Improve WiFi

HaroldWren5

SK0602 said:

I’m a very untechy person so bear with me…
we’ve got sky broadband, works fine- speed test is very fast (when lap top is plugged in). 

However the WiFi is just a bit rubbish. We can barely get it upstairs and kitchen is intermittent, when we do connect it’s very slow. We’re in a standard Manchester 3bed semi, the router is in the hall on the shelf. Pretty much the most central, accessible place. Walls not particularly thick.

I also bought a cheap WiFi extender for the kitchen- which is ok but not great plus annoying as we have to keep manually connecting. 

I realise quite a lot can be connecting at anyone time (2iphones, tv, Alexa, laptop, kids iPads etc). Although we on the sky plan for multiple items connecting.

Is there a something to buy which will help with these issues? I don’t mind spending a few hundred to upgrade but I don’t know where to start. I did briefly ask in curry’s but the teenage assistant didn’t fill me with confidence.

any advice greatly appreciated 

Right, if you aren't going to have any wiring (ethernet backhaul), then you seem to be looking for a Wifi Mesh solution. If I may suggest, your best bet sound like it would to purchase your own Mesh system that can be used with any broadband provider.

I would say go for a "Triband" system that has a dedicated "backhaul" band that the individual satellites use to communicate with each other, thereby allowing the client bands more bandwidth to deal with your various home devices (phones, Smart TV, computers etc). 

It all hinges on what speed you are getting into your home. That would be the maximum internet speed you will get anywhere. Just some suggestions, but for instance (Please note this is keeping things very simple without getting into the finer points):

Up to 100Mbps: A Powerline Mesh system might work, or else the dual band "BT Whole Home Wifi" pack of 3 discs.

Up to 200Mbps: You might be able to get away with a "Dual band" system like the "BT Whole Home Wifi" pack of 3 discs. Do not however, buy the ones labelled as "Premium". 

Up to 500Mbps: Two Amplifi Alien routers (technically dual band, but may suffice for that speed), or ASUS Zen XT8 Mesh Wifi system (comes in pack of 2)

Up to 900Mbps: ASUS Zen XT8 Mesh Wifi system (comes in pack of 2), or Netgear Orbi AX6000 system. 

With the ASUS Zen, you can buy additional nodes (or another 2 pack) to add on satellites if you wish. 

Jenni_D

Any particular reason why you posted in this thread, which was last replied to in November 2021? (3 months ago). It must have been on about page 20 or so of this board.