How to Get Strong Internet in Every Room

Ever wished you could extend your WiFi to the backyard to stream the big game around a bonfire? Or maybe you need coverage in the garage for Peloton classes in your home gym. Perhaps you just want a strong enough signal to reach your bedroom so you can watch Netflix in bed.

Whatever your reason for wanting strong, reliable coverage throughout your home, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore the most effective methods to extend your WiFi coverage, from simple router placement tricks to advanced mesh networks and powerline adapters.

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Start With Router Placement

The easiest and cheapest way to improve your WiFi coverage is to optimize where you place your router. Many people make the mistake of tucking their router in a closet, basement, or corner of the house. Understandable…a WiFi router isn’t exactly chic home decor. However, that’s like putting a lamp in a closet and wondering why the room is dark.

Position your router as close to the center of your home as possible. This creates an even distribution of the signal in all directions. If your internet connection comes into the house at one end, consider running a long Ethernet cable to a more central location for your router.

Elevate Your Router

Place your router at least five feet off the ground. WiFi signals broadcast downward and outward, so putting your router on the floor or in a low cabinet wastes much of its range. Mount it on a wall or place it on a high shelf for better coverage.

Avoid Obstructions

Keep your router away from thick walls, large metal objects, and appliances that generate electromagnetic interference. That means avoiding areas near refrigerators, microwaves, and metal filing cabinets. Even fish tanks can absorb WiFi signals.

Moving your router 10 feet and raising it higher can eliminate dead zones. Test different locations before investing in additional equipment.

Upgrade your tech

Upgrade to a Modern Router

If your router is more than three or four years old, it’s time for an upgrade. WiFi technology has progressed significantly year over year, so newer routers offer better range, faster speeds, and improved support for multiple devices.

Look for routers that support WiFi 6 or WiFi 7—these standards deliver faster performance and work more efficiently in crowded environments with many connected devices. WiFi 6 routers can handle over 100 devices simultaneously, making them ideal for homes packed with laptops, phones, tablets, security cameras, and smart speakers.

The latest WiFi 7 routers offer even more impressive capabilities, with speeds reaching up to 27 Gbps in some models and significantly lower latency. WiFi 7 devices are still emerging; investing in this technology can future-proof your network for years to come.

Mesh WiFi Systems

A mesh WiFi system is the best solution for full-home coverage. Mesh systems use multiple units, called nodes, that work together to create a seamless network throughout your home with a single name and password. Your devices automatically connect to the strongest node as you move through your home—no manual switching required.

WiFi Extenders

If you only need to fix one or two problem areas, WiFi extenders are an affordable option. These devices pick up your existing WiFi signal and rebroadcast it, extending coverage to dead zones.

You plug an extender into an outlet halfway between your router and the dead zone. The extender receives the WiFi signal from your router and amplifies it, pushing coverage farther. Setup is straightforward—most extenders use a WPS button or a simple mobile app to connect to your network. Once configured, they work automatically.

WiFi extenders cost less than mesh systems, but they come with limitations. Usually, they create a separate network name (SSID) that your devices must manually switch to when you move between rooms. Some newer extenders support seamless roaming, but their performance rarely matches that of true mesh systems.

Extenders also cut your bandwidth roughly in half because they use the same channel to receive and retransmit the signal. For casual browsing and streaming, this isn’t usually noticeable, but gamers and heavy users may experience slowdowns.

Powerline Adapters

Powerline adapters offer a clever solution when WiFi signals struggle to penetrate thick walls or long distances. These devices transmit your internet connection through your home’s electrical wiring, effectively turning your power outlets into network ports.

A powerline kit includes two adapters. You plug one near your router and connect it to your router with an Ethernet cable. You plug the second adapter into the room where you need internet access. The adapters communicate through your electrical wiring, creating a wired connection that bypasses WiFi altogether.

Many modern powerline adapters include built-in WiFi, creating new wireless access points wherever you plug them in.

When Powerline Works Best

Powerline adapters excel in situations where WiFi signals can’t penetrate thick walls or need to cross long distances. They’re perfect for extending the internet to garages, basements, attic offices, or rooms on different floors.

Performance depends heavily on your home’s electrical wiring. Newer homes with quality wiring see excellent results, while older homes may experience slower speeds or connection issues. The adapters work best when plugged directly into wall outlets rather than power strips.

One significant advantage: powerline connections remain stable and can provide faster speeds than wireless extenders. Gamers particularly appreciate the low latency and consistent performance.

Wireless isn’t always best

Hardwired Ethernet

No wireless solution beats a direct Ethernet connection for speed, reliability, and latency. If you’re setting up a home office, gaming station, or media center, running Ethernet cables provides the best quality connection.

Running cables through walls requires more effort than plugging in a WiFi extender, but the performance payoff is substantial. You don’t have to wire your entire house. This strategy works well for stationary devices that need a strong, reliable connection, like your work computer or your Xbox (because there is nothing worse than lag during an online gaming marathon).

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Home

With so many options available, selecting the right approach depends on your specific situation. For small to mid-sized homes under 2,000 square feet with minor dead zones, start by optimizing router placement and consider a single WiFi extender. For larger homes, multi-story houses, or properties with numerous connected devices, mesh WiFi systems provide the best balance of performance and ease of use. They handle seamless roaming and manage bandwidth intelligently across all your devices. For homes with thick concrete walls, multiple floors, or challenging layouts, consider powerline adapters with mesh capabilities. They combine the reliability of wired connections with the convenience of wireless coverage. For dedicated workspaces, gaming rooms, or home theaters, prioritize hardwired Ethernet connections. Run cables where practical and use wireless solutions to fill the gaps.

Maximizing Your Network Performance

Regardless of which solution you choose, a few best practices will help you get the most from your network.

1. Update your router firmware regularly. Manufacturers release updates that improve performance, fix security vulnerabilities, and add new features. Most modern routers can update automatically, but check periodically to ensure you’re running the latest version.
2. Change your WiFi password to something strong and unique. This prevents neighbors from piggybacking on your connection and slowing down your network.
3. Manage your devices intelligently. Most routers offer Quality of Service (QoS) settings that let you prioritize bandwidth for essential activities like video calls or gaming. Configure these settings through your router’s admin panel or mobile app.
4. Consider separating your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. The 2.4 GHz band travels farther but moves data more slowly, while 5 GHz offers faster speeds over shorter distances. Some devices perform better when you can choose which band to use.

Getting Connected Everywhere

Dead zones and weak signals create real frustration. Don’t settle for spotty coverage and dropped connections. With the right approach and equipment, you can enjoy fast, reliable internet in every corner of your home. Whether you choose a budget-friendly extender or invest in a premium mesh system, the difference will be immediately apparent. Enter your zip code below to find the top internet providers in your area that can provide full-home coverage.

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Sources

[1] TechRadar.com. “The best mesh Wi-Fi systems in 2025: our favorite systems for home and business use"

[2] Newegg.com. “Whole-Home Mesh Wi-Fi Systems | Seamless Coverage."

[3] RightFiber.com. “Whole Home WiFi vs. Mesh WiFi vs. Smart WiFi: What’s the Best Option in 2025?"

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