Router placement definitely helps, but have you tried switching channels too? Wi-Fi can get pretty crowded, especially if neighbors' signals overlap yours. I downloaded one of those free analyzer apps, walked around the house checking signal strength room by room (felt a bit geeky, but hey, it worked). Found a channel nobody nearby was using, switched it manually in router settings, and noticed immediate improvement. Worth a shot before spending on boosters or fancy mesh systems...
Switching channels does help, but honestly, sometimes you just can't beat a physical cable. When I built my place, I ran Ethernet cables to key rooms—living room, office, even the master bedroom. Felt like overkill at first, but now with all these smart devices and streaming gadgets, it's been a lifesaver. Wi-Fi can be great, sure, but walls, interference, neighbors' signals...there's always something.
If you're handy (or know someone who is), running Ethernet through walls isn't that tough or expensive. Just need some basic tools, cable, and a bit of patience. Once it's done, you can use cheap access points or repurpose old routers as wired access points. Way cheaper than mesh systems and way more reliable in my experience. And if you're renting or can't drill holes? At least try powerline adapters—they're not perfect, but still better than relying solely on Wi-Fi.
"Felt like overkill at first, but now with all these smart devices and streaming gadgets, it's been a lifesaver."
Couldn't agree more. When I first wired my place, friends thought I was nuts—now they're asking me how to do theirs. Wi-Fi's convenient, sure, but nothing beats the stability of a wired connection. And you're right about powerline adapters; they're underrated for renters or older homes. Not perfect, but definitely better than spotty Wi-Fi through thick walls...
"Wi-Fi's convenient, sure, but nothing beats the stability of a wired connection."
Totally get this. Wired is great if you can swing it, but honestly, I've found mesh Wi-Fi setups surprisingly solid for older homes. Helped a friend set one up recently—no drilling or cables everywhere—and it solved most of their dead spots. Not perfect, but definitely budget-friendly and renter-approved. Plus, you can always expand later if needed...
Plus, you can always expand later if needed...
Mesh Wi-Fi can definitely surprise you. Helped my parents set one up in their older place—thick walls, tricky layout—and it worked wonders. Wired is ideal, sure, but mesh is a solid compromise if you're tight on budget or can't renovate.
