Having a reliable wireless connection is essential for work and home life. A good internet connection ensures effective online communication, easy connection to smart devices, gaming, printers, and appliances. With routers only being able to cast their Wi-Fi net within a limited range, wireless extenders can stabilize your connection and boost the signal.
If you live in a big house with thick walls, a wireless extender can solve all your connection problems. In this guide, we will point out the things you need to consider when buying a wireless extender. We simplify all the technical jargon, helping you choose the best option to meet your connection requirements.
What Does a Wireless Extender Do?
A wireless extender links the router to the end points by rebroadcasting the signal both ways. These points include the devices you are connecting such as your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. This does mean that your living space is surrounded by more radio signals and busier airwaves. The end result is, however, better coverage where it is needed.
How to Choose the Right Wireless Extender
There are several factors to take into account when choosing an extender. The following considerations may influence signal quality and pricing.
Frequency
This can be single 2.4GHz or Dual Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz support. Most wireless extenders work on the single 2.4GHz frequency spectrum. More expensive extenders support Dual Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Regardless of whether your router supports single or Dual Band, you can opt to save money by using a single frequency spectrum if your budget is a determining factor.
Standards Compatibility
Standards compatibility is linked to the frequency and age of your wireless router. To make it simple, look at the specifications of your router. You want to check the standards that it supports. It is generally safest to go with a universal extender that works with any 802.11 a/b/n/ac routers as compatibility is essential between the router and the range extender.
Profile
The Wi-Fi extender can be desktop-based or plugged into a wall socket. Wall plug range extenders take the least amount of space and only require a free socket on the wall. They are a similar size to a battery charger and convenient to use anywhere. More advanced extenders are intended for the desktop. These devices have the same look as a regular router. They can have external antennas or built-in antennas. They require slightly more space than the plug extender but are still fairly compact.
Security
Most range extenders support the highest level of security available to private users. To verify this check that the wireless extender supports WPA2-PSK security protocol.
Manufacturer
For the best outcome, purchase the router and extender with the same specifications from a single manufacturer. If your router works on Dual Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz, an extender from the same manufacturer that works on those frequencies would pair well together.
Cost
Wi-Fi extender pricing depends on the range you need to cover as well as single or Dual Band specifications. Pricing varies from $40 up to $260. You need to choose an option that is compatible with your router. More expensive routers can sometimes be better quality and require less adjusting.
Ports
Most plug-based Wi-Fi extenders have one or two ethernet ports. Desktop extenders can have up to five ethernet ports. These are suitable for devices that do not have wireless connectivity such as old desktops, printers, or an IP camera.
Performance
The performance of a wireless extender will be partly determined by the range and the limitations of what the router can provide. Extender performance can be identified by the maximum throughput and bandwidth they are capable of supporting.
Wireless Extender FAQ
Q: Do Wi-Fi extenders work?
A: Yes, wireless extenders do work. The degree to which they are effective will depend on the setting of your home or building. Homes with thick walls and copper pipes reduce the efficiency of the signal repeaters. Modern buildings with thinner walls and modern pipes will result in better signal transmission.
Q: How can I boost Wi-Fi signal?
A: Boosting the Wi-Fi range is achievable by installing a repeater or wireless extender. If you want to boost the Wi-Fi speed itself your options may be limited depending on where you live. One option is to manually change your Wi-Fi channel or pay for an upgrade. Certain areas, however, get different Wi-Fi speeds depending on the infrastructure and availability of fiber optic cabling.
Q: Will using a wireless extender slow down my internet?
A: No, a wireless extender will not slow down the connection. Extenders are intended to boost the current signal emitting from a modem. This signal may be improved to certain areas of the house by using an extender. The speed will, however, stay the same.
Q: How far do wireless extenders reach?
A: The distance may vary per brand or product but will be in the range of 50-75ft. for effective wireless extender use. It is not recommended to use more than one extender. Although theoretically, you should be able to extend as many as you like, the truth of the matter is that too much signal is lost when trying to use more than one which makes it ineffective.
Q: Are Wi-Fi extenders and repeaters the same thing?
A: Wireless boosters, extenders, and repeaters are all referred to as a device used to improve Wi-Fi signal coverage. Although all devices don’t necessarily work in the same way, there is no specific differentiation by manufacturers between devices labeled as ‘repeaters’ or ‘extenders’.
Q: What is a mesh Wi-Fi extender?
A: Unlike wireless extenders that are added to existing Wi-Fi networks, mesh systems are a complete replacement of the home wireless setup. They replace the router-and-extender setup with multiple identical units. These units are placed around your house with nodes communicating with each other to amplify the Wi-Fi signal and extend the coverage.