What makes range extenders so attractive compared to bespoke mesh systems is that they are easier and cheaper to install. When combined with an affordable router, you can create a tandem system with coverage comparable to a single, more expensive router or mesh network. Range extenders come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and speeds; do There is a limit. These are typically half the speed of your primary router and create a separate extended network, making seamless roaming difficult.
Depending on the size and layout of your home, a mid- to high-end router may be able to provide all the Wi-Fi coverage you need. However, for homes built with dense materials such as brick, concrete, stucco, and metal, some level of signal degradation is almost guaranteed. Similarly, homes with multiple floors and many walls are more susceptible to signal loss than single-story homes with open floor plans. In some cases, you can relocate your router to a central location to send a stronger signal to dead zones that it previously couldn’t reach. However, in most homes, the router’s location is tied to the room where the Internet enters the house, so moving the router may require running an Ethernet cable to the desired area. Range extenders provide a relatively easy way to provide Wi-Fi without running cables.
(Credit: TP-Link)When purchasing a range extender, it’s important to find one that matches your router’s specifications. For example, if you have a dual-band AC1900 router, get a dual-band AC1900 extender (or better). If your router supports multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) data streaming, performance is improved by sending data to compatible clients simultaneously instead of sequentially. If you want to extend MU-MIMO, look for an extender that supports this technology. MIMO network.
The same goes for the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E technologies, which are the fastest Wi-Fi today. If you recently purchased a new router that supports these standards, you should make sure that your range extender supports them as well.
How do Wi-Fi range extenders work?
A Wi-Fi range extender boosts the Wi-Fi signal from your existing router and increases coverage throughout your home. To do this, it receives a signal from a specific Wi-Fi access point (router). Depending on the brand and model of your device, boost the signal under the same network name (SSID) or under a new SSID that you must create and configure. You’ve probably seen this before. In this example, the house network has “SmithHouse” for his second floor and “SmithHouse_EXT” for his second floor. Devices often stay on one until they are completely out of range, then switching to a closer range extender will give you a better connection.
However, some range extenders do more than just boost your Wi-Fi signal. Many models are equipped with an Ethernet port, so you can use it as a wireless access point using an Ethernet connection instead of wirelessly to your router. In this scenario, instead of the access point boosting your router’s Wi-Fi signal, traffic flows wirelessly from your device to the access point and then from the access point to your router via an Ethernet cable. This mode of operation is often preferred because it reduces the possibility of interference, but it is important to note that if you run cables between the router and areas of your home where Wi-Fi coverage is unstable, I need the functionality.
What is the difference between Wi-Fi booster and extender?
Some manufacturers call their products Wi-Fi boosters or Wi-Fi range boosters, while others call them Wi-Fi extenders or Wi-Fi range extenders. For most consumer purposes, these terms are all synonymous.
However, before purchasing a range extender, you should consider other ways to strengthen your Wi-Fi signal without using a range extender. Many are easy and free. You can change the location of your router, update its firmware, and change the signal it broadcasts. These simple adjustments, and others like them, can resolve connectivity issues without the need for additional equipment. For more ideas, check out our guide to boosting your Wi-Fi signal.
Need a desktop or plugin extender?
There are two types of Wi-Fi range extenders: desktop and plug-in. Most desktop extenders look like wireless routers and typically include an adjustable external antenna, multiple LAN ports for connecting to devices such as televisions or game consoles, and peripherals such as storage drives or printers. Equipped with 1 USB port.
Plug-in extenders are much smaller than desktop extenders and can be inserted directly into a wall outlet. Some models have external antennas, while others use internal antennas for a discreet profile. Due to their size, plug-in extenders typically have only one LAN port and no USB connectivity, making them less versatile, but more affordable than desktop extenders. If you don’t have room for a wall outlet, look for a plug-in model with a pass-through outlet.
(Credit: Amplified Wireless)Also note that if you have special problems connecting your computer to Wi-Fi in certain areas of your home, you may be better off using a USB Wi-Fi adapter. Available for just $15, these adapters are essentially antennas that connect directly to your computer to help you get a better Wi-Fi signal.
How to set up a Wi-Fi range extender
Not so long ago, setting up a range extender required some technical expertise and a lot of patience to find the perfect spot, ideally between the router and the dead zone. But most of today’s routers and range extenders support Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), so all you have to do is press a few buttons, name your new extended network, and create a network password. Pairing becomes easy.
Additionally, nearly all manufacturers offer web-based setup wizards and illustrated instructions to help you configure basic wireless settings. Some (but not all) extenders are equipped with LED status indicators that indicate whether the extender is too far from the router. Extenders can also provide advanced router-like functionality such as guest networking, access scheduling, and media server functionality.
Do Wi-Fi extenders really work?
Although very easy to set up, range extenders have limitations. In addition to the fact that it often uses a separate network SSID that you need to log into as you move around the house, Wi-Fi speeds are typically half the speed of your main router. Most dual-band extenders use both radio bands to send data to and from the router. This means that the devices you connect to your extender will compete with your router for bandwidth.
To reduce network congestion, some manufacturers may provide dedicated bandwidth for communication between routers and extenders. Good examples include Netgear’s Fastlane technology and Amped Wireless’ BoostBand technology.
(Credit: Linksys)Still, you may be looking for the fastest possible throughput. The reason could be that you are running business applications on your network or you are in the market for a gaming router, especially his Wi-Fi 6 router. If so, be sure to test the connection between the endpoints to ensure you get the highest possible traffic speeds. PCMag thoroughly tests every router and range extender that comes out, so you have a good idea of what to expect before you buy.
Comparing wireless extenders and Wi-Fi mesh systems
If you’re looking to upgrade your network with brand new hardware, it’s worth considering a mesh-based Wi-Fi system before spending money on a traditional router. A Wi-Fi mesh system is designed to cover an entire home with wireless coverage and consists of several network components such as a main router and a series of satellite modules (nodes) that are placed throughout the home. They’re all part of a single wireless network and share the same SSID and password, so you can roam around your home without having to log into your extended network.
Range extenders communicate with routers over 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz radio bands, while most Wi-Fi system satellites use mesh technology to communicate with routers and each other. Each node acts as a hop point for other nodes in the system. This allows the node furthest from the router to communicate with other nodes and send out a strong Wi-Fi signal without relying on one-to-one communication with the router. router.
Wi-Fi mesh systems are ideal for users with little or no technical knowledge. These can be installed in minutes and usually come with a user-friendly mobile app that guides you through the installation process with easy-to-follow illustrated steps. And their prices are also coming down.
So which Wi-Fi range extender should you buy?
Check out our summary of wireless extender reviews above and our selection of the top extenders we tested in the spec comparison chart below. To get more out of your home Wi-Fi network, check out our guides on setting up your router and securing your Wi-Fi network.
