So I finally got my hands on a proper mesh wifi system to fix my dead zones, but honestly, I’m a bit lost on where to actually place the nodes. My house is an old ranch with plaster walls, and I just can’t seem to get a strong signal in the back bedroom no matter where I put the second unit. I feel like I’m just guessing at this point.
I hear you. old plaster walls are a signal trap, and a second node tends to feel invisible in the back bedroom. with a mesh wifi system you want a clear path, not a tucked away corner.
Think of placement like map reading. put the main unit near your modem, then aim the second node toward the back of the house about halfway there, and a bit up high. keep it away from metal, thick plaster, and big appliances.
Maybe you’re treating the second unit as a tiny router instead of a booster. try plugging it in a mid hallway spot that actually sits between rooms.
I’d be skeptical about a magic placement. plaster plus long hallways often needs a wired backhaul or an extra node, and a mesh wifi system still relies on physics.
Reframe it: measure coverage with the app heat map and adjust. sometimes the problem isn’t dead zones but where the signal is weak enough to matter.
Signal shadows are real; try elevating the node a bit, keep it away from windows with metal frames, and avoid cramming it behind furniture.
Would it help to try one node in the hall spine and another near the bedroom door to build a stronger backbone?