Weak Wi-Fi? Don't buy a Wi-Fi signal extender before reading this!
Table of Contents
Having a stable Wi-Fi connection is essential for online work, study and entertainment. But what to do when your router's signal doesn't reach every corner of the house? Uncomplicatedly discover better options than using a Wi-Fi signal extender to improve range. Boost your connection and enjoy seamless browsing in every corner of your home or office right now!
How Wi-Fi signal extenders and repeaters work
Wi-Fi repeaters and extenders improve the range of your network, however, they do so in different ways. A Wi-Fi extender connects directly to your router and creates a new Wi-Fi network. A Wi-Fi repeater connects wirelessly to your existing network and retransmits the network's signal.
This way, you can take your router's signal to more distant areas or areas with greater interference, such as, for example, a lower or upper floor of your home.
Why do Wi-Fi extenders not work well?
Although it seems like a good solution, there are several problems with Wi-Fi range extenders and repeaters:
- The retransmitted signal is weaker than the original — As the extender must first capture the router's signal, which is already weaker in that area, the retransmitted signal will also be weak;
- Speed drop — Because it is capturing and retransmitting an existing signal, there is a considerable drop in speed and performance on the extended network;
- Connection problems — Sometimes the extender creates a new network, so you have to manually connect to it when you move away from the router. If the networks have the same SSID (name of the Wi-Fi network you choose when configuring your router, allowing devices to connect to it and identify the network), devices may not automatically switch to the strongest network;
- Incompatibility with routers — Simpler and cheaper extenders may not be fully compatible with some routers, causing connection and performance problems;
- Safety — Extenders can also pose a security risk because they can create a separate network that is not as secure as your main network. This can make it easier for hackers to access your network.
For these reasons, signal repeaters generally don't solve the problem of weak Wi-Fi signal and can even make the experience worse. It is important to research the product's features very well before purchasing an extender and check if it is compatible with your router.
More efficient solutions to improve Wi-Fi signal
Replacing the router with a more powerful model
One of the simplest solutions is to replace the router wireless for most modern and powerful model, with the latest technology. Current routers have more antennas and amplifiers, offering stronger signal and greater range.
Look for routers with Wi-Fi AC ou AX (Wi-Fi 6), with technologies such as MU-MIMO e Beamforming for an even greater reach. Routers from brands like TP-Link, ASUS, NETGEAR e Linksys They tend to be great value for money.
Discover our latest list of routers.
Use mesh routers
Os routers mesh are systems mesh Wi-Fi, that is, a network of routers that connect to expand the range of the wireless network.
Kits mesh contains 2 or more devices that you install in different locations in your home. They communicate with each other to form a large network, taking the Wi-Fi signal to all corners.
Routers mesh solve range problems and eliminate dead spots. Furthermore, by using dedicated channels between them, they avoid the slowness and instability of Wi-Fi extenders.
Excellent kit options mesh are the Google Nest Wi-Fi, Netgear Orbi, TP Link Deco e Intelbras Aero Mesh.
Discover our list of mesh routers.
Use Access Points
Wireless access points (WAP) are wireless access points standalone devices, which you connect to the router via network cable. They transform the cable connection into a local Wi-Fi network.
Using multiple Access Points spread throughout the house and connected by cable to the router, you can expand the signal range and eliminate shadow areas with little coverage.
Access Points with technology enterprise, as well as brands Ubiquiti UniFi e TP-Link EAP, usually have superior performance. Some prominent models are the Netgear WAX214, Cisco CBW150AX and TP-Link EAP660HD.
Use good quality Wi-Fi repeaters
Yes, even with all the limitations, good quality Wi-Fi repeaters can still help in some cases. Opt for more expensive and advanced models, from famous brands, such as TP-Link RE605X, Linksys RE7310, D-Link EaglePro AI or the Netgear Nighthawk X4S. Check if they have powerful antennas, good reception sensitivity, roaming smart and full compatibility with your router.
Position the repeater halfway between the router and the weak signal area. This will lessen the performance drop of the extended network. Maintain a minimum distance of 1 to 2 meters between the repeater and the router.
Tips for boosting the Wi-Fi signal at home
In addition to using more powerful equipment, some simple tips help distribute the Wi-Fi signal more evenly throughout the home:
- Optimal router placement — Place it in a central location, away from obstacles and interference. Keep it in an elevated place;
- Less congested channels — Do a test and change the router's operating channel to the least congested one in your area. Apps like Wifi analyzer help with this;
- External antennas — Adding high-gain external antennas improves Wi-Fi signal directionality and focus;
- Reduce interference — Keep away from objects such as cordless, Bluetooth, microwave and other electronics. Use the 5 GHz band if available;
- Signal attenuators — In areas very close to the router, where the signal is very strong, install attenuators to distribute the signal in a more balanced way.
Then that's it! Range extenders really aren't the best solution for weak Wi-Fi generally. First opt for a more powerful router or system mesh for full coverage. Access Points They are also great alternatives. And if you still want to try a Wi-Fi repeater, research the models very well, check compatibility and position it correctly to minimize loss of speed.
See more:
Source: Techquikie, Consumer Reports, PcMag, HelloTech, CNet
Text proofread by: Pedro Bomfim (21 / 11 / 23)
Discover more about Showmetech
Sign up to receive our latest news via email.
