Most households are now heavily reliant on WiFi. This convenient technology has allowed us to stay connected to the internet, regardless of where we are, as long as we are inside the WiFi coverage. From chatting with your special someone to playing online games, WiFi has made it possible for you to have an internet connection, whether you’re in the bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen.
Unfortunately, your WiFi signals will not always reach all areas in your home. These areas that don’t reach the internet are called dead spots or dead zones. So, if you’re having issues with WiFi dead spots in your home, setting up a mesh network may be your best solution.
In this article, you will learn how to set up a WiFi mesh network so that you can enjoy your high-speed internet wherever you are in your home.
Before Installing a Mesh Network
There are a few things that you must do before installing a mesh network in your house to guarantee effective results.
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Check your internet speed.
Before you do anything, it is essential that you check your internet connection’s speed. The average internet speeds in the US are around 100Mbps. However, if you want to ensure that there are no issues with your mesh network, it is best to have an internet connection with a speed of at least 150Mbps.
If you don’t have that much speed, you might want to consider calling your internet provider to upgrade your plan. But if you don’t have the budget, then make do with what you have. There are several internet speed test tools online that are really easy to use. Two of the most famous sites are speedtest.net and fast.com.
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Perform a WiFi coverage analysis.
Next, you must run a WiFi analysis using software such as NetSpot for Mac or InSSIDer for Windows. This will assist you in determining which parts of your home have adequate coverage and which need help.
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Choose an optimal location for your router.
Your router is the key to having a good WiFi signal. So, even if you have the best wireless provider, you won’t be able to enjoy it if you place your router in a cabinet, cupboard, or anywhere that’s secluded.
That’s why it is essential that you place it in an area that will allow it to emit strong signals all throughout your house. Ideally, your router should be placed in an open area without any obstacles that can block or interfere with the signal.
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Update your router’s firmware.
Once you have chosen the perfect location for your router, the next thing you need to do is update its firmware. Doing this will not only improve your router’s performance but also fix any bugs or security vulnerabilities that may be present. You can usually update your router’s firmware by logging into its web-based interface and checking for updates.
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Change your router’s current SSID and password.
After you have updated your router’s firmware, the next thing you need to do is change its SSID (Service Set Identifier) and password. This is important because it will help improve the security of your network. When choosing a new SSID, make sure that it is something unique that cannot be easily guessed by others.
As for the password, make sure that it is strong enough to prevent anyone from guessing it. A good password should be at least eight characters long and should contain a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
Installing a WiFi Mesh Network in Your Home
The setup procedure may vary between different manufacturers, but they usually follow the same general process. Here’s how to install a WiFi mesh network in your home.
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Select the right mesh system for your house.
There are a lot of different mesh systems available on the market. So, it is important that you take the time to research and find the right one for your needs. When choosing a mesh system, make sure that it is compatible with your router and offers features that are suitable for your home.
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Place the nodes in the right locations.
After you have chosen the right mesh system for your home, the next thing you need to do is place the nodes in strategic locations. Ideally, each node should be placed in an area where there is a good WiFi signal. You can use the WiFi analysis tool that you used earlier to help you determine which areas need improvement.
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Connect the nodes to your router.
Once you have placed your nodes in the right locations, you next must connect them to your router by using an ethernet cable. If your mesh system supports wireless connections, you can also connect your nodes wirelessly.
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Configure your mesh system.
Configuring your mesh system usually involves creating an account and entering some basic information about your network. Once you have done this, you will be able to access the settings page of your mesh system and start configuring it to your liking.
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Give your mesh system a test.
To do this, you will need to connect to your network and see if you can browse the internet without any issues. If you are having problems, check the settings of your mesh system and see if there is anything you can change.
Conclusion
Installing a mesh network is a great way to improve the WiFi signal in your home. By following the tips in this article, you can be sure that you can set up your mesh network quickly and easily. Let us know if this simple guide works for your mesh system!
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