1) Identify symptoms
- Slow everywhere vs slow in one room?
- Drops on a single device vs all devices?
- Only at certain times (neighbors, appliances)?
2) Measure signal & noise
Windows:
netsh wlan show wlanreport start %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Temp\wlan-report-latest.html
macOS:
/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport -I
Linux:
iw dev iwconfig nmcli dev wifi list
Rule of thumb: RSSI worse than −70 dBm is pain. Fix layout or channels before buying gear.
3) Router sanity check
- Split 2.4/5 GHz SSIDs. Kill band steering for the test.
- Pin channel (1/6/11 on 2.4). Turn off “auto” everything.
- Disable WPS. Use WPA2/WPA3, long passphrases.
4) Hunt interference
- Microwave, cordless phones, baby monitors, Bluetooth floods.
- Hidden culprit: cheap USB 3.0 hubs near 2.4 GHz antennas.
5) About boosters/repeaters
They’re band‑aids. Prefer wired backhaul (Ethernet or MoCA). If you must: place halfway, not next to the router.