Even powerful routers / access points like that one have difficulty with certain types of home construction or layouts. Older buildings with narrow hallways, he

Even powerful routers / access points like that one have difficulty with certain types of home construction or layouts. Older buildings with narrow hallways, heavy wood beam construction, lath and plaster, multiple levels, or brick construction all pose some challenges for wifi devices. Homes with detached units, like a small shop, don't usually get both covered very well without extra devices. You're right that the average Bay Area cardboard box doesn't need these, but the world's a lot bigger than the Bay Area.