Best Wi-Fi Extenders for Smart Home Devices
We compared the specs of five Wi-Fi extenders to find the best for smart home devices. See our picks for coverage, speed, and features.
Home Networking
Wi-Fi routers, mesh systems, extenders and switches for a reliable smart home, with coverage and troubleshooting guides.
How to Set Up a Wi-Fi Extender
Place the extender halfway between your router and the weak area, connect through WPS or the app, then test your signal. Use a separate network name if you want clear control.
Managed vs Unmanaged Network Switch for a Smart Home
A network switch connects wired devices in your home. Unmanaged switches are plug-and-play; managed switches give you control over traffic, security, and monitoring.
Smart Devices Offline After a Power Outage? How to Fix It
After a power outage, smart devices often need a careful restart sequence. This guide walks you through restoring your network and devices step by step.
Guest Network vs Separate IoT Network for Smart Devices
Guest networks are simple but limited. A separate IoT network or VLAN gives stronger isolation and control, but requires more router features.
Where to Place Mesh Wi-Fi Nodes for Better Coverage
Place the main node near your modem and satellites halfway to dead zones. Keep nodes in the open, off the floor, and away from metal and appliances.
Wi-Fi Routers for Smart Homes: Wi-Fi 6, 6E and 7
Choosing a Wi-Fi router for a smart home means understanding Wi-Fi 6, 6E, and 7. This guide covers standards, device limits, security, and setup.
Wi-Fi Extenders and Access Points: Placement and Trade-Offs
Compare Wi-Fi extenders, powerline adapters, and wired access points. Learn placement tips, throughput loss, and why smart devices can cling to weak signals.
Smart Device Not Connecting to Wi-Fi? A Troubleshooting Guide
A step-by-step guide to fixing smart device Wi-Fi connection issues, covering 2.4 GHz requirements, router settings, and app permissions.
Network Switches and PoE Switches for Cameras and Hubs
A network switch adds wired ports for cameras and hubs. This guide covers PoE, PoE+, budgets, gigabit ports, VLANs, cables, and safe placement.
Home Networking: Device Guide
Start by choosing a reliable Wi-Fi router that supports the latest standards. For larger homes, consider mesh Wi-Fi systems to eliminate dead zones without complex setups.
If some devices still struggle, read the troubleshooting guide for common fixes. You may also need a Wi-Fi extender to boost signal in remote rooms.