Home Network Setup Guide: Router Placement, Ethernet, and Mesh WiFi

Even the fastest fiber internet plan can feel slow if your home network is set up poorly. The difference between a frustrating connection and a blazing-fast one often comes down to router placement, WiFi technology, and whether you should be using Ethernet for your most important devices.

Router Placement: The Single Biggest Factor

Your router broadcasts radio waves, and those waves weaken with distance and when passing through walls, floors, and large objects. The ideal placement is centrally located, elevated (on a shelf or mounted high on a wall), and away from metal objects, microwaves, and other electronics that cause interference.

Never hide your router in a closet, basement, or behind furniture. A router placed on the main floor in the center of your home will outperform one tucked in a corner of the basement, regardless of how expensive it is.

When to Use Ethernet Cables

For any device that stays in one place and needs the most reliable connection, Ethernet wins. Desktop computers, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and home office workstations should all be hardwired when possible. A Cat6 cable supports up to 10 Gbps and costs less than $15 for a 25-foot run.

WiFi 6 vs WiFi 6E vs WiFi 7

WiFi 6 (802.11ax) is the current standard and handles multiple devices well. WiFi 6E adds a 6 GHz band, which provides a less congested channel for newer devices. WiFi 7 (802.11be) is just arriving and supports multi-link operation for even faster, more reliable wireless. If you're buying a new router, WiFi 6E is the sweet spot for price and performance right now.

Do You Need a Mesh System?

Mesh WiFi systems (like eero, Google Nest WiFi, or the Frontier-provided whole-home WiFi) use multiple access points to blanket your home in coverage. They're ideal for homes over 2,000 square feet, multi-story homes, or homes with thick walls. For a small apartment, a single well-placed router is usually sufficient.