TL;DR: You don’t need multiple routers unless you have multiple ISPs, and even then, a load-balancing router is better. Adding access points or using mesh systems with proper configuration (e.g., channel selection, transmission power) can extend Wi-Fi coverage without interference. Plan for IoT devices, frequencies, walls, and neighboring networks to optimize your home Wi-Fi.
So that’s not necessarily true. I know this is a few months late, but let me clarify.
First of all, unless you have multiple ISPs, you don’t need multiple routers. Even if you do have multiple ISPs, you should invest in a router with load balancing or failover capabilities. A load-balancing router ensures seamless traffic distribution across both internet connections without manual switching, reducing complexity and interference. For most setups, you only need one main router to manage the network. That said, expanding Wi-Fi coverage with access points is essential for reliable connectivity in larger or multi-story homes and has nothing to do with needing multiple routers.
If you’re careful with transmission power, channel selection, and channel width, you can easily accommodate multiple access points in a home without interference. Proper configuration, such as assigning non-overlapping channels (e.g., 1, 6, 11 on 2.4 GHz or DFS channels on 5 GHz), is essential. Adding access points to address weak signal areas is often necessary in homes with thick walls, multiple floors, or high-bandwidth needs. The interference you need to manage typically comes from poorly configured channels or excessive transmission power within your own network, not simply from having multiple access points.
Interference challenges come in three main forms: too many devices connecting to a single access point, neighboring networks on overlapping channels, and physical obstacles like walls or floors that weaken higher-frequency signals (e.g., 5 GHz or 6 GHz). IoT devices, which often rely on 2.4 GHz, can contribute to congestion if not properly distributed across access points. To optimize Wi-Fi throughout your home, you’ll need to analyze these factors—along with your environment and device requirements—and plan accordingly.
Finally, I strongly recommend using a Wi-Fi analyzer to optimize your network. These tools provide insights into signal strength, channel congestion, interference, and more. Every home network is different, so it’s a good idea to research best practices for each solution—whether it’s channel selection, bandwidth configuration, or optimizing access point placement—to tailor the setup to your specific needs.
In summary, the idea that multiple Wi-Fi systems will automatically lead to interference is outdated. With proper planning—using modern Wi-Fi standards, configuring channels and power levels, supplementing your router with well-placed access points, and analyzing your network environment—you can create a reliable, high-performance network that minimizes interference and delivers the coverage you need.