Networking
From Wi-Fi routers to mesh systems and switches, the right networking gear keeps your home or office fast, reliable and secure. This page helps you choose equipment that improves coverage, speed and stability.
You’ll find clear buying advice, practical setup tips and upgrade ideas to help you build a modern network that supports work, streaming, gaming and smart devices.
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There are no posts for this combination yet. Add some posts under “Networking” and they will appear here automatically.How to choose networking equipment
Networking devices vary widely in performance, coverage and features. The right setup depends on the size and layout of your home, the number of connected devices and the speed of your internet plan.
For most households, a modern dual-band or tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router or mesh system provides strong speed and coverage. For maximum stability on workstations and consoles, wired Ethernet and simple switches are still the most reliable option.
- Coverage: mesh systems work best in larger or multi-storey homes; single routers can suit small apartments and studios.
- Speed: Wi-Fi 6 and 6E handle more devices and higher speeds more efficiently than older standards.
- Ports: extra Ethernet ports are useful for gaming PCs, smart TVs, streaming boxes and office equipment.
- Security: look for WPA3, automatic firmware updates and basic parental or access controls.
- ISP compatibility: make sure your router or gateway can support the speed tier you are paying for.
Networking by type of use
Different homes and offices have different networking problems to solve: dead zones, slow speeds, lag during gaming or unstable video calls. Grouping solutions by use case makes it easier to decide what to focus on first.
As you create more networking content, this category can cover everything from simple router upgrades to full mesh systems and wired backbones for work-from-home setups.
- Mesh Wi-Fi systems for large homes with multiple rooms or floors.
- Performance-focused routers for online gaming and 4K streaming.
- Practical tips for improving Wi-Fi coverage and reducing dead spots.
- Home-office Ethernet switches and basic wired layouts for stable work connections.
- Guides that explain newer standards like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E in simple terms.
When is it time to upgrade your networking gear?
Slow speeds, weak coverage or frequent disconnects are all signs that your router or network devices may be outdated. Newer Wi-Fi standards handle more devices and offer more stable performance, especially in busy homes.
Upgrading starts to matter even more when you increase your internet plan speed, add smart home devices or rely heavily on video calls and cloud services for work.
- Persistent Wi-Fi dead zones or rooms with weak coverage.
- Routers older than four or five years using outdated Wi-Fi standards.
- Regular buffering during streaming or drops during online meetings.
- New phones, laptops or consoles that support Wi-Fi 6/6E while your router does not.
- Need for wired stability for gaming, creative work or business use.
Networking – common questions
These quick answers cover the basics of routers, mesh systems, Wi-Fi standards and how long networking gear typically remains useful.
What is the difference between a router and a mesh system?
A traditional router creates one main Wi-Fi zone around a central device. A mesh system uses multiple units placed around the home to spread coverage and reduce dead zones, which is especially helpful in larger or more complex layouts.
Do I need Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E?
Wi-Fi 6 is a strong upgrade for most homes and offers better performance when many devices are connected. Wi-Fi 6E adds an extra 6 GHz band, which can reduce interference in very busy environments with lots of nearby networks.
How can I improve weak Wi-Fi coverage?
Place the router in a more central, open location, avoid hiding it in cupboards, add mesh nodes where the signal drops or run Ethernet to key rooms so you can place access points where they work best.
How long does a router typically last?
Most routers remain usable for around 4–6 years. After that, newer standards, security features and higher-speed internet plans often make an upgrade worthwhile, even if the old router still powers on.