Wifi Troubleshooting and Optimization
Step one: Optimize what you've got
Get routers/single wifi up and out in the open. Less matter between wifi device (AP = Access Point) and where you consume wifi (wifi client).
Internet connection should be centrally located (or to one side if you're going to need multiple wifi AP's).
Avoid wifi usage whenever possible (especially anything that
regularly plays a video stream - Smart TV, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV etc).
Only one thing can talk on wifi at a time per channel/frequency range.
Use wifi signal strength to gauge number of wifi AP. 2
bars is the lowest reliable connection. The stronger the signal, the
faster the wifi data transfer speed.
Old wifi devices usually slow down the entire wifi network.
Test and make sure you have a wifi problem and not an internet
problem using test software (on a wireless PC preferably) and
monitor.
Step Two: If that doesn't fix it we'll be going with multiple wifi AP's
If you have ethernet backhaul between multiple wireless AP's (the thing transmitting the wifi internet access):
- Unifi AP AC Lite (no local media aka video devices)
- Unifi AP AC Pro (local media video devices) You will only use the
speed of the pro if you have a local Video server or transfer lots of
data locally via wifi. Internet video is usually limited on speed by
your ISP
- These require a server that I run to get setup and work long term.
If you don't have ethernet backhaul you need a modern mesh network
Here's a good analysis of the mesh options, and you'll get lots of features like restricting devices/parental features.
https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-wi-fi-mesh-networking-kits/
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