How do I get better Wi-Fi upstairs?

Move the router to a central, elevated spot, and if signal still struggles to reach upstairs, add a mesh node on the upstairs landing. Thick floors and distance weaken Wi-Fi quickly, so a second access point usually beats trying to push one router harder.

Is a mesh system better than a Wi-Fi extender?

For whole-home coverage, usually yes. A mesh system uses several units that work as one network with a single name, so devices roam smoothly. A single extender is cheaper and fine for one stubborn dead spot, but can halve speed and create a second network to switch between.

Should I use 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi?

Use 5GHz when you’re close to the router for the fastest speeds, and 2.4GHz when you’re far away or through several walls, because it travels further. Most modern routers handle this automatically with a single network name.

How to get better Wi-Fi in every room

Better whole-home Wi-Fi usually starts with moving your router to a central, open, elevated spot — not tucked behind the TV or in a cupboard. From there: use the right band for the distance, cut interference, and if walls and distance still beat it, add a mesh system (better than a single extender for whole-home coverage).

If your broadband is fine on a wired connection but Wi-Fi is patchy, the fix is about getting the signal around your home — not about your line speed. Here’s the order that gets the biggest wins first.

1. Move your router (the biggest free win)

Where the router sits matters more than almost anything else.

Put it central to where you use the internet, not in a hallway corner.
Get it out in the open and up high — not in a cupboard, behind the TV, or on the floor.
Keep it away from other electronics, large metal objects, and water (fish tanks, radiators).

2. Use the right band for the distance

Modern routers broadcast on two bands:

5GHz — faster, but doesn’t travel as far or through walls as well. Best when you’re near the router.
2.4GHz — slower, but reaches further and through more walls. Best for distant rooms.

Most routers manage this for you under one network name. If yours splits them, use 5GHz nearby and 2.4GHz further away.

3. Cut interference

Neighbouring networks and household gadgets can clog the airwaves. Cordless phones, baby monitors and microwaves all use the 2.4GHz band. Moving the router and using 5GHz where you can both help.

4. Add a mesh system for whole-home coverage

If distance and walls still win, stop fighting one router and spread the signal:

Mesh system — several units acting as one network. The best option for covering a whole house; devices roam between them automatically.
Wi-Fi extender — cheap fix for a single dead spot, but can reduce speed and add a second network name.
Powerline adapters — send the connection over your electrical wiring to a distant room; handy where Wi-Fi can’t reach and you can run a wired link.

Check it worked

After each change, re-run the broadband speed test from the room that was struggling. Still slow everywhere, even wired? That’s not Wi-Fi — see why is my internet so slow?.

→ Use the fix slow Wi-Fi diagnostic

How to get better Wi-Fi upstairs and in every room