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After Years of Testing Wi-Fi Routers, Here's the Best Spot for Your Mesh Router
After Years of Testing Wi-Fi Routers, Here's the Best Spot for Your Mesh Router

CNET

time2 hours ago

  • CNET

After Years of Testing Wi-Fi Routers, Here's the Best Spot for Your Mesh Router

When it comes to optimizing your internet connection throughout your home, router placement is key. So you might want to reconsider before hiding your mesh system. The truth is, most Wi-Fi routers are pretty ugly. Your first impulse is probably to tuck your router away and hide ugly cords to reduce clutter. But if you've noticed your Wi-Fi struggling in certain rooms, it's worth rethinking your router placement -- even with a mesh system. As an expert, I've been testing and reviewing router performance for years, and I've found that few things are as critical to Wi-Fi speeds as the location of your router. While a traditional Wi-Fi router sends out a signal from a single point in your home, a mesh system uses multiple devices to emit signals from various points. That makes it more like a team of routers that work together to relay your traffic back to the modem. It's a much better approach to home networking, particularly in large, multistory homes, where a traditional, single-point router will likely leave you with dead zones in the rooms that are farthest away. Still, location is everything when setting up your router and satellite extenders, which are also sometimes called nodes (or Points if you use Nest Wi-Fi). Their specific location significantly affects the system's performance. Internet is already expensive, with over 63% of US adults paying $195 or more on average, so if you've invested in a mesh router system, you should be getting the speeds you're paying for. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as you go. (You can also check out our tips on the best location for your Wi-Fi router and how to protect your home Wi-Fi network from hackers.) Where is the best location to place your mesh router? Mesh routers and other Wi-Fi devices perform their best when they're located out in the open, and up off of the ground. Netgear First, you'll want the main router, or the mesh device wired to your modem, to be located as centrally in your home as possible. That's the same approach you'd take with a single router, and the reasoning is the same: Routers put out Wi-Fi signals in all directions, so placing your router in a central location within your home will maximize your connection. Locating local internet providers That goes double for mesh systems, where the strength of the connection near your nodes will largely depend on the strength of the incoming signal from the main router. A stronger connection between the two will help ensure you're getting the fastest Wi-Fi speeds throughout your home. Your options for moving the router might seem limited by the location of your modem and the incoming wiring for your home's internet connection, but an extra-long Ethernet cable can come in handy here, allowing you to move the router away from where the modem sits if necessary. If that's impractical or you'd prefer to keep the cables to a minimum, you'll at least want to move that main router out into the open, preferably as high off the ground as possible. This guide from Asus highlights a mesh rule of thumb -- for the best performance, try to keep each device in your setup no more than two rooms away from another one. Asus Move those extenders around Once the main router is situated in the best spot possible, you'll want to pick out good spots for the extenders. With most systems, you can connect each device to the main router with an Ethernet cable for the fastest speeds possible, but most people prefer to connect everything wirelessly to reduce clutter. Since Wi-Fi is slower than Ethernet, you'll want to be extra strategic about where you place the extenders throughout your home. To learn more, read our guide on the difference between a Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet connection. Again, out in the open and off the ground is your best bet for a clear signal, but you'll also want to consider the layout of your home, as physical obstructions between the main router and the extenders can slow things down. Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is to try and keep the devices in your mesh setup no more than two rooms away from each other. The thickness and material of your walls can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, especially if they're built with dense materials like brick or concrete, which can make it difficult for Wi-Fi signals to penetrate. You'll also want to watch out for electronic interference from TVs and other large appliances. If you're sticking a mesh extender in the kitchen, resist the urge to hide it on top of the fridge; move it away from your appliances altogether. Most mesh systems come with companion apps that include placement guides for your devices, signal strength checks, and other diagnostic tools to help you make sure you've got everything in the best spot possible. Screenshot by Ry Crist/CNET Furniture can also block Wi-Fi signals, so if you have anything large or bulky between two of your mesh devices, consider relocating it. Aquariums are another classic antagonist for your mesh setup, as Wi-Fi has difficulty transmitting through water. The best way to ensure that your mesh network is as well-connected as possible is to open its app and check the signal strength of each device, which is something most systems offer. You can also find system-specific guidance online at the links below: Avoid these dead zones If you've got a back corner of your home where the signal drops out, it might be tempting to stick a mesh extender smack in the middle of that dead zone to boost your speeds. In a lot of cases, that'd be a mistake. Remember, like your phone or laptop, your mesh extenders need to connect wirelessly with the main router in your setup. If that back corner is a dead zone for your phone or laptop, it'll likely be a dead zone for your mesh extender too. The better approach is to place that extender adjacent to the dead zone in a spot where it'll have an easier time connecting with the main router. In some cases, that might be halfway between the dead zone and the main router, but you might need to experiment a bit. Hit the sweet spot, and the Wi-Fi signal it puts out should be a healthy one, and one that'll extend into the dead zone to bring it back to life. A good speed test will help you understand how your Wi-Fi is holding up from room to room. James Martin/CNET Run a speed test Apart from the diagnostic tools in your mesh router's app, the fastest way to check on your system's performance is to run speed tests. There are plenty of free services online that we recommend, any of which will tell you in a minute or less the upload and download speeds on whatever device you're using. However, our top recommendation is Ookla thanks to its consistency and reliability. This is also a tool that we often use to determine speeds offered by different internet providers. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) For the best intel, grab your laptop or phone and run multiple speed tests in each room of your house where you need a usable Wi-Fi signal. Ultimately, you should have a good ballpark sense of where speeds are the steadiest and where they dip. From there, you could try moving your extenders to try and balance things out, or you could consider buying an additional extender to fill in any gaps. Either way, your home should be all set with a strong signal wherever needed. Running a speed test can help you figure out the best spot to put your mesh router. Chris Monroe/CNET Other considerations for your mesh router Just remember that your mesh router can only offer speeds that are as fast as what you're paying for from your ISP. If speeds are widely insufficient in your home, then it might be time to consider upgrading to a faster plan (and it might be worth seeing if your ISP will let you try a faster plan for a few days to see if that is, indeed, the problem). Your ISP might also be able to provide you with an updated modem that'll bring better, faster speeds to your mesh system to begin with. Can't hurt to ask. If speeds still seem slower than you'd like, and your ISP isn't the answer, there are a few other things you can try. For starters, if your provider's modem is a gateway device that doubles as a router, you'll want to disable its Wi-Fi network so that it doesn't interfere with your mesh system's Wi-Fi network. Speaking of interference, it's possible that a neighbor's Wi-Fi network is interfering with yours. To remedy that, hop into your mesh router's app and look for channel settings that let you tune your network to a different part of the Wi-Fi airwaves, potentially steering away from whatever channel nearby networks use. You'll also want to ensure that your mesh system's firmware is updates, which should be easy to check within its app. For more, check out our picks for the best Wi-Fi 6 routers, and how to find free secure Wi-Fi wherever you go. Mesh router placement FAQ Where is the best mesh node placement? The best place for your mesh router nodes depends on the layout of your house and whether there are any dead zones. Additionally, you'll have to decide if you want to connect your mesh nodes with an Ethernet cable, for the fastest possible speeds, or wirelessly. If you opt for an Ethernet cable connection, you'll be more limited with how far away you can place the nodes, but a good rule of thumb is to keep the mesh nodes no more than two rooms away from each other, away from blockage from bulky furniture or electronics and in an upraised position. Instead of placing your mesh node in the middle of a dead zone, try placing it adjacent to or near the dead zone. That way, your node will still be close enough to your main mesh router to carry the signal. ...Read more Does mesh make internet faster? A common misconception about mesh routers is that they make your overall internet speeds faster. A mesh router network is perfect for ensuring consistent speeds throughout the house -- and keeping any dead zones to a minimum -- but they won't necessarily bring faster speeds. Like a standard Wi-Fi router, mesh router systems can only deliver the speeds that you're paying for from your ISP. Updated router equipment, optimized router location and an Ethernet connection are ultimately the easiest ways to get faster internet speeds. ...Read more What is a major disadvantage of a mesh network? One of the major downsides of a mesh router system is its high price: High-performing mesh routers tend to be more expensive than traditional Wi-Fi routers. If you're trying to boost your Wi-Fi, you should exhaust other options before investing in a brand-new mesh router system. Additionally, mesh routers tend to have fewer ports for connecting USB jacks or Ethernet cables, and some don't have any extra ports at all. ...Read more

Trump's ‘big beautiful bill' could mean slower Wi-Fi for you
Trump's ‘big beautiful bill' could mean slower Wi-Fi for you

The Verge

time18 hours ago

  • Business
  • The Verge

Trump's ‘big beautiful bill' could mean slower Wi-Fi for you

The Senate version of the budget reconciliation bill, backed by President Donald Trump, removes protections for unlicensed spectrum that broadens the capacity of the 6GHz Wi-Fi band. This could result in slower Wi-Fi speeds. Under the bill, which may be voted on at the end of this week, the FCC would sell off some of that spectrum to mobile carriers such as AT&T, which could use it to improve the speed of their mobile data. The bill includes a provision requiring the FCC to auction 800MHz of spectrum, including bands allocated by the FCC in 2020 for unlicensed use. The version of the bill that passed the House excluded the band of frequencies between 5.925 gigahertz and 7.125 gigahertz, which includes 6GHz; however, there's no such exclusion in the Senate version. The FCC could be 'forced to sell off as much as half' of the unlicensed spectrum currently in the 6GHz band, according to Public Knowledge. Senator Cruz, chair of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, says this new spectrum auction will help prepare carriers for the next 'wireless leap.' However, as recently as this month, AT&T stated that it has 'no pressing need' for additional spectrum. One thing a spectrum auction will do is generate more revenue for the government to offset the tax cuts in the bill. Removing this spectrum from unlicensed use could negatively impact the 6GHz Wi-Fi band, which added a huge swath of capacity to Wi-Fi when former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai made 1,200 megahertz of spectrum available for unlicensed use in 2020, during Trump's first term. The 6GHz band is used by Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 to deliver faster speeds over wider, 1200MHz channels (Wi-Fi 6 uses up to 160MHz-wide channels), increasing the speed and reliability of Wi-Fi, especially with tri-band routers. The 2.4GHz and even 5GHz bands are becoming increasingly congested as we rely more and more on Wi-Fi in our homes and businesses. Devices that use 6GHz benefit from a wider, less congested 'super highway' to travel on, which reduces latency and increases speeds. Devices like newer Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy and Pixel devices, as well as newer MacBooks, iPads, and Lenovo ThinkPads, can use 6GHz, as well as Xbox series X and S, and some Samsung and LG TVs. Wi-Fi 6E is also being adopted by smart home devices, as it facilitates faster communication. In a letter to Cruz and the other committee members, urging them to keep the 6GHz band unlicensed, the Wi-Fi Alliance states that the 6GHz band is 'the foundation for Wi-Fi's continued development and growth' as well as playing 'a pivotal role in enabling technologies of the next decade, including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, augmented and virtual reality.' The letter was signed by Apple, HP, Comcast, Amazon, and Meta, among others. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is in favor of selling off portions of the unlicensed spectrum.

Prime Day Isn't Official Yet, But This WiFi 7 Router With 9,214 Mbps Is Already at Its Lowest Price Ever
Prime Day Isn't Official Yet, But This WiFi 7 Router With 9,214 Mbps Is Already at Its Lowest Price Ever

Gizmodo

timea day ago

  • Business
  • Gizmodo

Prime Day Isn't Official Yet, But This WiFi 7 Router With 9,214 Mbps Is Already at Its Lowest Price Ever

Prime Day is two weeks out, but Amazon is already unveiling some of its best tech deals of the year. Among the early gems is an all-time low on one of the world's fastest WiFi 7 routers: the TP-Link Archer BE550. The tri-band router from the future can be had now for just $179 (including a $20 coupon), a discount from its usual $249 price tag. What's even more awesome is the fact that this sale is open to everyone and not just Prime members, so it's the perfect time to get your home network up to speed. See at Amazon The Archer BE550 is a beast of a home router for those that need the absolute best when it comes to wireless performance. With WiFi 7 technology at its core, this router is designed to deliver record speeds and unbeatable reliability. It supports tri-band BE9300 WiFi with a maximum combined throughput of 9,214 Mbps: That includes 5,760 Mbps on the 6 GHz band, 2,880 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. If you're looking to stream 8K content, or handle ultra-fast downloads, the Archer BE550 is built to keep up with even the most demanding households. It also delivers impeccable coverage throughout your entire home: With six internal antennas and beamforming technology, the router shoots its signal directly to your devices, and delivers strong and stable connections in every corner. It blankets an area of up to 2,000 square feet, which makes it ideal for apartments and medium-sized homes. And if you need even more coverage, it's simple to extend your network using EasyMesh-compatible routers, range extenders, or wireless adapters. With a single 2.5G WAN port and four 2.5G LAN ports, you can connect your fastest wired devices (like gaming consoles, desktop PCs, or smart TVs) at speeds that keep up with the pace of new internet plans. And by the way, this router also works with all the latest WiFi standards including 802.11be (WiFi 7), 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11g. In our experience, it's unusual to find a WiFi 7 router of this quality fall to only $179: don't pass up this opportunity. See at Amazon

Can You Use a Mobile Hotspot to Replace Your Home Internet Connection? I Tested It Out
Can You Use a Mobile Hotspot to Replace Your Home Internet Connection? I Tested It Out

CNET

time2 days ago

  • CNET

Can You Use a Mobile Hotspot to Replace Your Home Internet Connection? I Tested It Out

If you've ever lost internet during a power outage or needed Wi-Fi on the go, you know how effective a mobile hotspot can be. But what if you used a mobile hotspot in place of your regular internet connection at home? At first, that seemed counterintuitive to me. It had never even crossed my mind until a CNET colleague asked, "Why can't you just use a mobile hotspot at home and bypass your home internet provider?" Challenge accepted. Here's what I discovered after using my mobile hotspot at home. First off, what is a hotspot? A hotspot is a physical location where people can connect wirelessly to the internet. There are three different types of hotspots: private, public and mobile. Each type of hotspot serves as a different way for you to connect to the internet. Let's take a closer look at the types of hotspots available. Public hotspot Public hotspots are specific locations established by businesses or public spaces that provide free Wi-Fi. You can find these in libraries, cafes and even shopping malls. Public hotspots allow anyone within range to connect to the internet and usually lack the security you'd find with a private hotspot. Most public hotspots are not encrypted with passwords, which makes it easier for hackers or outside threats like malware and viruses to intercept connected devices. If you are handling sensitive information while connected to a public hotspot, you should take extra security measures, such as using a VPN. Private hotspot On the other hand, a private hotspot is not free, but it is more secure than a public hotspot. For example, your home network can be characterized as a private hotspot. A private hotspot can wirelessly connect devices to the internet using a router supported by your internet service provider. Your network will likely be encrypted with a strong Wi-Fi password and only certain people will be able to access it. Locating local internet providers Mobile hotspot The cellular network that your mobile phone is connected to can also be used as a hotspot. If your phone is nearby, you can connect devices such as your computer, tablet, smart gadgets and more to the internet. Many mobile providers such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon offer users the built-in personal hotspot feature. Using a mobile hotspot at home: Yay or nay? I tested my mobile hotspot for three days by using it as my primary internet connection method. Before setting up my hotspot, I made sure my phone was near my computer. Then, I disconnected from my Wi-Fi on my phone, went into my iOS settings and turned on my personal hotspot. Next, I opened the Wi-Fi panel on my computer and waded through the different networks and connected to my phone's hotspot. My mobile provider is AT&T, and I was on the 60GB Unlimited data plan. My discoveries after conducting this experiment at home might surprise you. Here's what I found The first thing that leaped out at me was the speed. On average, I was getting less than 10 megabits per second in download speeds and about 10Mbps in upload speeds. Yeah, that's a no from me. When using my mobile hotspot, I received an average download speed of less than 10Mbps and only 10Mbps in uploads. Ookla/Screenshot by CNET Speed is usually not a deal-breaker, since I don't game excessively or stream that frequently. But working from home means conducting video conferences, which require at least 10 to 20Mbps, according to CNET's speed guide. I used Ookla to perform an internet speed test over my mobile hotspot. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) I averaged less than 10Mbps in downloads and 10Mbps in uploads, daily. For context, the Federal Communications Commission defines broadband to have speeds of at least 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload. Comparatively, I saw much faster speeds when I used my traditional Wi-Fi router, which was receiving an average of over 530Mbps in downloads and 240Mbps in uploads. Besides the intermittent lagging during video conferences, sending large files and emails also took a hit. CNET's How-To expert Nelson Aguilar encourages users to avoid connecting their computers to a mobile hotspot. "The only time I ever use a mobile hotspot is when I'm sharing it with someone else's phone or tablet," says Aguilar. "A mobile device typically uses less data than a computer, and so the performance is much higher than with a computer, which often runs several high-bandwidth tasks in the background that can quickly consume data and slow down performance." Mobile hotspot use and battery life Since your mobile hotspot acts as a router, sending and receiving signals, using your mobile hotspot throughout the day can lower your battery. Unless your phone is continuously charged, using a mobile hotspot may not be an ideal way to connect to the internet long term. A mobile hotspot at home can be convenient (until it's not) Trisha Jandoc/CNET My mobile hotspot use abruptly stopped while I was on the train on my way to the office. I was attempting to connect my computer to my mobile hotspot in hopes of accessing the internet to send some emails. My laptop would say connected on the Wi-Fi panel, but there was no internet. Thankfully, I was on the way to the office and could access the internet there. But the next day, I was working from home, and the looming question came: What do I do now? I was on AT&T's 60GB Unlimited data plan and as you can imagine, I was very confused. Did I really burn through 60GB of data in the two days I used my mobile hotspot? Thankfully, I was on the unlimited data plan, so I would not be charged data overage fees if I reached maximum data. Besides the slow speeds, you should always consider that your mobile hotspot is less reliable than traditional Wi-Fi. There could be different factors, such as network outages, poor signal, proximity from your provider's nearest cellular tower, and or, in my case, technical issues (which I'll get into in a bit). These things are outside your control and ultimately disrupt how you stay connected. The following day, I had to call AT&T and troubleshoot my mobile hotspot in order to continue working from home. How to troubleshoot your mobile hotspot at home when it's not working There are different ways to diagnose issues with your mobile hotspot from home. Whether you're an iPhone or Android user, sometimes the easiest action to start with is to simply turn your phone on and off. If that doesn't solve it, try the following steps. Turning off battery-saving mode: If restarting your phone doesn't work, you can try turning off battery-saver mode in your phone settings. According to Asurion, low-power mode can interfere with your mobile hotspot. If restarting your phone doesn't work, you can try turning off battery-saver mode in your phone settings. According to Asurion, low-power mode can interfere with your mobile hotspot. Disconnect from your VPN: While using a VPN can protect your network from outside threats, it can also disrupt your mobile hotspot signal. A VPN may not be necessary if you are using a private hotspot (connecting to your mobile provider's network). While using a VPN can protect your network from outside threats, it can also disrupt your mobile hotspot signal. A VPN may not be necessary if you are using a private hotspot (connecting to your mobile provider's network). Updating your phone's software: Before you know it, it's been over six months since you updated your phone. It happens to the best of us. Conducting a software update on your phone could prevent issues that arise from your mobile hotspot. To do this, simply go into your iPhone or Android settings and check if any updates are needed. This software update could take some time to complete, so keep this in mind if you have any time-sensitive things you need to do quickly. Reset your phone's network settings Trisha Jandoc/CNET If you're like me and these tips did not improve your mobile hotspot, the next thing to do is contact your mobile provider. I called AT&T's tech support number and expressed my issue to them. The AT&T representative confirmed over the phone that I still had plenty of usage left in my data, so my concern about burning through my data was not why I was facing issues. The AT&T rep gave me the following instructions on how to restart your network settings. While I followed these steps on my iPhone, I also included instructions for Android users. iPhone To change or update the name of your mobile hotspot, go to Settings > General > About > Name > change the name to [user's iPhone]. To change your mobile hotspot password, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot > Update your password. To reset your phone's network settings, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. (Important note: If you get to this step, your phone will automatically disconnect, restart and forget all the Wi-Fi passwords your device is connected to.) Android To change or update the name of your mobile hotspot, go to Settings > Wi-Fi network > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > click hotspot name > Change name. To change your mobile hotspot password, go to Settings > Wi-Fi network > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > click Password > change password. To reset your phone's network settings,go to Settings > Click System > (Advanced) > Reset Options > Reset Network Settings > click Reset. If you're still stuck, I would consider contacting your mobile provider for further assistance. Using a mobile hotspot at home: Pros and cons While using a mobile hotspot has some unique benefits, you should also be aware of a few drawbacks if you're aiming to use it at home. Pros: Convenient: As long as you can access your mobile device, a hotspot is easy to use. As long as you can access your mobile device, a hotspot is easy to use. A solid internet backup: It's always safe to have an internet backup option, especially in cases of emergency. Whether your power went out, severe weather affected your internet connection or your wired internet provider is experiencing a massive network outage, a mobile hotspot can be an easy way to stay connected to the internet. Cons: Costly: At first, it may seem like using a mobile hotspot is a cheaper alternative than paying for your traditional home internet service, but this could prove to be more costly down the line. On average, customers pay a monthly bill ranging from $20 to $50 for their phones. On top of this, you may also incur additional data overage fees for every certain block of data used . If you're on an unlimited data plan, you won't have to worry about paying overage fees, but you may face annoyingly slow speeds once you've reached your data cap. At first, it may seem like using a mobile hotspot is a cheaper alternative than paying for your traditional home internet service, but this could prove to be more costly down the line. On average, customers pay a monthly bill ranging from $20 to $50 for their phones. On top of this, . If you're on an unlimited data plan, you won't have to worry about paying overage fees, but you may face annoyingly slow speeds once you've reached your data cap. Slow, unreliable speeds: Generally, you'll find faster speeds with traditional fixed home internet. Even if you can only access a fixed wireless or satellite internet connection, most home internet providers can deliver speeds that meet the Federal Communications Commission's broadband benchmark with 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload . Generally, you'll find faster speeds with traditional fixed home internet. Even if you can only access a fixed wireless or satellite internet connection, most home internet providers can deliver speeds that meet the Federal Communications Commission's broadband benchmark with 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload Not accessible everywhere: Your actual speeds will probably not match the advertised speeds of your plan. Your mobile hotspot relies heavily on your mobile provider's cellular tower. Depending on your proximity to the tower, your speeds can vary. More importantly, for those who live in less populated or rural areas, access to a 5G connection may not always be guaranteed. Your actual speeds will probably not match the advertised speeds of your plan. Your mobile hotspot relies heavily on your mobile provider's cellular tower. More importantly, for those who live in less populated or rural areas, access to a 5G connection may not always be guaranteed. Can reduce phone battery: Overall, using your mobile phone as a hotspot throughout the day may not be ideal. Unless you can keep your phone charged at all times, a mobile hotspot may not be ideal when you're on the go. Bottom line: It's a no for me on using a mobile hotspot at home, but it can still be a lifesaver in other cases After completing this experiment, I confirmed that it doesn't really make sense to use your mobile hotspot as a primary source of home internet connection. The purpose of having a mobile hotspot at home is to act as a backup option in times of emergency. When your power goes out or your internet provider is experiencing a network outage, a mobile hotspot is a great way to stay connected. However, using a mobile hotspot as your primary mode of connecting your home to the internet isn't ideal. You'll find a faster, more reliable internet service with a fixed broadband connection. If you love traveling, then a mobile hotspot might be something you use pretty frequently. For typical household usage, you'll want to turn to your mobile hotspot only as a secondary option. Should you use a mobile hotspot at home FAQs What is the difference between a hotspot and Wi-Fi? The two are related. A hotspot is a specific location where you can connect wirelessly to the internet. It can be public (typically libraries, airports, malls or cafes) or private (your home network, for example, or using your phone to connect other devices wirelessly). Wi-Fi is a broad term used to describe connecting to the internet wirelessly. Is using a mobile hotspot better than using your Wi-Fi router at home? Not really. While a mobile hotspot is convenient and portable, making it easier to stay connected on the go, it shouldn't be your primary way of connecting to the internet at home unless it's your only option. Usually, a fixed internet connection will provide you and your household with better performance at home.

Comcast's Xfinity Makes It Easy to Get the Nation's Best WiFi With New National Internet Plans With Everything Included
Comcast's Xfinity Makes It Easy to Get the Nation's Best WiFi With New National Internet Plans With Everything Included

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Comcast's Xfinity Makes It Easy to Get the Nation's Best WiFi With New National Internet Plans With Everything Included

New everyday price plans launch nationwide – now all Xfinity Internet packages have simple, predictable pricing 1-year and 5-year price guarantee available with no contracts All plans include Unlimited Data and the Xfinity WiFi Gateway with the ultimate WiFi controls and cybersecurity protection Free Xfinity Mobile line with unlimited included for one year – no fees or taxes PHILADELPHIA, June 26, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following the successful launch and positive consumer reaction to Xfinity's new 5-year guarantee, the nation's largest Internet Service Provider (ISP) has launched its everyday pricing (EDP) structure with four simple national Internet tiers that include unlimited data and the advanced Xfinity WiFi Gateway for one low monthly price. This move is part of the company's broader strategy to give consumers simple, predictable, all-in Xfinity plans for the best WiFi in the market. In addition, all plans include a line of Xfinity Mobile at no additional cost for a year. "We said we were going to go 'all-in' on a new pricing strategy and we are delivering with our 5-year price lock and our new everyday price plans. Now all our Xfinity Internet packages are built on simplicity and transparency – no hidden fees, no confusion – just the best, most reliable and secure WiFi that sets a new standard for the ultimate connected experience," said Steve Croney, Chief Operating Officer, Connectivity & Platforms, Comcast. "We're coming out swinging with a superior WiFi product that easily beats the competition at an even better price point for customers." Speed (Download) Price Per Month 1-Yr Price Per Month 5-Yr Guarantee Everyday Price 300 Mbps $40 $55 $70 500 Mbps $55 $70 $85 1 Gbps $70 $85 $100 2 Gbps $100 $115 $130 Xfinity delivers a fast, reliable WiFi experience with multi-gig speeds, a low-lag connection for gaming and streaming, the capacity to connect hundreds of devices in the home, and unbeatable wall-to-wall WiFi coverage. The Xfinity WiFi Gateway blankets the home with cybersecurity protection and provides other advanced WiFi features and parental controls all easily accessible in the newly redesigned Xfinity app, allowing customers to optimize and manage their WiFi experience in the home. An unlimited line of Xfinity Mobile is also included at no cost for a year with these plans. Only Xfinity Mobile customers have access to WiFi PowerBoost, a game-changing feature which increases Xfinity Mobile speeds up to 1 gig – no matter the plan they choose – when they are connected over WiFi in the home or anywhere else on the Xfinity WiFi network, the largest and fastest in the nation. With 90 percent of mobile traffic traveling over WiFi, Xfinity Mobile is created for how customers use their mobile devices, combining the nation's best WiFi with the most reliable 5G network. Consumers can sign up for Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile online at or at their local Xfinity store. About Comcast CorporationComcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit for more information. View source version on Contacts Rachel ZabinskiComcast CorporationRachel_zabinski@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

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