Upgrade your networking equipment for better performance.
Upgrade your networking equipment for better performance.
Hello, I’m trying to improve my networking setup. I have a gigabit connection from my ISP, but when connected through Ethernet to the modem, speeds drop to around 870MBps down and 920MBps up. The real issue is that my main computer is in another room, and I can’t run an Ethernet cable or move the modem. I’m using a TP-Link Deco M4R mesh with Wi-Fi as a backup. On good days, I only get about 200MBps on my main PC, which isn’t enough for full performance. I’m looking to boost both the speed coming into my computer and the local connection to my NAS. I’ve considered other mesh systems like the Deco XE75, but I’m not sure if they’ll work well here. Also, I’m based in Europe, so some brands might be limited. My Wi-Fi signal is strong everywhere, and I usually don’t need much extra speed except for my PC and NAS. Thank you!
Mesh wireless options offer a temporary solution. They function but aren't perfect. You could hide network cables behind walls, though even then they won’t reach the full 100 meters needed for reliable performance. (For reference, Ethernet requires about 100 meters between devices.) If you need a quicker fix, skip ahead to 14:23. Option 1 is the least noticeable: Spoiler. Option 2 is slightly less smooth and more obvious but uses fewer cables: Spoiler. You might also consider looping around the perimeter of Bedroom 2 instead. A solid WiFi 6 or 7 access point paired with matching adapters for your PC and NAS would also be effective. (WiFi 7 could be beneficial in crowded apartment settings where many routers compete for bandwidth.)
Modify your assumptions about performance. Achieving full 1Gbps speeds in a mesh setup is unlikely unless you connect each client directly to the main network. Mesh networks were never designed for high-speed data transfer; they mainly enhance coverage and provide modest boosts over traditional extenders. In spaces filled with dense materials like brick, concrete, or steel, signal strength will be significantly weakened. If running cables isn’t an option, you can improve detection by adding another mesh node between the central and peripheral sections (for example, in the center of an open area above bedrooms). This adjustment may push speeds closer to 200Mbps at your PC, though results are uncertain. You’ll only know for sure after testing. Consider a tri-band mesh that uses 5GHz backhaul alongside 2.4GHz, offering better flexibility and potentially supporting additional antennas for clients. Keep in mind these devices come at a higher cost and won’t guarantee large performance gains. 6GHz delivers faster speeds over shorter distances but suffers from reduced range due to interference from obstacles. It’s unclear if 6GHz is used for backhaul in WiFi 6e systems; more likely it focuses on client communication. The key is ensuring stable, node-to-node mesh connections.