Hi I need advise on my home Wifi network coverage in 1000sqft condo

Problem : In living room using 5Ghz network I can get full speed 500mbps, but when I moved to Bedroom 2 or Master room I can only get <10% of the speed even with full Wifi signal with help from Mesh extender RE305 connected via WPS. Even with 2.4Ghz netowork I observed more than 50% drop in speed when I use it at bedroom 2 or master bedroom.

Current machine : Unifi provided D-link AX3000 @ Living room TV area marked in red
Extender : TP-link RE305 plugged at Bedroom 2 marked in red

I tried seek opinion from TP-link official store in Lazada, they suggested to me to get TP-Link Deco X20 or X50 2 units, 1 put next to main modem and another replacing the position in my bedroom 2, but before I actually invest in to this which may cost me about RM600+ anyone can give some opinion about this setup? I don't want to end up spent half k with no convincing result, I'm aiming at 80% speed at those dead zone if that is realistic.

dont use extender but use a proper mesh

This post has been edited by pysh: Oct 24 2025, 12:25 PM

mesh , extender, dan lain lain will never win ethernet cable. Any possibility to do some hardwiring ?

best position for 1 strong wifi router to cover whole house

Along the years, I have accumulated routers from internet subscription. What I do is just connect a lan cable from main router, then plug into the wan port in another router near my room. So I will connect to my room router wifi instead. I don't even need to spend a dime, except buying lan cable 20M cat8. I can't figure out why people want to waste money on mesh.

For your case, If u going my way, I believe u can route the lan cable behind your tv cabinet from the floor, then up to your balcony curtain hiding the wires behind the rail, then come back down on the floor edge and go to master room.
Or u can go further over the door edge to your bedroom 2.

If u have false ceiling that has opening, easier to hide the cable

Check wifi channel. Change to clear channels

This post has been edited by Gargamel_gibson: Oct 24 2025, 01:06 PM

Wifi extender can only transmit max speed that it receives. If you place it somewhere with weak signal, it can only extend that weak signal. So change and play around with the extender placement if possible. Easier if you install some wifi analyzer app on your phone and look at the wifi signal strength at the place you want.

even with mesh you can maybe improve another 30% speed in room.

moving the router to center of condo will greatly help.

I see comment like this from some of my research but I don't quite get what this means because Extender they also call it Mesh
Is it something like this?


Understand cable is the real winner, but I need the Wifi for multiple devices and I also don't want to keep changing network when I walk in/out of a room.

If I don't want to pull cable to reach this position, then this should be the desired location for the additional Mesh unit?

Understand cable is most stable, but I hope to do it clean, concealing wiring all those also involve cost and if leave it open it doesn't look pleasant + trapping dusts. I don't hope to achieve 100%, but I'll be pretty happy to get 70% from the full speed, Maybe I consider positioning extender Mesh outside bedroom 2

Ok this gives me an idea how to play around the positioning, will install Wifi Analyzer to help with positioning.

yes this is a type of mesh.. its usually much expensive than extender because itself, its also a full capability router..
it duplicates what you have as master within range..
with extender, you only extend what is left to you..

i ask Ai .
It sounds like you want to know about your expected mesh speed with a dual-band system, a wireless backhaul, and one concrete wall.

With a 500 Mbps internet connection, a dual-band mesh system, a wireless backhaul, and one concrete wall, your expected speed at the satellite mesh node will likely be in the range of 75 Mbps to 150 Mbps.

1. is it possible you move your main router to get line of sight with re305 and test speed.
unifi guy did give me about 15 feet extra play/fiber.

that ax3000 d dink seem weak
i tested my case only tplink AX73 /place in hall, 500mbps ,tested 25 feet away , in room same floor , behind a thick concrete wall , I lost 20 % speed. on AC .
and tested in my upstairs room get max 30 % lost speed.


This post has been edited by Momo33: Oct 24 2025, 07:59 PM

quickest way to test is to put your extender there, should somewhat improve your wifi

If using android, I suggest this app for checking wifi signal:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?...em.wifianalyzer

No ads, easy to use, it also show details about other wifi signal in the area. You can then adjust wifi settings on your router to avoid congested channels.

Use better wired AP and mount to ceiling, get few AP to install at different location for best coverage.

You can use Ruckus AP or Ruijie AP or Cambium AP.

tldr.
either move the main further down so it's opposite dining table...
or move extender so its more in line with main... which is in front bathroom.
pretty sure at current setup...wifi analyzer is not gonna show anything good in 2nd room... especially going thru 2 walls...

1000sqft isnt big and a good router can easily cover it provided if nothing much is blocking...or much interference from other neighbors wifi channels...

have a look on transparent optical solution.


mesh solution helps, but you need to look at other factor like wifi congestion especially if you are living in condo. anyway what you ask is unreliastic. you must expect speed drop in place with weak signal.

This post has been edited by zerorating: Oct 24 2025, 04:14 PM

Use lan cable, pay wiring guy to do proper wiring to your room, that's will solve the problem

This is the best and cheapest option that you can try. (If you have extra fiber cable /LAN cable)

If you can let us know how many device (more detail the better) then can we can best advice if spending on a new hardware if worth it or not. Unifi provided router is so basic that it is much worth it to invest for a good router if the current does not suit your requirement.

Apply another line. Inside the bedroom