How well do WiFi Extenders Work? Do I need a WiFi extender?

Wi-Fi extender: How well do WiFi extenders work?

Are you having a challenge with your internet stability? Or is your Wi-Fi network not covering some areas of your house, yard, office, etc? Well, it’s time to think about having a Wi-Fi extender. However, how well do WiFi extenders work?

A Wi-Fi extender is a range-extending device that receives your existing Wi-Fi signal and amplifies it further. The Wi-Fi extender comes in the form of a router that picks its signal from an existing router, therefore, expanding its coverage.

The primary role of a Wi-Fi extender is to reach the areas that do not receive the Wi-Fi signal at all or receive a weak message, therefore not reliable. In our homes, we have some devices that are at the periphery, including smart sprinklers, and smart garage door locks among others that require fast internet.

This article will give you an explanation of how WiFi extenders work in making internet connection perfect.

How well do WiFi Extenders Work?

WiFi extenders, also known as WiFi boosters or repeaters, can be useful in extending the range of your wireless network. However, their effectiveness is influenced by several factors, including:

  1. Internet Connection Speed: A WiFi extender can only amplify the existing signal; it cannot increase the actual internet speed provided by your ISP. If your internet connection is slow, a WiFi extender won’t make it faster.
  2. Distance from Router: The extender needs to be placed within the range of your main router for it to work effectively. If the distance between the extender and the router is too great, the extended signal might be weaker.
  3. WiFi Coverage Needs: The effectiveness of a WiFi extender depends on the layout of your home or office. Obstacles like walls and floors can weaken the extended signal.
  4. WiFi Demand: If multiple devices are connected to the extender and router simultaneously, it can lead to congestion and reduced speeds.

To make the most of a WiFi extender, consider these tips:

  • Position the extender midway between the router and the areas with weak WiFi signals.
  • Use a dual-band extender that operates on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies to reduce congestion.
  • Ensure your main router and WiFi extender have the latest firmware updates.
  • Opt for a mesh WiFi system if you require seamless coverage throughout your home.

If the range and coverage issues persist, consider upgrading to a more powerful router or a mesh WiFi system, which can provide better coverage and performance in larger spaces or challenging environments.

Things to know about Wi-Fi extenders

Connection of a Wi-Fi extender

Wi-Fi extenders are known for using both wired and wireless technologies to transmit the network signal. Connecting one router to another is done by the use of a cable; an Ethernet cable with a coax jack helps in connecting two routers.

The cable picks a signal from an existing router to the new extended router. A new router then sends out a signal equal to one of the current Wi-Fi routers. You have to do standard wiring between the routers.

On the other hand, the current Wi-Fi extenders are able to connect to the router wirelessly. This is done by using the WPS button on your extender. This will be done for both the 2.4GHz band and 5GHz band to get the dual bands on your WiFi extenders to work.

Signal strength

A Wi-Fi extender has a compelling and stable internet signal. The network stability is because wired connections have more strength than wireless connections. As a router displays a wireless signal, it tends to lower its intensity. The internet relayed by a wireless connection router is, therefore, weaker.

The Wi-Fi extender’s signal is more powerful and stable because the only wireless signal relayed is for consumption and not for linking one router to another. The connection is manual, while the signal dispersion is wireless.

Simplified setup

Connecting cables from one router to another is straightforward. You only need to know where to place your router and then make a way to pass the cable between the two routers. The signal is guaranteed as opposed to a wireless connection, which may lose the signal at an anonymous point.

When using wired connections, you will know precisely where the signal strength has lowered, which the problem is usually with the cable of the connection point. Solving such problems is a straightforward process.

Specific coverage

When extending Wi-Fi using extenders, you can easily focus on a specific point. The cable will easily penetrate through corners to reach particular points. Using a wireless connection will expose your connection to obstacles that will probably make the signal very weak.

When focusing on a signal point, the Wi-Fi signal is robust and stable regardless of its location. The network is hence particular to a single point making its connection quite stable.

More extended coverage

When using the wired connection to joint routers, you can balance the range. This balance ensures that the extended router and the existing router have their signals meeting at a central point.

When you connect the devices to the router wirelessly, the router covers a limited range. Usually, most homes place the router at a point where there is a powerful signal for most devices. You will, therefore, use many routers to cover a broader range compared to wired connections.

The Wi-Fi extenders are a bit different from the wireless access point for a large home even though both work to increase the coverage.

Compatibility with wired and wireless devices

Are you having a computer that does not have wireless technology? You don’t need to worry. You will easily connect your computer through an Ethernet port found on the WiFi extender.

The dominant internet signal is taken directly from the router to your device. You will, therefore, enjoy a higher internet speed with a very stable connection. You will, thus, enjoy both wireless and wired connections effectively.

Multiple usages

When using the internet, the number of users accommodated determines the speed and the network stability. The more the number of users, the slow the internet, and the more unstable it is.

Wi-Fi extenders accommodate a large number of users. You can provide internet to many users when you use a dual-band Wi-Fi extender. Each enjoys both the speed and stability of the network. The internet covers a broader range hence accommodating many users from different points.

Not affected by obstacles

Are you having a challenge of a weak signal as a result of an obstacle such as a wall? The end of your problem is with a Wi-Fi extender. It does not get affected by obstacles such as walls and floor affection. You can also consider the best router for penetrating thick walls.

For instance, if your house has two floors, and the network does not reach the second floor, you will get connected using the Wi-Fi extender without the effect of obstacles. The extension of the net from one room to another is simple, and the signal strength is perfect. Else you can consider the best router for a story house.

In your workplace, where there is a need for stable internet, the connection can reach every office correctly. The secure connection also penetrates the closer rooms effectively.

Do WiFi extenders work?

Yes, WiFi extenders work! If your home is not fully covered by the internet, you can consider a Wi-Fi extender. It will increase the number of devices connected to your network and the range.

What you will enjoy is a spread of coverage of your Wi-Fi connection at an equivalent speed. In addition, you will be able to connect devices far from the router through Wi-Fi or wired connections if the WiFi extender has an Ethernet port.

The Wi-Fi is currently transmitted through 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. The 2.4GHz has a wide coverage, lower speeds, and is easily interfered with by other electromagnetic devices. The 5GHz band on the other hand has a shorter range but higher speeds.

The Wi-Fi extender picks the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands signals as transmitted by the router or modem router and transmits them. It creates its own network which however can use the same WiFi password which then is used to transmit the signals far and wide.

Therefore, a Wi-Fi extender does not increase the internet speeds that are transmitted by the router. Additionally, a Wi-Fi extender works to ensure you do not get dead zones. Thus, large homes and corners of your house will get a high-speed internet connection.

You will note that some Wi-Fi extenders create a secondary network while others use mesh technology to expand the coverage using the same SSID and password. The choice of Wi-Fi extender should be dependent on whether you want a seamless Mesh network or a different network.

Some of the best Wi-Fi extenders

There are several Wi-Fi extenders that work to reduce Wi-Fi dead spots in your home and office. The extenders may have advanced security and privacy features or not. In order to choose the best Wi-Fi extenders for your home, you can follow the tips indicated below but as Abode internet we recommend TP-Link AX3000 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Extender (RE715X).

What is important is that the Wi-Fi extender has to be compatible with your router’s Wi-Fi network. It should also be able to support routers with different numbers of bands.

For example, you should consider the AT&T Wi-Fi extenders top picks if you have subscribed to the AT&T internet plans; Spectrum recommended Wi-Fi extenders, top-rated Xfinity Wi-Fi extenders, or even Verizon Wi-Fi extenders top picks for Spectrum, Comcast Xfinity, and Verizon respectively.

The extenders for your home or office should also be able to manage the number of devices that are connected to your network. This way your devices will be able to enjoy the speeds that are subscribed for from your internet service provider.

Things to consider when buying a Wi-Fi extender

As shown above, WiFi extenders work to make your internet connection perfect. Some Wi-Fi extenders work perfectly, and some perform poorly. However, there are things that you need to consider when getting a Wi-Fi extender. You can use the following highlights to choose a WiFi extender:

1. Frequency range

The best range extender should be able to cover a broader scale. It should be able to support the dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The stability of the internet should be perfect over a more comprehensive range.

You want the range to be excellent so that the WiFi extender can cover your Ring Cameras at the back of your house or other appliances in the basement.

2. Compatibility

Your Wi-Fi extender should be compatible with your existing Wi-Fi router. It should also work correctly with a wide range of devices to take care of future extension needs. The extender should support both wireless and wired connections to support many devices.

3. Security

The security of an internet connection is essential. There are hackers and malware that are used to commit cybercrime which can be used on you WiFi extender if the security is not up to standard. Your information can easily be accessed when your gadgets get connected to the devices.

Your range extender should be able to support WPA-PSK security. This ensures that the connection is safe.

4. Performance

We can measure the performance of a Wi-Fi extender by using internet speed, stability, and the number of users. You should assess internet usage before getting an extender. Many people can use a WiFi extender if they get a good-quality one.

The signal should be secure and very reliable. It should help in quick data processing. It should be of high quality and less affected by physical factors such as obstacles.

5. Cost

Different Wi-Fi extenders come at different prices concerning their performance and quality. It is essential to ensure that you get an affordable extender with excellent performance.

The cost should be commensurate with the quality of signal, the range of the device, the number of devices supported, security features on the WiFi extender, and software components included such as QoS, AiMesh, ability to connect to an App among others.

6. Ports

Extenders come with ports that make it easy to connect your desktop and a cable for range extension. A good range of extenders should come with several ports that make it possible to connect to your devices and create an extension from them.

7. Manufacturer

Different manufacturers come with different products of different qualities. Different manufacturers make Wi-Fi extenders and thus they come up with their designs.

When getting a Wi-Fi extender, ensure you get one from a reputable manufacturer including Netgear, TP-Link, D-Link, Asus, and Linksys among others. A proper manufacturer gives a guarantee of high-quality and long-lasting products.

Final verdict

How well do WiFi extenders work? Wi-Fi extenders play their role effectively. They boost the internet range making their connection and reliability perfect. The highlight above will probably convince you that they are essential, and their work is efficient.

In case the Wi-Fi extender does not seem to be the solution for your network connection, you can explore the option of getting a mesh network. The mesh network will seamlessly provide fast internet to all the areas in your house.

Finally, there are routers that can provide wide Wi-Fi coverage. Some of these wide coverage routers are not costly and can serve most homes and offices with high-speed internet.

FAQs

Do WiFi boosters increase internet speed?

If your devices are far from the router or there is a thick wall separating the location of the devices to the router, then the WiFi booster will increase the internet speed. Moreover, they are more cost-effective as compared to other devices that can increase the range of your WiFi. They also have excellent performance and can easily fit your requirements.

Do I need a wifi booster?

If you are having dead zones in your home or office or areas with poor internet connection then you should get a WiFi extender. They are more cost-effective as compared to mesh systems for network extension. Moreover, they will offer you an Ethernet port that is far from the router thus connecting your wired devices comfortably.

Do WiFi boosters really work?

Yes, WiFi extenders really work. They are effective in covering your large home or office with WiFi signals which means they will eliminate dead zones or cover areas with poor signals. Moreover, the WiFi repeater will increase the WiFi speed in the poor signal areas.

How far can a WiFi extender go?

Depending on the model, some of the best WiFi extenders offer you coverage of up to 2500 square feet. This means that the WiFi repeater can cover a large home with high-speed internet eliminating dead zones or areas of poor WiFi signal.

what does a WiFi booster do?

You need a WiFi extender for the following 5 reasons: 1) In your home or office there are dead zones or areas in your home that don’t get a WiFi signal. 2) The WiFi extender can be used to serve areas in your home with a poor signal. 3) Features like dual-band WiFi, beamforming, Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO), and companion apps can give you the fastest internet possible. 4) To cover a large home or office with internet. 5) To give you a WiFi connection when outside your home or office.