Wi-Fi and Networking

Today’s homes rely on fast and secure Wi-Fi more than ever. Whether you’re working remotely, gaming online, running a smart home, or streaming ultra-high-definition content across multiple rooms, your network needs to keep up. A laggy or inconsistent connection isn’t just annoying; it can disrupt your workflow, affect video calls, or even ruin a great streaming or gaming session.

Fortunately, networking technology has come a long way. Modern routers, mesh systems, and Wi-Fi extenders offer broad coverage, faster speeds, and more control than ever before. You don’t need to be a tech expert to get set up either, as many devices today offer app-based installation and built-in management tools. At Best Buy, we carry the gear you need to build a strong, reliable network that works for your lifestyle.

Essential Networking Gear for Every Home

Building the right home network starts with understanding your space, your needs, and your devices. A small apartment with one or two users may only need a single router, while larger homes or households with dozens of connected devices might benefit from a more advanced solution like a mesh Wi-Fi system.

At Best Buy, you’ll find everything from simple plug-and-play routers to high-performance networking systems for gamers, families, content creators, and smart homes. We carry trusted brands like ASUS, TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, D-Link, AmpliFi, Google Nest, and eero, many of which offer advanced security features, smart home compatibility, and tools for managing connected devices.

Mesh Wi-Fi Systems: Blanket Your Entire Home in Seamless Coverage

If you’ve ever experienced dead zones in certain rooms, maybe a slow-loading video in the basement or a dropped video call upstairs, it may be time to consider a mesh Wi-Fi system. These systems go beyond a traditional single-router setup by using multiple access points, or “nodes,” that work together to provide reliable coverage throughout your home.

Your devices can connect to the most appropriate mesh node as you move around your home, helping maintain a consistent connection. Whether you’re walking from room to room on a video call or streaming 4K content in multiple areas at once, a well-designed mesh system can help reduce dead zones and connection drop-offs.

Setup is typically app-based and user-friendly, letting you view connected devices, pause internet access, create guest networks, and manage parental controls from your smartphone. Many current systems support Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, or Wi-Fi 7, helping you take advantage of newer devices and higher-bandwidth applications.

Popular mesh families include Google Nest Wi-Fi, TP-Link Deco, ASUS ZenWiFi, eero, and Netgear Orbi. These systems can be ideal for medium to large homes, multi-floor layouts, or households with high internet demands.

Choosing the Right Router: Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, or Wi-Fi 7?

The router is at the heart of many home networks. It distributes your internet connection to devices such as phones, laptops, TVs, smart speakers, game consoles, and more. But not all routers offer the same features or level of performance.

Current routers may support Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, or Wi-Fi 7. These newer Wi-Fi generations are designed to handle more connected devices, deliver faster speeds, reduce latency, and improve performance in busy wireless environments.

• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) improves speed and efficiency across multiple devices with technologies such as MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
• Wi-Fi 6E extends Wi-Fi 6 capabilities into the 6 GHz band, providing access to additional spectrum that can help reduce congestion for compatible devices.
• Wi-Fi 7 is the latest widely available Wi-Fi generation, offering higher potential speeds, lower latency, and features such as Multi-Link Operation that can improve performance for demanding applications and gaming.

Look for dual-band or tri-band routers based on your devices, home size, and performance needs. Additional bands can help distribute wireless traffic and reduce congestion, while some mesh systems may also use a dedicated band for communication between nodes.

Many current routers include app-based setup, guest network management, parental controls, and built-in security features designed to help protect connected devices.

Extend Your Wi-Fi Coverage with Boosters and Adapters

Sometimes even a powerful router can’t reach every corner of your home, especially in larger spaces, multi-storey homes, or buildings with thick walls. That’s where range extenders and powerline adapters can help.

Wi-Fi Range Extenders

A range extender, sometimes called a repeater or booster, picks up your existing Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcasts it to help cover hard-to-reach areas. This can be a good option if you have one or two trouble spots, such as a garage, backyard patio, or upstairs bedroom with a weak connection.

Depending on the extender and router, the extended network may use the same Wi-Fi network name or a separate one. Some compatible mesh and EasyMesh systems can provide a more unified network experience as you move throughout the home.

Powerline Adapters

For devices that need a wired connection but are far from your router, powerline adapters can provide another option. They use your home’s electrical wiring to carry network data. Plug one adapter near your router and connect it with an Ethernet cable, then plug the second adapter into an outlet near your device and connect your TV, gaming console, PC, or other compatible device.

Powerline networking can be useful for gaming, streaming, or other wired connections without running long Ethernet cables through your home. Actual speeds and reliability can vary depending on the age, layout, and condition of your electrical wiring.

Modems and Network Switches

How your home connects to the internet depends on your internet service provider and connection type. Cable internet commonly uses a modem, while other services may use equipment such as a fibre terminal or gateway. Many internet providers supply a modem, router, or combination gateway as part of their service.

If you’re considering buying your own modem or networking equipment, check with your internet provider first to make sure it is compatible with your service and permitted on their network.

If you have several wired devices like a smart TV, desktop PC, gaming console, or network-attached storage (NAS), you might run out of Ethernet ports on your router. A network switch is a simple way to expand your wired connectivity. Connect the switch to a LAN port on your router to add Ethernet ports for compatible devices.

Mobile Internet and USB Wi-Fi Adapters

Although less common than built-in Wi-Fi and mobile hotspot connections, mobile internet devices and USB Wi-Fi adapters can still be useful in certain situations. If you're travelling or working somewhere without a fixed internet connection, compatible mobile internet equipment can connect to a cellular network using a mobile provider’s data plan.

Meanwhile, USB Wi-Fi adapters are handy for desktops or older laptops that lack built-in wireless connectivity or need an upgraded Wi-Fi connection. They plug into a USB port and can provide a simple way to add wireless networking without opening your computer.

Build a Network That Works for You

Whether you're starting fresh or upgrading your setup, investing in a fast, stable home network can improve connectivity across your devices. From binge-watching your favourite shows to uploading content, video calling family, gaming online, or controlling devices through your smart home app, Wi-Fi has become an essential part of everyday life.

At Best Buy, we’re here to help you find the right networking gear, whether you need a powerful router, a full mesh system, or accessories to extend your range and coverage. Whatever your space, needs, or budget, there’s a networking solution that can help keep you connected with ease.