seeing speeds that are less than half of what you get when you're close to the router, then that's an area where you might be able to boost your signal (and if those close-range speeds aren't close to what your internet plan allows, then you should call your provider). At this point, you'll want to run through the basics. Try moving the router to different spots (out in the open is best, preferably as high up and as centrally located as possible). You might also be able to eke out small speed improvements by repositioning the antennas. If none of that works, then it's time to evaluate your hardware. If you can find it in stock, the TP-Link RE220 is a great range extender value pick. It's easy to use, it provides a steady, workable connection with surprisingly good range, and you can get it for less than $30. Ry Crist/CNET Wi-Fi range extenders: A good fix for small dead zones If you've just got one or two rooms with poor connection, then a simple Wi-Fi range extender might be all you need. You've got a lot of options, but the best value that I've tested is the TP-Link RE220, a Wi-Fi 5 plug-in extender that you can find online at various retail outlets for as low as $15. If you're willing to spend a little more, go with the TP-Link RE605X, which adds faster, more robust speeds and support for Wi-Fi 6 for $85. (A major caveat: TP-Link routers are under investigation by the US government over security concerns and could be banned in the US this year. Read CNET's reporting for more information.) Range extenders like these are a cinch to use. You'll plug it in, press the WPS button to put it into Wi-Fi Protected Setup mode, and then press the WPS button on your router to pair the two together. Wi-Fi extenders won't boost your existing home network, but they will use that connection with your router to broadcast its own network. In most cases, you'll see it listed as the existing network name with "_EXT" tacked onto the end. Enlarge Image In my tests, the RE220 was able to boost the speeds in this back bathroom from single digits up to about 80Mbps. Ry Crist/CNET And don't worry too much about the brand. Range extenders like these are typically designed to work no matter what kind of router you're using. Just double-check that your router has a WPS button (almost all do) and you'll be fine. Extenders like these are unlikely to hit your network's max speeds, mind you. In fact, most of the cheap, plug-in models that cost $50 or less won't connect much faster than 50Mbps, and they'll offer only enough range to cover a couple of rooms at best. When I tested a few of the top value picks out in my home, the RE220's 5GHz band could sustain speeds of about 75Mbps throughout my entire test area, with a radius of about two rooms (or roughly 40 feet). That might not sound like much, but it's fast and steady enough to support video chats, high-quality streaming and even basic online gaming, if needed. That's terrific performance for the price, especially if it means the difference between a steady connection and no connection. Just keep in mind that location matters a lot with these things, because they can only put out a network that's as strong as the incoming wireless signal from the router. The best bet is to take a look at your speed test data and find the room closest to your dead zone that has a strong signal from the router. That'll ensure that the extender is able to put out the best possible network, and that it'll be able to cover your dead zone. Most of today's options also include signal strength indicators on the device or in the app that'll let you know if you've picked a good spot -- make sure to pay attention to those. We like Google's Nest Wifi the best for its fast, steady connection, impressive range, and sophisticated software. You've got lots of good mesh router options right now, though. Chris Monroe/CNET Mesh routers: Best for whole-home coverage If your problem is bigger than a single room where you can't connect -- say, an entire floor where your speeds are spotty -- then your best move is almost certainly to upgrade to a mesh router. With multiple devices spread throughout your home, a good mesh router can sling a speedy signal from room to room, and you won't have to juggle multiple networks like you will with a range extender -- you'll just connect to the same network throughout your home (or two networks, if you're splitting the 2.4 and 5GHz bands into their own separate connections). There's a bit of a mesh router renaissance underway these days, with lots of new, second-wave options hitting the market. Many of them cost a lot less than in previous years, but you should still expect to pay at least $150 for an entry-level system with multiple devices, and hundreds more than that for something top-of-the-line. One thing to keep in mind as you shop: Software makes a huge difference with these things, because mesh routers are constantly using algorithms to calculate the best way to route your connection depending on where you are in your home. The best systems will always know when to connect directly to the router and when it's better to route your connection through one of the satellites, but others with less sophisticated software might get tripped up and route you incorrectly, which can needlessly slow your connection down. In my tests, the brands that do the best job of routing your connection around drops or slow-downs are Google, Eero and Asus. Netgear and TP-Link have each performed pretty well too, though not without a couple of hiccups with certain systems. Enlarge Image It didn't make much difference upstairs, but that third Eero device, located downstairs, had a huge impact on signal strength in the CNET Smart Home's basement (blue is bad, green is good, and yellow is best here -- look for the boost in the basement when that third device comes into play). Steve Conaway/CNET If you live in a large home, then a three-piece system is definitely a worthy investment. Nest is nice, but Eero, another option with strong software chops, currently offers three-piece setups for $200, complete with support for Wi-Fi 6. That Eero 6 system wasn't quite as sharp as Nest at steering my connection when I tested, but adding a second satellite to any mesh setup will make a noticeable difference in the strength of your connection. For example, when we tested a three-piece Eero setup at the 5,800-square-foot CNET Smart Home, we placed the second satellite down in the basement and measured the signal strength throughout the entire house. It made a clear impact, as that heat map indicates. Wired connections can help One last thing worth remembering: Wireless speeds are all well and good, but a wired, Ethernet connection will always give you speeds that are as fast as possible. If you have a home office that's far from the router, for instance, then placing either a plug-in range extender or a mesh router's satellite in the room and wiring your computer to it can guarantee speeds that are faster and steadier than what you'd get if you tried to connect wirelessly from afar. Another range-extending option worth considering is a powerline extender. Like a plug-in extender, a powerline extender uses two plug-in devices that pass the connection back and forth through your home's electrical wiring, which is typically a speedy way to do it. Just plug one near your router and connect it with an Ethernet cable, then plug the other wherever you've got a dead zone. Powerline extenders can also be a nice option if you have pesky physical obstructions between your router and your dead zone that would stress the wireless connection between the router and the extender. A good powerline extender will use your home's wiring like a shortcut to get around obstacles like those.
CNET
31-07-2025
- CNET
Mesh Router vs. Wi-Fi Extender: I Tested Both and Found the Clear Winner
Wi-Fi routers can do a lot of impressive tricks these days, but they still can't connect seamlessly through walls and floors. If a room or floor of your home is getting slower speeds and you can't reposition your router closer, you generally have two options: Add a Wi-Fi extender to your existing router or upgrade to a full-fledged mesh system, with its own range-extending satellite devices (nodes). I've tested both, and after multiple tests, I found that Wi-Fi range extenders are the best cheap option for smaller best model I've tested thus far is the Linksys RE7310, which costs $100, but there are other cheaper options available, too. On the other hand, I've found that mesh routers are unequivocally the best for whole-home coverage,though they tend to be more have a handful of recommendations if you're looking to upgrade to a mesh system, including the TP-Link Deco W7200 and the Eero 6 Plus -- both available for around $200 for a two-pack. While a Wi-Fi extender is the simpler and cheaper option -- you just plug it into an outlet and connect it to your existing router -- a mesh router does a much better job of boosting speeds throughout your entire home. There are also some initial steps you can take to boost your connection without buying anything, but in many cases, eliminating dead zones in the house will require a hardware upgrade. That's the quick overview, but here's how I got there. Locating local internet providers Watch this: Mesh Wi-Fi or range extenders? Pick the best option for you 05:11 The quality of your Wi-Fi comes down to three things: location, location, location. Whether you choose range extenders or mesh extenders, you can only put out a network signal as strong as the incoming wireless signal from the router -- minus whatever penalty you're paying for connecting at a distance. So, if you can't connect in a particular place in your home, the best approach is to run speed tests in different rooms to find the spot closest to your dead zone where the router's incoming signal is strong. That'll ensure that the range extender or mesh point can put out the best possible network and cover your dead zone. From there, it's just a matter of finding the right hardware for the job. There's a lot to think about as you upgrade your home network; here's a quick rundown of what you should know. Read more: Best Wi-Fi router in 2025 Start with a speed test When you aren't feeling well and you go to the doctor, that doctor will start by asking you questions before running some tests to figure out what's wrong. That's the same diagnostic approach you need to take when you're trying to improve the quality of your home network. Your secret weapon on that front? Speed tests. Enlarge Image The Ookla Speed Test is a quick and easy diagnostic tool for your home network's health. Screenshot by Ry Crist/CNET Running them is really easy. There are lots of free services on the web that'll let you check your speed, but the most popular (and the one I use when I'm testing routers out at home) is the Ookla Speed Test. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) It'll pair you up with one of several nearby servers as soon as you load the page -- from there, just click the big "GO" button and wait about a minute to see your current upload and download speeds, as well as the connection's latency. Also, make sure you're connected to your home network while you do this, preferably from whatever device you use online the most. If you're using a phone, disable cellular while you run this test. You'll want to move around in your home, running a few speed tests at a time in each room where your Wi-Fi connection matters. If you want, you can repeat this process at different times of day. When you're done, average those download speed results in each room to get a sense of where your connection is and isn't up to snuff. If you're seeing speeds that are less than half of what you get when you're close to the router, then that's an area where you might be able to boost your signal (and if those close-range speeds aren't close to what your internet plan allows, then you should call your provider). At this point, you'll want to run through the basics. Try moving the router to different spots (out in the open is best, preferably as high up and as centrally located as possible). You might also be able to eke out small speed improvements by repositioning the antennas. If none of that works, then it's time to evaluate your hardware. If you can find it in stock, the TP-Link RE220 is a great range extender value pick. It's easy to use, it provides a steady, workable connection with surprisingly good range, and you can get it for less than $30. Ry Crist/CNET Wi-Fi range extenders: A good fix for small dead zones If you've just got one or two rooms with poor connection, then a simple Wi-Fi range extender might be all you need. You've got a lot of options, but the best value that I've tested is the TP-Link RE220, a Wi-Fi 5 plug-in extender that you can find online at various retail outlets for as low as $15. If you're willing to spend a little more, go with the TP-Link RE605X, which adds faster, more robust speeds and support for Wi-Fi 6 for $85. (A major caveat: TP-Link routers are under investigation by the US government over security concerns and could be banned in the US this year. Read CNET's reporting for more information.) Range extenders like these are a cinch to use. You'll plug it in, press the WPS button to put it into Wi-Fi Protected Setup mode, and then press the WPS button on your router to pair the two together. Wi-Fi extenders won't boost your existing home network, but they will use that connection with your router to broadcast its own network. In most cases, you'll see it listed as the existing network name with "_EXT" tacked onto the end. Enlarge Image In my tests, the RE220 was able to boost the speeds in this back bathroom from single digits up to about 80Mbps. Ry Crist/CNET And don't worry too much about the brand. Range extenders like these are typically designed to work no matter what kind of router you're using. Just double-check that your router has a WPS button (almost all do) and you'll be fine. Extenders like these are unlikely to hit your network's max speeds, mind you. In fact, most of the cheap, plug-in models that cost $50 or less won't connect much faster than 50Mbps, and they'll offer only enough range to cover a couple of rooms at best. When I tested a few of the top value picks out in my home, the RE220's 5GHz band could sustain speeds of about 75Mbps throughout my entire test area, with a radius of about two rooms (or roughly 40 feet). That might not sound like much, but it's fast and steady enough to support video chats, high-quality streaming and even basic online gaming, if needed. That's terrific performance for the price, especially if it means the difference between a steady connection and no connection. Just keep in mind that location matters a lot with these things, because they can only put out a network that's as strong as the incoming wireless signal from the router. The best bet is to take a look at your speed test data and find the room closest to your dead zone that has a strong signal from the router. That'll ensure that the extender is able to put out the best possible network, and that it'll be able to cover your dead zone. Most of today's options also include signal strength indicators on the device or in the app that'll let you know if you've picked a good spot -- make sure to pay attention to those. We like Google's Nest Wifi the best for its fast, steady connection, impressive range, and sophisticated software. You've got lots of good mesh router options right now, though. Chris Monroe/CNET Mesh routers: Best for whole-home coverage If your problem is bigger than a single room where you can't connect -- say, an entire floor where your speeds are spotty -- then your best move is almost certainly to upgrade to a mesh router. With multiple devices spread throughout your home, a good mesh router can sling a speedy signal from room to room, and you won't have to juggle multiple networks like you will with a range extender -- you'll just connect to the same network throughout your home (or two networks, if you're splitting the 2.4 and 5GHz bands into their own separate connections). There's a bit of a mesh router renaissance underway these days, with lots of new, second-wave options hitting the market. Many of them cost a lot less than in previous years, but you should still expect to pay at least $150 for an entry-level system with multiple devices, and hundreds more than that for something top-of-the-line. One thing to keep in mind as you shop: Software makes a huge difference with these things, because mesh routers are constantly using algorithms to calculate the best way to route your connection depending on where you are in your home. The best systems will always know when to connect directly to the router and when it's better to route your connection through one of the satellites, but others with less sophisticated software might get tripped up and route you incorrectly, which can needlessly slow your connection down. In my tests, the brands that do the best job of routing your connection around drops or slow-downs are Google, Eero and Asus. Netgear and TP-Link have each performed pretty well too, though not without a couple of hiccups with certain systems. Enlarge Image It didn't make much difference upstairs, but that third Eero device, located downstairs, had a huge impact on signal strength in the CNET Smart Home's basement (blue is bad, green is good, and yellow is best here -- look for the boost in the basement when that third device comes into play). Steve Conaway/CNET If you live in a large home, then a three-piece system is definitely a worthy investment. Nest is nice, but Eero, another option with strong software chops, currently offers three-piece setups for $200, complete with support for Wi-Fi 6. That Eero 6 system wasn't quite as sharp as Nest at steering my connection when I tested, but adding a second satellite to any mesh setup will make a noticeable difference in the strength of your connection. For example, when we tested a three-piece Eero setup at the 5,800-square-foot CNET Smart Home, we placed the second satellite down in the basement and measured the signal strength throughout the entire house. It made a clear impact, as that heat map indicates. Wired connections can help One last thing worth remembering: Wireless speeds are all well and good, but a wired, Ethernet connection will always give you speeds that are as fast as possible. If you have a home office that's far from the router, for instance, then placing either a plug-in range extender or a mesh router's satellite in the room and wiring your computer to it can guarantee speeds that are faster and steadier than what you'd get if you tried to connect wirelessly from afar. Another range-extending option worth considering is a powerline extender. Like a plug-in extender, a powerline extender uses two plug-in devices that pass the connection back and forth through your home's electrical wiring, which is typically a speedy way to do it. Just plug one near your router and connect it with an Ethernet cable, then plug the other wherever you've got a dead zone. Powerline extenders can also be a nice option if you have pesky physical obstructions between your router and your dead zone that would stress the wireless connection between the router and the extender. A good powerline extender will use your home's wiring like a shortcut to get around obstacles like those.
Fox News
26-07-2025
- General
- Fox News
Pool covers to keep your pool clean and safe
A pool is a summer oasis, but safety must be a priority, especially with children or pets. A secure pool cover is a vital barrier, preventing accidental falls and reducing drowning risks. Beyond safety, covers keep out contaminants like leaves, twigs and bugs that compromise water quality and clog filters, saving you time on maintenance, reducing chemical use and preserving your pool. Shop these pool covers to stay safe and secure this summer. This in-ground pool mesh safety cover is constructed of tightly woven, durable polypropylene that can support up to 660 pounds — enough weight to prevent accidental drowning of children or pets. The fine weave effectively blocks leaves, twigs and other debris from entering the water, while still allowing rain to pass through, keeping water from pooling on the surface. Its UV-protected material resists fading and degradation, offering season‑long protection with minimal upkeep. Don't forget to skim your pool with this Beatbot robotic skimmer before closing it for the cleanest water each time you take a dip. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Original price: $514.99 This mesh safety cover is designed to meet required safety standards and withstand heavy loads. Crafted from reinforced mesh with triple-stitched seams and brass anchors, it provides a robust barrier that keeps everyone safe and effectively blocks debris. The mesh also drains efficiently, preventing water accumulation and reducing winter damage. It's also a good idea to pick up a patch kit in case your pool cover inevitably develops some holes over time due to wear and tear. This safety cover features reinforced straps and sturdy anchors that can support weight and protect against accidental falls. The fine-woven polyethylene mesh blocks debris while allowing water to permeate through, avoiding potential safety hazards from pooling water. And when your pool is in use during the summer months, consider picking up this solar cover for rectangular in-ground pools, which not only helps to retain the heat in the pool at night but keeps out pests and debris. This debris cover is designed to block leaves, pine needles and larger contaminants. Though it doesn't function as a safety cover and cannot support weight, it excels at keeping water clean throughout the autumn months. The black netting is lightweight and easy to install or remove. Don't forget to pick up a leaf skimmer so you can fish out any that manage to get past the barrier. This above-ground pool cover is heat-sealed and reinforced with a vinyl-coated cable and robust loops for anchoring via water tubes or weights. Designed with an expanded overlap, it prevents debris from entering the pool while resisting tears over the fall and winter months. This design completely blocks sunlight, thereby reducing algae growth and maintaining clear water. This 16-foot round solar cover is a lightweight yet practical option for above-ground pools. Crafted with laminated PVC and thousands of bubble cells, it traps heat from the sun and transfers it into the water, raising the temperature by up to 10 to 15 degrees. It reduces evaporation by approximately 95%, thereby maintaining a better balance between water and pool chemicals. If you want to ensure your pool soaks up the sun and keeps it that way without completely covering it, consider investing in these nifty solar rings. This rectangle solar blanket is made from thick polyethylene material, offering strong thermal performance and longevity. Designed for rectangular pools, it resists UV degradation and retains heat impressively. With its robust insulation, it helps extend your swimming season and significantly reduces chemical and water evaporation. If you have an in-ground pool that requires a custom cover due to its unique shape or size, be sure to check out all the customizable options at Covers and All. For more deals, visit This heavy-duty solar cover features dual-sided resin bubble technology, with blue on top to absorb solar rays and silver on the bottom to trap and reflect heat into the pool. This layered innovation enhances thermal efficiency and durability, maintaining the water's warmth even after sunset. If you want to make covering your pool each night easier, consider picking up this roll-up pool reel.
CNET
12-07-2025
- CNET
I've Spent Years Testing Mesh Routers. Here Are the Best (and Worst) Places to Put Them
I get it. Wi-Fi routers are ugly. Your first impulse is probably to tuck your router away and hide ugly cords to reduce clutter, and I don't blame you. When it comes to optimizing your internet connection throughout your home, router placement is key. If you've noticed your Wi-Fi struggling in certain rooms, it's worth rethinking your router placement -- even with a mesh system. As an expert, I've been testing and reviewing router performance for years, and I've found that few things are as critical to Wi-Fi speeds as the location of your router. While a traditional Wi-Fi router sends out a signal from a single point in your home, a mesh system uses multiple devices to emit signals from various points. That makes it more like a team of routers that work together to relay your traffic back to the modem. It's a much better approach to home networking, particularly in large, multistory homes, where a traditional, single-point router will likely leave you with dead zones in the rooms that are farthest away. Still, location is everything when setting up your router and satellite extenders, which are also sometimes called nodes (or Points if you use Nest Wi-Fi). Their specific location significantly affects the system's performance. Internet is already expensive, with over 63% of US adults paying $195 or more on average, so if you've invested in a mesh router system, you should be getting the speeds you're paying for. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as you go. (You can also check out our tips on the best location for your Wi-Fi router and how to protect your home Wi-Fi network from hackers.) Where is the best location to place your mesh router? Mesh routers and other Wi-Fi devices perform their best when they're located out in the open, and up off of the ground. Netgear First, you'll want the main router, or the mesh device wired to your modem, to be located as centrally in your home as possible. That's the same approach you'd take with a single router, and the reasoning is the same: Routers put out Wi-Fi signals in all directions, so placing your router in a central location within your home will maximize your connection. Locating local internet providers That goes double for mesh systems, where the strength of the connection near your nodes will largely depend on the strength of the incoming signal from the main router. A stronger connection between the two will help ensure you're getting the fastest Wi-Fi speeds throughout your home. Your options for moving the router might seem limited by the location of your modem and the incoming wiring for your home's internet connection, but an extra-long Ethernet cable can come in handy here, allowing you to move the router away from where the modem sits if necessary. If that's impractical or you'd prefer to keep the cables to a minimum, you'll at least want to move that main router out into the open, preferably as high off the ground as possible. 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. Asus Move those extenders around Once the main router is situated in the best spot possible, you'll want to pick out good spots for the extenders. With most systems, you can connect each device to the main router with an Ethernet cable for the fastest speeds possible, but most people prefer to connect everything wirelessly to reduce clutter. Since Wi-Fi is slower than Ethernet, you'll want to be extra strategic about where you place the extenders throughout your home. To learn more, read our guide on the difference between a Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet connection. Again, out in the open and off the ground is your best bet for a clear signal, but you'll also want to consider the layout of your home, as physical obstructions between the main router and the extenders can slow things down. Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is to try and keep the devices in your mesh setup no more than two rooms away from each other. The thickness and material of your walls can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, especially if they're built with dense materials like brick or concrete, which can make it difficult for Wi-Fi signals 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; move it away from your appliances altogether. Most mesh systems come with companion apps that include placement guides for your devices, signal strength checks, and other diagnostic tools to help you make sure you've got everything in the best spot possible. Screenshot by Ry Crist/CNET 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 best way to ensure that your mesh network is as well-connected as possible is to open its app and check the signal strength of each device, which is something most systems offer. You can also find system-specific guidance online at the links below: Avoid these dead zones If you've got a back corner of 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'd 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 corner 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 it puts out should be a healthy one, and one that'll extend into the dead zone to bring it back to life. A good speed test will help you understand how your Wi-Fi is holding up from room to room. James Martin/CNET 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 in a minute or less the upload and download speeds on whatever device you're using. However, 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 try and balance things out, or you could consider buying an additional extender to fill in any gaps. Either way, your home should be all set with a strong signal wherever needed. Running a speed test can help you figure out the best spot to put your mesh router. Chris Monroe/CNET Other considerations for your mesh router Just remember that your mesh router can only offer 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 bring better, faster speeds to your mesh system to begin with. Can't hurt to ask. If speeds still seem slower than you'd like, and your ISP isn't the answer, there are a few other things you can try. For starters, if your provider's modem is a gateway device that doubles as a router, you'll want to disable its Wi-Fi network so that 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, hop into 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 whatever channel nearby networks use. You'll also want to ensure that your mesh system's firmware is updates, which should be easy to check within its app. For more, check out our picks for the best Wi-Fi 6 routers, and how to find free secure Wi-Fi wherever you go. Mesh router placement FAQ Where is the best mesh node placement? The best place for your mesh router nodes depends on the layout of your house and whether there are any dead zones. Additionally, you'll have to decide if you want to connect your mesh nodes with an Ethernet cable, for the fastest possible speeds, or wirelessly. If you opt for an Ethernet cable connection, you'll be more limited with how far away you can place the nodes, but a good rule of thumb is to keep the mesh nodes no more than two rooms away from each other, away from blockage from bulky furniture or electronics and in an upraised position. Instead of placing your mesh node in the middle of a dead zone, try placing it adjacent to or near the dead zone. That way, your node will still be close enough to your main mesh router to carry the signal. ...Read more Does mesh make internet faster? A common misconception about mesh routers is that they make your overall internet speeds faster. A mesh router network is perfect for ensuring consistent speeds throughout the house -- and keeping any dead zones to a minimum -- but they won't necessarily bring faster speeds. Like a standard Wi-Fi router, mesh router systems can only deliver the speeds that you're paying for from your ISP. Updated router equipment, optimized router location and an Ethernet connection are ultimately the easiest ways to get faster internet speeds. ...Read more What is a major disadvantage of a mesh network? One of the major downsides 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're trying 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 some don't have any extra ports at all. ...Read more
CNET
19-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Save $200 on a Starlink Mini Kit With This Early Memorial Day Discount at Best Buy
A stable Wi-Fi connection is crucial to helping most of us complete our work, stay in touch with loved ones or study. However, living in rural areas or on the road can make access to good Wi-Fi a challenge. That's where the Starlink Mini kit can help. We've spotted it for just $300 at Best Buy, reducing the price by $200 with early Memorial Day deals. The significant savings will allow you to snag a high-quality Wi-Fi system before tariffs begin to affect the cost of electronic goods. The Starlink Mini kit is a portable mesh Wi-Fi system that offers 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz band Wi-Fi. It runs on Wi-Fi 5 and can connect to satellites as long as it's placed in an area where it can face the sky without obstruction. The Starlink Mini was built to fit in a large purse or backpack and includes a DC power output. Using the device requires simply plugging it into a power source and ensuring it faces the sky. Once plugged in, you can surf the internet with speeds of up to 100 Mbps -- perfect for completing any task or communicating with loved ones. Mesh Wi-Fi coverage ensures you get a quality signal, no matter the corner of the world. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Looking for a new Wi-Fi system, but aren't sure if this deal is for you? We have a list of the best mesh Wi-Fi systems, so you can compare before you shop. CNET's dedicated shopping team is also keeping tabs on all early and upcoming Memorial Day deals so you can save. Why this deal matters The Starlink Mini kit typically costs $500, but this Best Buy deal knocks off $200, saving you 40%. For just $300, you can have reliable internet service when camping or living in a remote area with a spotty signal.
