How to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal with a Wi-Fi Extender

Reading time: 5 minutes

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Do you struggle with poor Wi-Fi signals in some parts of your home or office? Do you want to enjoy fast and reliable internet in every room without spending a fortune? If so, you might benefit from a Wi-Fi extender. In this blog post, I will explain what a Wi-Fi extender is, how it works, and what features and limitations you should look for when buying one. I will also share some of the latest technology and best products on the market to help you make an informed decision.

Before purchasing an extender, I recommend that you discuss your requirements with a qualified IT technician experienced in Wi-Fi technology. This will save you time and ensure that you purchase the correct solution the first time.

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What is a Wi-Fi extender and how does it work?

A Wi-Fi extender, also known as a Wi-Fi booster or repeater, is a device that extends or boosts your existing Wi-Fi signal beyond your router's reach. It works by connecting wirelessly to your router in an area where the signal is strong and rebroadcasting it to parts of your house where the signal is weak or non-existent. This way, you can get Wi-Fi in every room, even in your backyard or garage.

The location of the Wi-Fi extender is of utmost importance. It must be positioned close enough to the router to still receive a strong signal. The takeaway is that if the extender receives a strong signal, it will extend the strong signal.

A Wi-Fi extender can improve your internet speed, performance, and coverage, especially if you have a large house or office, multiple floors, thick walls, or other obstacles that interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. It can also help you connect devices that do not have Wi-Fi, such as smart TVs, game consoles, or printers, by using an Ethernet port.

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What features and limitations should you look for in a Wi-Fi extender?

Not all Wi-Fi extenders are created equal. There are many factors to consider when choosing one, such as:

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Compatibility: You want a Wi-Fi extender that is compatible with your router and your devices. Most modern extenders support the 802.11ac standard, which is faster and more efficient than the older 802.11n standard. However, if you have an older router or device that only supports 802.11n, you might need an extender that supports both standards. You also want to check the frequency bands that your extender supports. Most routers and extenders use either 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands, or both (dual band). The 2.4GHz band has a longer range but is more prone to interference from other devices and appliances. The 5GHz band has a shorter range but is less crowded and faster. A dual-band extender can use both bands to optimize your signal quality and speed.

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Performance: You want a Wi-Fi extender that can deliver enough bandwidth and speed for your needs. The bandwidth and speed of your extender depend on several factors, such as the standard it supports, the frequency band it uses, the number of antennas it has, and the distance between it and your router and devices. A good way to measure the performance of your extender is by looking at its maximum data rate, which is expressed in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). For example, an AC2200 extender can deliver up to 2.2Gbps of bandwidth at once, which is enough to stream Netflix in 4K, video chat on FaceTime, and play online games on several devices simultaneously.

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Range: You want a Wi-Fi extender that can cover the area where you need Wi-Fi signal. The range of your extender depends on several factors, such as the power of its transmitter, the sensitivity of its receiver, the number and direction of its antennas, and the layout and size of your house or office. An effective way to measure the range of your extender is by looking at its coverage area, which is expressed in square feet or meters. For example, an extender with a coverage area of 185 square meters can extend your signal to another floor or the distant corners of a large home.

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Ease of use: You want a Wi-Fi extender that is easy to set up and use. Most extenders have a simple plug-and-play design that allows you to plug them into a wall socket and connect them to your router with a push of a button or via an app on your smartphone or tablet. Some extenders also have LED indicators that show you the best location to place them for optimal signal strength. However, some extenders might require more configuration or troubleshooting if they do not work well with your router or network settings.

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Features: You want a Wi-Fi extender that has extra features that enhance its functionality and convenience. Common features include:

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Mesh technology: Some extenders use mesh technology, which allows them to create a seamless network with your router and other extenders, rather than just repeating the signal. This way, you can move around your house or office without losing connection or switching between different networks. Mesh extenders also have a single network name and password, which makes it easier to manage your network and devices.

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Wi-Fi 6 support: Newer extenders support Wi-Fi 6, which is the latest and fastest standard of Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi 6 offers faster speeds, lower latency, higher capacity, and better security than previous standards. It also supports more devices at once, which is ideal for smart homes and offices. However, to enjoy the benefits of Wi-Fi 6, you also need a router and devices that support it.

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Ethernet port: The more feature rich extenders have an Ethernet port that allows you to use a network cable to connect a device that does not have Wi-Fi, such as a smart TV, game console, or printer. This can improve the performance and reliability of your device, especially if it requires a lot of bandwidth or is far from your router or extender.

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Outlet pass-through: A new addition to extenders is an outlet pass-through plug that allows you to plug another 3-prong power plug appliance into the same wall socket as the extender. This can save you space and avoid blocking other outlets.

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What are the latest technology and best products on the market?

If you are looking for a Wi-Fi extender that can boost your signal and meet your needs, here are two of the latest technologies and popular products on the market:

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TP-Link RE700X: It is an affordable option that offers excellent performance and coverage for most people. It supports Wi-Fi 6, which means it can deliver faster speeds and handle more devices than older extenders. It also has a dual-band design that can use both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to optimize your signal quality and speed. It has a range of up to 185 square meters and can deliver up to 2.2Gbps of bandwidth at once. It is easy to set up and use with the TP-Link Tether app or the WPS button on your router. It also has an Ethernet port that allows you to connect to a wired device.

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Netgear Nighthawk EAX80: The Nighthawk is a premium option that offers superior performance and coverage for demanding users. It supports Wi-Fi 6, which means it can deliver faster speeds and handle more devices than older extenders. It also has a quad-band design that can use four frequency bands (two 2.4GHz and two 5GHz) to optimize your signal quality and speed. It has a range of up to 232 square meters and can deliver up to 6Gbps of bandwidth at once. It is easy to set up and use with the Netgear Nighthawk app or the WPS button on your router. It also has four Ethernet ports that allow you to connect multiple wired devices.

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Conclusion

A Wi-Fi extender can be a great solution for improving your Wi-Fi signal in your home or office. However, not all extenders are the same, so you need to consider several factors before buying one, such as compatibility, performance, range, ease of use, and features. You also need to keep up with the latest technology and products on the market to get the best value for your money.

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I hope this blog post has helped you understand what a Wi-Fi range extender is, how it works, what are its benefits and limitations, and how to choose the best one for you.

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If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. I would love to hear from you!

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