4 min fix · Related: Wi-Fi & Networking
New Office, Big Dead Zones (Builder Router Can't Cope)
2,500+ sq ft, block walls, one weak ISP combo box. Why mesh beats repeaters and where the nodes actually go.
New Office, Big Dead Zones (Builder Router Can't Cope) — Symptom Check
- Back bedrooms or office drop constantly
- Builder/ISP router in a closet or garage
- 20+ devices fighting one box
1. Map the dead zones
Walk the office with a speed test at each room. One bad room = placement. Half the office = coverage — no settings tweak fixes physics.
2. Move the main unit central and high
Garage and closet installs kill signal through concrete. Central hallway, chest-high, is worth 2 bars before spending a dollar.
3. Add mesh, not a repeater
Two to three mesh nodes halve the distance every device shouts across. Wire what you can (TV, office) — wired devices stop competing for airtime.
New Office, Big Dead Zones (Builder Router Can't Cope) — When to Call a Pro
- You want Ethernet run to the office/TV spots during the fix.
- Ceiling-mount access points for 3,000+ sq ft or outdoor coverage.
- IoT and access-control gear (cameras, locks) keeps falling off the network.
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