Optimizing internet in multi-family housing
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Key takeaways
- A multi-dwelling unit (MDU) is defined as any housing that shares a wall, including apartments, condos, mixed-use developments, high rises, townhomes and duplexes.
- Internet for apartment complexes faces specific challenges due to the density of residents, and Wi-Fi interference arises from factors unique to shared-housing communities.
- Adjusting your router, Wi-Fi devices and security settings can improve your internet connection and deliver faster Wi-Fi for apartments.
- The best Wi-Fi for apartments is a fiber, cable or 5G connection, such as from AT&T, Verizon, Spectrum, T-Mobile and more.
Internet challenges in multi-family homes
Multi-family homes face unique internet challenges, including limited provider availability, signal interference and network congestion.
While these issues can occur in single-family homes, they are more common in multi-family settings that millions of Americans call home. As multi-family home construction increases rapidly, these internet inconveniences are set to impact an even greater number of people throughout the country.
Multifamily housing by the numbers
- Over 57 million people live in multifamily homes, according to the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC).
- Approximately 56% of renters in the U.S. live in multifamily homes consisting of two or more units.
- 29% of U.S. housing units are multi-family homes, according to Construction Coverage and U.S. Census Bureau American data.
- New York City, Dallas, Austin, Houston, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. led with the most new multifamily home construction underway or completed in 2024 (ranging from 55–143K each), according to Fannie Mae.
If you live in an MDU, our expert solutions can help you conquer common internet challenges specific to multi-family homes.
The most common Wi-Fi challenges in MDUs
Wiring, walls, security and availability create some of the top challenges residents often encounter when dealing with Wi-Fi for apartments and other multi-family dwellings. Our experts explain the causes behind common internet issues and offer quick fixes for improved Wi-Fi in apartments, condos or other shared housing scenarios.
Infrastructure affects internet in MDUs
Cause: Shared wiring in apartment buildings can negatively affect Wi-Fi performance, especially with cable internet, where more people online = less bandwidth per device.
Effect: When more people (or devices) are online (e.g., weekends/evenings), you may notice a significant drop in speed, resulting in lag or buffering. Single-family homes can experience this difficulty too, but internet for apartment buildings has to handle a much more concentrated number of people. Network congestion or internet throttling can be particularly noticeable in MDUs with 10 or more units.
Solution:
- Disconnect Wi-Fi devices that aren’t currently in use to free up bandwidth for your higher-priority devices.
- Create a strong password for your network and change it routinely if you suspect it has been compromised to ensure no unauthorized devices are piggybacking off of your Wi-Fi.
- Restart your router to instantly boost Wi-Fi performance by clearing the cache, freeing up more space and allowing for a quicker connection.
Wi-Fi signal interference
Cause: The increased number of shared walls (compared to a single-family home) creates obstacles for home Wi-Fi signal transmission.
Effect: Wi-Fi coverage can weaken in range and strength when it must travel through more walls. Wi-Fi for apartments also encounters increased interference from the concentration of signal blockers like kitchen and laundry appliances, bookshelves, mirrors and even fish tanks.
Solution:
- Use a high-quality router, modem, and mesh Wi-Fi system or Wi-Fi extender to help signal distribution/coverage.
- Avoid placing your router or gateway near appliances that can disrupt Wi-Fi (e.g., microwaves, refrigerators, Bluetooth devices, cordless phones).
Competing Wi-Fi networks
Cause: If each apartment unit has its own Wi-Fi network, there are multiple signals on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands that every router must use.
Effect: Competing Wi-Fi signals can cause a decline in Wi-Fi reliability.
Solution:
- Switch some of your devices to alternate frequency bands on your router to optimize your Wi-Fi.
- Devices that are closer to the router and need faster speeds (e.g., gaming consoles, smart TVs) should be on the 5 GHz band; other devices can use 2.4 GHz.
- Manage the devices that use each band by logging into your router or within your provider’s app.
Limited provider availability
Cause: Some housing complexes have exclusive agreements to use only one wired internet service provider.
Effect: If your community only offers one ISP (or your internet service cost is built into your rent), you may be tied to using that service.
Solution:
- If you are unhappy with the primary ISP in your area, first find out if you have other options. Enter your address on this page to check which providers are available in your area.
- Non-wired ISPs could offer other Wi-Fi options. 5G internet, which only requires a wall outlet and gateway device, may be a high-speed internet alternative.
- Satellite internet may be another option for rural MDUs that allow dish installation.
Security concerns
Cause: The increased number of residents and visitors at MDUs can increase the likelihood of unauthorized devices attempting to connect to your Wi-Fi network or hack into your devices.
Effect: Your personal data could be at risk whenever you are online.
Solution:
- Stay safe online by updating your Wi-Fi password regularly and setting up a guest Wi-Fi network for visitors.
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your personal information — especially when online banking or shopping — and to shield your IP address.
Best internet providers for MDUs
Start your search for the best Wi-Fi for apartments by identifying the internet connection type and providers available at your residence. Using the data compiled and analyzed by our broadband experts of over 30 different internet service providers, we’ve narrowed down the best internet for apartments.
| Top choices | Technology type |
|---|---|
| – AT&T Fiber – Verizon Fios – Frontier Fiber – Google Fiber – Quantum Fiber | Fiber internet is considered the best internet for an apartment since its dedicated line virtually eliminates lag from network congestion. |
| – Spectrum – Xfinity – Cox | High-speed cable internet is a close runner-up due to its potential for gigabit speeds, which can ease the challenges of shared bandwidth. |
| – Verizon 5G – T-Mobile 5G – Starry | 5G, or fixed wireless internet, can also be a solid alternative for MDUs with limited internet options. |
Ultimately, the best Wi-Fi option for a multi-unit environment can vary based on what internet providers are available at that specific location.
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