Skip to content
perasoft
Guides

Weak Wi-Fi upstairs: causes and solutions

Updated:

Weak Wi-Fi upstairs usually has two causes: the router is in a poor spot, and reinforced concrete ceilings block a lot of signal. A better router position helps first. If that is not enough, a mesh system is the best fix, most stable with an access point upstairs connected by network cable.

1. Check where the router sits

The router should be as central and as high as possible, not in the basement, not in a cupboard, and not behind the TV. Metal, mirrors, aquariums, and underfloor heating weaken the signal. Moving it a few metres can already improve the upper floor noticeably.

2. Measure instead of guessing

Measure the signal strength in every room with a Wi-Fi app on your smartphone. Values around −67 dBm or better are fine for video calls and streaming. From about −75 dBm it becomes unreliable. That shows exactly where the signal drops and where an extra access point should go.

3. The right frequency band

2.4 GHz reaches further and gets through walls better, but it is slower and often crowded by neighbouring networks. 5 GHz and 6 GHz are much faster but have less range. Modern routers move devices to the right band automatically. With older devices, set the router’s channel selection to automatic.

4. Mesh: the best solution for several floors

A mesh system uses several access points that form one shared Wi-Fi. Your devices switch to the strongest point as you move through the house. Many routers support mesh with matching repeaters from the same manufacturer, such as a FRITZ!Box with FRITZ!Repeaters.

It is most stable when the upstairs access point is connected to the router by network cable. If there is already a cable or a network socket upstairs, use it. Without a cable, place the mesh point halfway, where the signal is still good, for example on the stairs.

5. Repeaters and powerline: when they are enough

A simple repeater is cheap, but many models halve the speed, and it only helps where it still receives a good signal. Powerline adapters carry the network over the power wiring. How well that works depends heavily on the house’s electrical installation.

6. Update firmware and separate the guest network

  1. 1Update the firmware of the router and repeaters.
  2. 2Set up a separate guest Wi-Fi so visitors and smart devices do not slow down your own network.
  3. 3Check the signal strength upstairs again after every change.

Frequently asked questions

Mesh or repeater: which is better?

For several floors mesh is usually better, because all access points form one network and devices switch automatically. A repeater is enough for a single room with slightly weak signal.

Why is the Wi-Fi so weak through the ceiling?

Reinforced concrete ceilings block radio signals strongly, especially in the 5 GHz band. That is why an extra access point on the floor usually helps more than a stronger router.

Do I need a new router?

Not necessarily. A better position, current firmware, and a mesh access point are often enough. A new router is mainly worth it when it is older than about five years.