Quick answer
Set up a mesh WiFi system by connecting the main node to your router or modem with a cable, then place the other nodes around your home at roughly equal distances, not too far apart. Configure the network first through the manufacturer's app, then position the nodes and check the signal in each room.
How to recognize the problem
- WiFi signal is strong in one room but weak or nonexistent in another
- Devices switch between networks or network names (SSID) and the connection drops
- Speed drops as you move away from the router, even though your plan is fast
- Multiple routers or repeaters create confusion with different network names
- Video calls and streaming stutter in parts of the home far from the router
Most common causes
Poor node placement
Nodes placed next to each other or too far apart do not cover the home evenly. The signal must reach from the main node to each subsequent node.
Wrong connection method
If nodes are connected wirelessly through thick walls, the link between them is weak and the whole network runs slower. A cable between nodes solves this.
Double NAT and double routers
When the mesh system runs as a router behind another router, problems arise with device access and some applications. It is often better to run the mesh in access point mode.
Old network name and password
Devices remember the old WiFi network and try to connect to it. That is why it is important to delete the old network on phones and computers after setup.
Outdated firmware
The mesh management app often offers firmware updates. Without them, roaming and stability perform worse.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Check what you need before buying
Count the rooms and floors and estimate how many nodes you need: for a home up to about 80 square meters, two are usually enough; for larger spaces and multi-story houses, three or more. Check whether the system supports WiFi 6 and whether it allows wired node connections (an Ethernet port on each node).
- 2
Place the main node next to the modem
Connect the main node to the modem or provider's router with a cable, into the internet (WAN) port. Plug it in and wait for it to boot up. If the modem has its own WiFi, consider disabling it to avoid interference.
- 3
Configure the network via the app
Install the manufacturer's app on your phone and follow the setup wizard. Set the network name (SSID) and a strong password, and let the system choose the channel automatically. If the app offers an Access Point mode, select it when the mesh is behind the provider's router.
- 4
Add the remaining nodes one by one
Plug the second node into power in the same room as the main node and add it in the app. Once it appears on the network, move it to its intended location. Repeat the process for each subsequent node, one at a time, so you know which is which.
- 5
Arrange the nodes around the home
Place nodes in open areas, not in cabinets, not behind the TV, and not on the floor. Keep the distance between nodes to one or two rooms, so each node has a good signal from the previous one. A central hallway is often better than a corner of the living room.
- 6
Connect nodes with a cable where possible
If you can run a network cable, connect the nodes to the main node via cable or through a network switch. This is called Ethernet backhaul and provides the most stable connection, because the wireless part is reserved only for devices, not for communication between nodes.
- 7
Check coverage in every room
Walk around the home with your phone and check the signal strength in the app or in the phone's settings. In each room, also run a speed test. If a room has a weak signal, move the nearest node closer to that room, but make sure it still has a good signal from the main node.
- 8
Delete the old network on your devices
On phones, laptops, and TVs, delete the old WiFi network from the list of saved networks and connect to the new name. On a Windows computer, go to
Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks. This prevents the device from trying to connect to a network that no longer exists. - 9
Update firmware and enable roaming
In the app, check for firmware updates and install them. Enable fast roaming options if available, and keep a single network name for all nodes, without separate names for 2.4 and 5 GHz.
If the signal is still not good after everything
First check whether the problem is the wall or the layout: temporarily move a node to the problematic room and see if the signal improves. If it does, the problem is the distance between nodes, not the system itself. If it does not, check whether there are devices nearby that interfere on 2.4 GHz, such as wireless doorbells or old cameras, and try a different channel. In a multi-story house, consider placing the main node on the middle floor rather than in the basement next to the modem, and running a cable to it. Once everything works, note where the nodes are and which network name you use, so you can easily add a new device or replace a node later.
How to prevent it
- Place nodes in open areas, not in cabinets or behind furniture
- Use a single network name for all nodes and do not create separate networks for 2.4 and 5 GHz
- Connect nodes with a cable wherever possible
- Regularly check for firmware updates in the manufacturer's app
When to call a professional
Contact IT support if the mesh system still causes interruptions after correct placement, if you cannot access devices on the network, or if there are multiple routers and switches in the home making it difficult to determine which is the main device.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
How many mesh nodes do I need for an apartment?
For an apartment up to about 80 square meters, two nodes are usually enough; for larger spaces, three. More important than the number is that each node has a good signal from the previous one, so it is better to start with two and add more if the signal weakens somewhere.
Do mesh nodes have to be connected by cable?
They do not have to be, but a cable provides a more stable and faster connection. When nodes are connected by cable, the wireless part of the network is used only for phones, computers, and TVs, so there is less congestion and fewer interruptions.
Can I use a mesh system with my provider's router?
Yes. Most often it is best to run the mesh system in access point mode behind the provider's router, or to disable WiFi on the provider's router and let the mesh be the only network in the home.