Wi-Fi and networking
Updated
Mesh or extender, how many devices a router handles, 2.4 GHz pairing problems, outdoor coverage, separate networks and battery backup.
Most “smart home problems” are Wi-Fi problems: devices that drop offline, refuse to pair or lag. Coverage, the 2.4 GHz band, router settings and the number of connected devices all play a role.
Our calculators estimate how many mesh nodes your home needs and how long a UPS keeps the internet up during an outage.
Calculators 2
CalculatorUPS runtime calculator: how long will it run your router?Add up the watts of your modem, router and hub, enter your battery size, and see how long a UPS or power station keeps you online. Switch to…CalculatorHow many mesh Wi-Fi nodes do you need?Enter square footage, floors, wall materials and where your modem sits to get a realistic range of mesh nodes, a placement tip and a budget, not a…
Kits 2
KitPower outage backup kit: keep your smart home and Wi-Fi goingSix essentials to keep Wi-Fi, lighting, phone charging and alerts working when the power fails, plus options for a longer outage. Prices, sizing…KitSmart home network upgrade kit: a Wi-Fi setup that keeps devices onlineA router with the right features, a second node on a wired link, a small UPS and a few cables: the shopping list for a home network that stops…
Guides 8
GuideSmart devices keep going offline: how to fix itWhen smart devices keep dropping off Wi-Fi, the cause is usually signal, an IP address change, a router setting or a battery. Diagnose by pattern…GuideHow many smart devices can your Wi-Fi router handle?A home router can hand out about 253 addresses, but a consumer model runs comfortably with far fewer busy devices. Here are the real limits, the…GuideExtending Wi-Fi to the garage, yard or a detached buildingFive ways to bring Wi-Fi to a garage, shed or backyard, from a mesh node to a buried Ethernet cable, with the distance limits, safety rules and…GuideSmart plug or device won’t connect to Wi-Fi: fixes that workMost setup failures come from one of seven causes: the wrong band, a WPA3-only network, a phone on another network, a long or odd password, client…GuidePutting smart devices on a separate networkA guest or IoT network keeps cheap cameras, TVs and gadgets away from your computers, but it can break local control. Here is when to split, how,…GuideZigbee and Wi-Fi interference: how to choose channelsZigbee and Wi-Fi share the 2.4 GHz band. Fix dropouts by fixing your Wi-Fi to channel 1, 6 or 11, running Zigbee on 15, 20 or 25, and moving the…GuideWhich router should you buy for a smart home: the features that matterSmart plugs, sensors and cameras put different demands on a router than laptops do. Here are the features to check, what to skip, and which setup…GuideWhat size portable power station do you need for a router, fridge and smart home?Size a power station in watt-hours, not by the box. Add up what you run, multiply by hours, then allow for losses. Examples for a router, a…
Comparisons 5
ComparisonPoE vs Wi-Fi security camerasPoE cameras get power and video over one Ethernet cable; Wi-Fi cameras need only a power source. Compare reliability, cabling, recorder, cost and…ComparisonMesh Wi-Fi vs range extender for dead zonesA range extender patches one weak spot cheaply; a mesh system replaces the router with several linked units. Here is how speed, roaming and price…ComparisonWi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 7 router for a smart homeWi-Fi 7 adds 6 GHz channels, wider 320 MHz channels and multi-link operation, but most smart plugs and sensors only use 2.4 GHz. Here is when the…ComparisonMoCA vs powerline adapters: choosing a wired backhaul for your Wi-FiNo Ethernet in the walls? MoCA runs over your coax cable and powerline over your electrical wiring. See which one suits your house, your outlets…ComparisonEthernet or Wi-Fi for a home office: which connection to useA cable to your desk is steadier for video calls and large uploads; Wi-Fi is simpler. See when each is the right choice, what cable you need, and…