No more dead zones: how I got wifi in my backyard shed

Honestly, those mesh units aren't magic; they still need a clear-ish path. Hiding them behind furniture works in a pinch, but if you can, try to keep them out in the open - even if it messes with your "aesthetic."

I get where you’re coming from about keeping mesh units out in the open, but I’ve actually had decent luck blending them into the decor without totally sacrificing signal. It’s not always about hiding them behind a couch or inside a cabinet - sometimes just placing them on an open shelf with a few books (not packed tight) or using decorative baskets with open weaves does the trick.

From what I’ve seen, it’s more about avoiding dense materials like metal or thick wood than worrying about every little object. And honestly, I’m not convinced that “out in the open” always means ugly tech everywhere. A little creative placement goes a long way - plus, not everyone wants their living room looking like a server closet.

If you’re really struggling with dead zones and don’t want to compromise on style, maybe try running flat ethernet cables along baseboards or under rugs. It’s less intrusive than drilling and you can keep your space looking intentional... just my two cents.

It’s not always about hiding them behind a couch or inside a cabinet - sometimes just placing them on an open shelf with a few books (not packed tight) or using decorative baskets with open weaves does the trick.

That’s pretty much my approach too. I’ve got a mesh node tucked between a couple of art books and a ceramic vase on a floating shelf - never had any real issues, even with streaming out to the patio. I do think people get a little too hung up on the “out in the open” rule, like you said. As long as you’re not boxing it in with heavy stuff or metal, it’s usually fine.

Funny enough, the only time I ran into real trouble was when I tried to hide one behind a marble sculpture. Looked great, but my backyard camera dropped out constantly. Lesson learned: stone is a no-go.

Curious if anyone’s tried those in-wall access points? I’ve seen them in a few high-end homes, and they seem super sleek, but I wonder if they’re actually better for tricky layouts or just more of a design flex.