Q. My WiFi doesn't work in some parts of my house. Is there a way to fix it?
A. "Inconsistent coverage has long been a shortcoming of wireless routers, but a newer model may help. Manufacturers have recently made big strides in addressing this issue," says Rich Fisco, Consumer Reports' test program leader for computers and telecommunications. Today's router models can handle 20 or more mobile devices, and thanks to the 802.11ac WiFi standard adopted in 2013, they're able to "beamform," or detect where each device is located and push a stronger "smart signal" where needed.
If you live in a home large enough to have dead spots, you might also want to consider adding a device called a WiFi range extender, $20 to $100. It works with your router to push your WiFi coverage into the farthest corners of your house—or even into the yard. But the devices can be tricky to set up. An easier solution is a system like Eero, which links multiple router units together to create a "mesh network" and eliminate dead spots. The networks offer other advantages, such as automatic software updates, but they are generally pricey. The Eero costs $500 for a set of three routers.
For more, read "WiFi Face-Off: Orbi vs. eero vs. Luma," and check our wireless router ratings and buying guide. You can send your questions to ConsumerReports.org/askourexperts.
Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the October 2016 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
Home WiFi Mesh Networks
Can't get a decent wireless internet connection in your home? On the 'Consumer 101' TV show, Consumer Reports' expert Nicholas De Leon explains to show host Jack Rico how mesh networks provide faster speeds and better coverage.
