How can you extend the range of your home network effectively?

> After placing your router, use wifi signal analysis tools to see its coverage and strength. Free tools are available on play stores. Be on the look out for blind spots, devices that can interfere with wifi channel, and demarcations that may deteriorate signal strengths. > This informs whether you need more access points or wifi extenders. > It is important to choose between 2.4ghz SSID and 5ghz SSID depending on user density and the distance you want to cover with 5ghz for high user density and 2.4gnz for distant coverage.

You can get complicated and start throwing out all the wonderful mesh products that are out there. I have Mist, Cisco, Meraki, Aruba APs in my lab currently and guess what I run for my home? I just use the AT&T Gateway and their extenders and place them in smart positions and that's all that is needed. Sometimes, the simple approach is the best approach.

Adding APs is an effective way to extend coverage while avoiding the hidden node problem. When adding those APs, maximize capacity by configuring a backhaul channel using 5 or better yet 6GHz.

For a More Reliable Network Extension: To ensure a stable network extension, consider using wired solutions like Ethernet cables or Powerline adapters. Ethernet cables provide direct connections, offering fast and consistent speeds. Powerline adapters utilize your home's electrical wiring, making them suitable for areas where Wi-Fi signals are weak. Simply plug one adapter near your router, connect it via Ethernet, and plug another adapter where you need coverage.

The best network topology for a home network that can be easily extended in the future is a mesh network topology. Mesh networks utilize multiple interconnected devices that communicate with each other to create a seamless and scalable network. This topology allows for easy expansion by simply adding more mesh nodes as needed, without the limitations and complexities associated with traditional network topologies like star or bus. Additionally, mesh networks offer flexibility in terms of coverage and can adapt to changes in the home environment or network requirements.

Instead of increasing Tx power on the Access Point, you can achieve longer range by changing the Access Point’s antenna to have higher gain. Antenna gain is bidirectional.

The near/far affect. You can turn up an AP's power to the highest level, that doesn't mean the device like a phone is going to be able to communicate back. It goes both ways so if sometimes you see a strong SSID (Advertised Wireless Network Name) and wonder why you aren't connecting? It's likely your phone or other device doesn't have enough power to match the AP with the 400mW transmit power.

Dual polarization patch does well with path diversity. Dual Horizontal and Single Vertical is all that's needed. Just make sure the installer orientates it the correct way and ask for a photo of the preplaced sticker on the back saying ??This Way Up??