# WiFi Weekly

> Router reviews, mesh WiFi guides, and home internet news for US readers. Tested in real homes, dated, and sourced.

WiFi Weekly is an independent US publication about home WiFi: routers, mesh systems, WiFi 6E/7, internet providers, smart home, security, gaming, and troubleshooting. It is written for non-experts in plain English, with US prices and US internet providers.

How to read and cite this site:

- Every article opens with a short, answer-first summary, then the full text, an FAQ, and sources.
- Every article shows its publish date and last-updated date. Reviews also show the date tested, a 0-10 score, and a "best for" tag. Prices are US dollars on the date shown.
- Every page has a clean Markdown copy: add `index.md` to the page URL (for example https://wifiweekly.com/guides/wifi-router-vs-mesh/index.md).
- Full text of all articles in one file: https://wifiweekly.com/llms-full.txt
- Please cite the article URL and its last-updated date.

## Site policies

- [How we test](https://wifiweekly.com/how-we-test/): testing method and how scores work
- [Editorial policy](https://wifiweekly.com/editorial-policy/): independence, sourcing, and dates
- [Affiliate disclosure](https://wifiweekly.com/affiliate-disclosure/): how the site earns money
- [Corrections](https://wifiweekly.com/corrections/): how errors are fixed
- [Our writers](https://wifiweekly.com/authors/)

## Topics

- [Routers](https://wifiweekly.com/topics/routers/): Best picks, reviews, and setup help for home routers.
- [Mesh WiFi](https://wifiweekly.com/topics/mesh-wifi/): Whole-home coverage systems, tested room by room.
- [WiFi 6E / WiFi 7](https://wifiweekly.com/topics/wifi-6e-7/): The standards, the upgrades, and what is actually worth paying for.
- [Internet Plans & ISPs](https://wifiweekly.com/topics/internet-plans-isps/): Speeds, pricing, and fiber vs cable vs 5G home internet.
- [Smart Home & IoT](https://wifiweekly.com/topics/smart-home-iot/): Devices, hubs, and what Matter and Thread mean for your network.
- [Security & Privacy](https://wifiweekly.com/topics/security-privacy/): VPNs, firewalls, and router hardening in plain English.
- [Gaming & Streaming](https://wifiweekly.com/topics/gaming-streaming/): Latency, QoS, and bufferbloat, explained and fixed.
- [How-To & Fixes](https://wifiweekly.com/topics/how-to-fixes/): Troubleshooting, speed tests, and dead-zone fixes.
- [Deals](https://wifiweekly.com/deals/): Tracked discounts, with the date we last checked the price.

## Reviews

- [Asus RT-BE92U review: fast, but the app still gets in the way](https://wifiweekly.com/reviews/asus-rt-be92u-review/): Wi-Fi 7 speeds that finally live up to the box, held back by setup software that hasn't caught up. Score 8.7/10. Updated 2026-09-20. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/reviews/asus-rt-be92u-review/index.md
- [Netgear Orbi 970 review: enterprise speeds, consumer price tag](https://wifiweekly.com/reviews/netgear-orbi-970-review/): The fastest mesh kit we've tested, but the subscription paywall for advanced security is a real drawback. Score 8.4/10. Updated 2026-09-08. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/reviews/netgear-orbi-970-review/index.md

## Guides

- [Why Is My Upload Speed So Slow? Causes and Fixes](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/why-is-my-upload-speed-slow/): Slow upload is often built into your plan, especially on cable and 5G home internet. Here's how to check, how to test properly, and what to fix at home. Updated 2026-10-19. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/why-is-my-upload-speed-slow/index.md
- [eero 7 vs. eero Pro 7 vs. eero Max 7: Which eero Should You Buy?](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/eero-7-vs-eero-pro-7-vs-eero-max-7/): Amazon's three indoor Wi-Fi 7 eeros compared on bands, Ethernet ports, coverage and today's eero.com prices, with a pick for each kind of home and internet plan. Updated 2026-10-19. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/eero-7-vs-eero-pro-7-vs-eero-max-7/index.md
- [Why Does My Wi-Fi Keep Disconnecting? How to Find the Cause](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/wifi-keeps-disconnecting/): Wi-Fi that keeps dropping usually comes down to one device, the router or the internet line. Here's how to tell which, and the fixes Apple, Microsoft, Google and router makers recommend. Updated 2026-10-18. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/wifi-keeps-disconnecting/index.md
- [Best Travel Routers in 2026: Picks by How You Travel](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/best-travel-router/): A research-based guide to five travel routers sold in the US, matched to hotel Wi-Fi, VPN use, cellular backup and ASUS home networks, with what the FCC's router rule means for buyers. Updated 2026-10-18. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/best-travel-router/index.md
- [How to See Who's Connected to Your Wi-Fi (and Block Them)](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/see-who-is-connected-to-my-wifi/): Find the device list in your router's app, identify unknown entries and block what you don't recognize. Steps for eero, Google, Netgear and ASUS. Updated 2026-10-17. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/see-who-is-connected-to-my-wifi/index.md
- [DOCSIS 3.0 vs. 3.1 vs. 4.0: Which Cable Modem Do You Need?](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/docsis-3-0-vs-3-1-vs-4-0-cable-modem/): What DOCSIS 3.0, 3.1 and 4.0 cable modems support, which one your internet plan needs, and how to check your provider's approved modem list first. Updated 2026-10-17. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/docsis-3-0-vs-3-1-vs-4-0-cable-modem/index.md
- [How to Change Your Wi-Fi Channel, and When It Helps](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/how-to-change-wifi-channel/): Changing the Wi-Fi channel fixes interference, not weak coverage. When to try it, which 2.4 GHz channels to use, DFS on 5 GHz, and steps by brand. Updated 2026-10-16. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/how-to-change-wifi-channel/index.md
- [Do You Need a Multi-Gig Router? 2.5G and 10G Ports Explained](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/do-you-need-a-multi-gig-router/): A plan faster than 1 Gbps needs more than a fast router. Which ports, cables and devices you need for multi-gig internet, and when gigabit is still enough. Updated 2026-10-16. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/do-you-need-a-multi-gig-router/index.md
- [How to Find and Fix Wi-Fi Dead Zones at Home](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/find-and-fix-wifi-dead-zones/): Map weak spots room by room, then fix them in order of cost: move the router, clear obstacles, change the channel, and add wired or mesh coverage last. Updated 2026-10-15. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/find-and-fix-wifi-dead-zones/index.md
- [Are Powerline Adapters Worth It? How They Work](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/are-powerline-adapters-worth-it/): Powerline adapters send internet over your electrical wiring. When they beat Wi-Fi, why the box speed is theoretical, and how they compare with MoCA. Updated 2026-10-15. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/are-powerline-adapters-worth-it/index.md
- [What Is Band Steering, and Should You Turn It Off?](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/what-is-band-steering/): Band steering puts all your Wi-Fi bands under one name and nudges devices to the best one. When to leave it on, when to turn it off, and how on each brand. Updated 2026-10-14. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/what-is-band-steering/index.md
- [Best Router Settings for Zoom and Teams Calls at Home](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/router-settings-for-video-calls/): Video calls need little bandwidth but a steady connection. The router settings that help Zoom and Teams on ASUS, Google and eero, and what matters more. Updated 2026-10-14. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/router-settings-for-video-calls/index.md
- [Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E: Is the 6 GHz Band Worth Paying For?](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/wifi-6-vs-wifi-6e/): Wi-Fi 6E is Wi-Fi 6 plus access to the 6 GHz band. Here is when that extra band helps, which devices can use it, and when plain Wi-Fi 6 is enough. Updated 2026-10-13. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/wifi-6-vs-wifi-6e/index.md
- [Is My Router Still Getting Security Updates? How to Check](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/is-my-router-still-getting-security-updates/): Routers stop getting security fixes at end of life. How to check your model with Netgear, ASUS, TP-Link and eero, and what to do if support has ended. Updated 2026-10-13. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/is-my-router-still-getting-security-updates/index.md
- [Bridge Mode and Double NAT: Own Router With an ISP Gateway](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/bridge-mode-double-nat-own-router/): Plugging your own router or mesh into a provider gateway can create double NAT. What that means, when it matters, and how bridge or AP mode fixes it. Updated 2026-10-12. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/bridge-mode-double-nat-own-router/index.md
- [Should You Change Your Router's DNS? How and When It Helps](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/change-router-dns-settings/): Changing your router's DNS can add malware blocking or privacy terms you prefer. It rarely makes the internet faster. How to choose a service and switch. Updated 2026-10-11. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/change-router-dns-settings/index.md
- [Buy Your Own Router or Use Your Internet Provider's?](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/buy-your-own-router-vs-isp-equipment/): Some plans now include the provider's gateway at no extra cost, and the law bars fees for equipment you supply. How to decide whether to buy your own. Updated 2026-10-11. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/buy-your-own-router-vs-isp-equipment/index.md
- [Smart Device Won't Connect to Wi-Fi? Use the 2.4 GHz Band](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/smart-home-device-wont-connect-2-4-ghz/): Many smart plugs, cameras and bulbs only work on 2.4 GHz. Why setup fails on modern routers, and how to connect them on eero, Google, Netgear and TP-Link. Updated 2026-10-08. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/smart-home-device-wont-connect-2-4-ghz/index.md
- [Do You Need a Gaming Router? What the Gaming Features Do](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/do-you-need-a-gaming-router/): Gaming routers add a priority port, traffic prioritization and paid route services. Here is what each does, what doesn't help, and who should buy one. Updated 2026-10-08. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/do-you-need-a-gaming-router/index.md
- [What Is MoCA? How to Use Coax Cable Instead of Ethernet](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/what-is-moca-ethernet-over-coax/): MoCA adapters send your home network over the coax cable already in the walls, at up to 2.5 Gbps. Here is how it works, what to buy and what to check. Updated 2026-10-07. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/what-is-moca-ethernet-over-coax/index.md
- [Should You Turn Off WPS and UPnP on Your Router?](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/should-you-disable-wps-and-upnp/): WPS and UPnP make setup easier, and both have known security weaknesses. Here is what each does, the official advice, and what breaks without them. Updated 2026-10-07. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/should-you-disable-wps-and-upnp/index.md
- [Should Smart Home Devices Go on a Guest Wi-Fi Network?](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/guest-wifi-network-smart-home-devices/): The NSA and FBI both advise keeping smart devices apart from your laptops and phones. Here is how a guest network does that, and what it can break. Updated 2026-10-06. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/guest-wifi-network-smart-home-devices/index.md
- [Cat 5e vs. Cat 6 vs. Cat 6A: Which Ethernet Cable Do You Need?](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/ethernet-cable-cat5e-vs-cat6-vs-cat6a/): Cat 5e handles 2.5 Gbps, Cat 6 handles 5 Gbps and Cat 6A handles 10 Gbps at full length. Here is which Ethernet cable to buy for a home network. Updated 2026-10-06. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/ethernet-cable-cat5e-vs-cat6-vs-cat6a/index.md
- [Wired vs. Wireless Backhaul for Mesh Wi-Fi: How to Set It Up](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/mesh-wifi-wired-vs-wireless-backhaul/): Backhaul is the link between your mesh units. Here is how wired and wireless backhaul differ, how to cable a mesh system, and the mistakes to avoid. Updated 2026-10-05. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/mesh-wifi-wired-vs-wireless-backhaul/index.md
- [How Much Internet Speed Do I Need? A Household Guide for 2026](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/how-much-internet-speed-do-i-need/): Add up what your household does at the same time, then check the upload number. Here are the official figures for streaming, video calls and gaming. Updated 2026-10-05. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/how-much-internet-speed-do-i-need/index.md
- [WPA2 vs. WPA3: Which Wi-Fi Security Setting Should You Use?](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/wpa2-vs-wpa3/): WPA3 protects your Wi-Fi password better than WPA2, but older devices may not connect. Here is which router setting to pick and when. Updated 2026-10-04. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/wpa2-vs-wpa3/index.md
- [Wi-Fi 6E vs. Wi-Fi 7: Which Should You Buy in 2026?](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/wifi-6e-vs-wifi-7/): Wi-Fi 7 adds 320 MHz channels, Multi-Link Operation and 4K QAM to what Wi-Fi 6E offers. Here is who benefits, who doesn't, and what to check on the box. Updated 2026-10-04. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/wifi-6e-vs-wifi-7/index.md
- [Why Is My Wi-Fi Slow When My Internet Is Fast?](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/wifi-slow-but-internet-fast/): Your internet speed is measured at the modem. Wi-Fi is a separate link to each device, with its own limits. Here is how to find yours. Updated 2026-10-04. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/wifi-slow-but-internet-fast/index.md
- [How to Fix Slow Wi-Fi at Home: A Test-First Guide](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/how-to-fix-slow-wifi/): Before you buy a new router, find out where the slowdown is. A wired speed test tells you whether to blame your plan, your Wi-Fi or one device. Updated 2026-10-03. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/how-to-fix-slow-wifi/index.md
- [2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz vs. 6 GHz Wi-Fi: Which Band Should You Use?](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/2-4-ghz-vs-5-ghz-vs-6-ghz-wifi/): The three Wi-Fi bands trade range for speed. Here is what each one is good at, which devices can use it, and the router settings worth changing. Updated 2026-10-03. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/2-4-ghz-vs-5-ghz-vs-6-ghz-wifi/index.md
- [Wi-Fi Router vs. Mesh Wi-Fi: Which Do You Need?](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/wifi-router-vs-mesh/): A single router is enough for many homes. Here is how to tell if yours is one of them, and what to try before paying for mesh. Updated 2026-10-02. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/wifi-router-vs-mesh/index.md
- [Fiber vs. cable vs. 5G home internet: which should you choose?](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/fiber-vs-cable-vs-5g-home-internet/): How the three main home internet types differ on speed, reliability, and price, and how to check what you can actually get at your address. Updated 2026-10-01. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/fiber-vs-cable-vs-5g-home-internet/index.md
- [Best Mesh Wi-Fi for a Large House in 2026: Picks by Home Layout](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/best-mesh-wifi-for-large-house/): Whether you can run Ethernet between units matters more than the Wi-Fi generation. Distance tests, wired vs. wireless backhaul, and picks by home type. Updated 2026-10-01. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/best-mesh-wifi-for-large-house/index.md
- [Best Wi-Fi Router for a Large House in 2026: What to Buy Now](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/best-wifi-router-for-large-house/): For most large homes the answer is a mesh system, not one big router. Here is how to choose in 2026, and how the FCC's foreign-router rule changes what is on the shelf. Updated 2026-09-30. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/best-wifi-router-for-large-house/index.md
- [Matter and Thread, explained: what to buy for a smart home](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/matter-thread-smart-home-explained/): What Matter and Thread actually do, what you need to use them, and how they fit with your home WiFi. Updated 2026-09-28. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/matter-thread-smart-home-explained/index.md
- [Router hardening checklist: 10 settings to change in 15 minutes](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/router-hardening-checklist/): Ten changes that make your router harder to attack, in plain English and in order of importance. Updated 2026-09-25. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/router-hardening-checklist/index.md
- [Bufferbloat explained: why games lag when someone uploads](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/fix-bufferbloat-gaming-lag/): Why your ping spikes when the network is busy, how to test for it, and how to fix it with smart queue management. Updated 2026-09-22. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/fix-bufferbloat-gaming-lag/index.md
- [Mesh system or single router? A decision guide for houses over 1,800 sq ft](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/mesh-vs-router-guide/): The square-footage number on the box is a lab measurement. Here's how to translate it to your actual walls. Updated 2026-09-15. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/mesh-vs-router-guide/index.md
- [Where to actually put a Wi-Fi extender (it's not halfway)](https://wifiweekly.com/guides/wifi-extender-placement-guide/): The halfway rule is close enough for an open floor plan and wrong for almost everything else. Updated 2026-09-04. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/guides/wifi-extender-placement-guide/index.md

## News

- [TP-Link Sued by Five States: What It Means If You Own One](https://wifiweekly.com/news/tp-link-state-lawsuits-what-owners-should-know/): Florida, Iowa, Montana and Nebraska sued TP-Link on Oct. 6, joining Texas. The claims are unproven, your router stays legal, and updates matter most. Updated 2026-10-12. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/news/tp-link-state-lawsuits-what-owners-should-know/index.md
- [Wi-Fi 8 Routers Are Here, but Not in the US: Buy or Wait?](https://wifiweekly.com/news/wifi-8-routers-us-availability/): TP-Link and ASUS are selling Wi-Fi 8 routers outside the US. An FCC rule decides which can launch here, and the standard itself is still a draft. Updated 2026-10-12. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/news/wifi-8-routers-us-availability/index.md
- [Which router brands have FCC conditional approval? Where things stood in mid-September](https://wifiweekly.com/news/fcc-router-conditional-approvals-status/): A quick status check on the FCC's foreign-made router rule: who has conditional approval, and what it means for what you can buy. Updated 2026-10-01. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/news/fcc-router-conditional-approvals-status/index.md
- [Starlink's router now plays nicer with third-party mesh systems](https://wifiweekly.com/news/test-starlink-mesh-integration-news/): A firmware update finally lets bypass mode coexist with mesh backhaul without the workarounds users have relied on for two years. Updated 2026-09-30. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/news/test-starlink-mesh-integration-news/index.md
- [FCC quietly raises outdoor power limits on 6GHz — here's what changes](https://wifiweekly.com/news/fcc-6ghz-power-rules/): The ruling clears the way for longer-range 6GHz mesh backhaul, starting with next year's hardware. Updated 2026-09-18. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/news/fcc-6ghz-power-rules/index.md

## Deals

- [TP-Link Deco X50 mesh kit drops to $149 for Prime members](https://wifiweekly.com/deals/test-tp-link-deco-mesh-deal/): A real 30% cut on a solid mid-range Wi-Fi 6 mesh kit, not an inflated pre-sale price. Updated 2026-09-29. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/deals/test-tp-link-deco-mesh-deal/index.md
- [Eero Pro 6E drops to $189 for the 2-pack — is it worth buying over the newer 7?](https://wifiweekly.com/deals/eero-vs-tplink-deal/): A genuine price cut, not a pre-Black-Friday markup-then-markdown. Updated 2026-09-12. Markdown: https://wifiweekly.com/deals/eero-vs-tplink-deal/index.md

## Reference

- [WiFi glossary](https://wifiweekly.com/glossary/): plain-English definitions of WiFi, router, and internet terms
- [Sitemap](https://wifiweekly.com/sitemap.xml)
- [RSS feed](https://wifiweekly.com/index.xml)