trapped in the digital world; seeking assistance with the network device
trapped in the digital world; seeking assistance with the network device
seeking a stronger alternative to your current TP-Link AC750 (Archer C2). The space has concrete walls and floors, spans 90 by 25 feet, includes a basement, and the router sits on the upper level. You might want to explore options with extended coverage or consider a mesh network setup.
WiFi isn't designed to travel through solid concrete. You might want to think about a mesh network or Ethernet, which is the top choice. Transmission power is regulated by... The Government. Therefore, it's likely most reliable routers are positioned near the strongest signal. Smallnetbuilder.com offers useful data, but range details won't be consistent across all homes. Personally, I own a Synology RT2600 AC and it performs well with solid coverage. HOWEVER, I reside in Murica where construction mainly uses wood and drywall. 5GHz offers speed and performance, but it's unlikely to reach through concrete. 2.4GHz supports better penetration and distance, though it'll be slower. Most mesh systems rely on a dedicated 5GHz band for communication between the central unit and satellites.
Consider drawing a layout of your home’s interior showing the router’s position, strong WiFi spots, and weak zones. Improving coverage isn’t just swapping one router for another; it’s about adding more access points across floors. Lowering power at each point helps prevent overload and boosts signal where it’s needed most. WiFi performs better when it spreads horizontally, like a doughnut shape from the antenna, while vertical signals weaken quickly. Expecting a single device to cover everything from above isn’t realistic.