Wi-Fi extenders play a massive role in boosting the connection of devices to the network. The primary role of the Wi-Fi extender is to ensure that you enjoy extended coverage. In this article, we will describe how to use the AT&T Wi-Fi extender for the best performance.
Many devices will enjoy a stable and reliable connection as you will also have a chance to roam within the extended coverage.
AT&T is a service provider that is known for delivering outstanding service and serves many internet users. There are Wi-Fi extenders that are compatible with AT&T, and some are not. Using the AT&T Wi-Fi extender comes with several considerations that make the service worthy.
Before we get to the whole process of using the Wi-Fi extender, there are several things we need to learn about the service and the device itself.
What is an AT&T Wi-Fi extender
An AT&T Wi-Fi booster is a Wi-Fi extending device that is compatible with the AT&T service. There are several kinds of Wi-Fi boosters that play a massive role in ensuring that you enjoy an extended range. When you get one that works with AT&T, you will have an easy time because it will deliver the most outstanding performance with the ISP.
An AT&T Wi-Fi extender can be from any brand. You need to focus on getting a device that is compatible with the service as you enjoy the output. Each device comes with specifications that allow you to reach a specific range hence delivering the expected outcomes.
Qualities of a good extender for use
Several factors make an extending device best for specific use. Some of them are highlighted below.
Internet speed
A good Wi-Fi extender should have high and reliable speeds. What mostly happens when you extend connection is that the speeds lower and become unreliable. A good Wi-Fi extender ensures that the speeds get maintained through the connection hence supplying a reliable connection for your devices.
A Wi-Fi extender is usually connected to the router or the modem to pick up its connection. The possibilities of retaining the speeds from the router or modem are very high.
Coverage
A good Wi-Fi extender should cover an extended range. As you buy this device, it is always good to ensure that you understand the range you want to extend the connection to get a device that meets the distance. Within the range, the device also needs technologies that will help it cover the entire range.
When assessing coverage, you need to put a close eye on several things of things. For instance, if you have a house with multiple floors, you should have the easiest time to have the range extended. If you have more than a single house to cover, you should buy one that will cover the same range.
Signal quality
Some devices are very good at projecting signals to a wide area. However, you will notice that the signal quality is not reliable as you will not be able to do much. Even when there are a few devices connected, the signal becomes unreliable.
It is essential to ensure that you have selected an extender that has good quality. The ability to maintain speeds and the range coverage should be at the peak. Each connected device that is operating within the range should enjoy high speeds and high-quality signals.
When devices exceed what the extender can accommodate, the beamforming and MU-MIMO technologies should maintain a specific number of devices, each delivering a reliable service.
Number of devices
An ideal Wi-Fi extender should cover a specific number of devices. Within the range, the device should accommodate all the clients it serves without having to struggle. When buying the Wi-Fi extender, it is very wise to ensure that you get a device that will serve all the devices you intend to use.
When the device gets overloaded, there are high chances that you will experience latency. Too many devices will also make the speeds lower hence making activities such as gaming and streaming fail.
Performance technologies
These are technologies such as the MU-MIMO, beamforming, and the Fastlane technology. MU-MIMO technology is good because it ensures that you have several devices using the same connection for simultaneous streaming.
On the other hand, beamforming technology helps to boost the range. It ensures that by focusing on each device, the signal maintains high quality and accommodates many devices.
Fastlane technology is also essential because it improves the speed of each device. The outcome also gets reliable because each connected device gets to have optimal performance. Each connected device will end up delivering according to the role it serves.
Connection and simplicity of use
A good Wi-Fi extender should conveniently connect several devices at once. The process of connection should be straightforward, and none of the connected devices should fail. Getting a device that has universal compatibility first with the service and then with other devices.
The device should be straightforward to handle when setting it up. You should be capable of making the connection by yourself and have your devices connected. When the device creates challenges such as having a poor connection, you should find some small activities and corrections convenient.
Setting up the Wi-Fi connection
Before we get into using a Wi-Fi extender, it is vital to hint about setting up the connection and its works. For an extender to be in use, there must be an already established connection with the service of the router and a modem. If you have a modem router, it can also serve the purpose of allowing you to extend the connection from it.
Learning how to set up a router or a modem router for AT&T is essential. Below are the various steps that you can use to set up the connection.
Setting up a modem for AT&T
Below is a simple process that you will use to set up a modem for AT&T.
- Connect the modem to the internet source
You will begin by connecting your modem to the internet source using the coax port on the wall. Once connected, you switch the modem on and let it start by itself.
During the setup process, you will see the progress of using the LED lights. Once they all produce blue light, you can be sure that the modem is ready for use.
- Activate the modem
The next step is to ensure that your modem is active. When activating a modem, you will need to visit the AT&T website and follow the activation procedure. You will have a chance to choose how you want the service to be and the package you want to enjoy.
An active modem can serve as a router to ensure that the signal is active and ready for projection. If it is a modem router, you will need to do the setup to ensure that the router part is functioning.
- Configure the connection
You can choose to do this step as the second or the third. Configuration happens mostly if your modem comes combined with the router. A mobile app or dashboard gets used when doing the configuration process.
You will log in to the device dashboard and set up the device name and SSID details. Once done, the device is usually ready for use.
- Connect the router
The final step of creating the connection is connecting the router. You will make use of the Ethernet ports to connect the modem to the router. The process is simple and straightforward as the cable comes with clear directions about how you are supposed to do the installation process.
How to set an AT&T router
- Connect the router to the modem
The setup process for the router begins by connecting the router to the modem. When the modem is ready, you will connect the two internet devices using the Ethernet ports.
It is a straightforward process because the Ethernet cables come already indicated such that you quickly plugin. Once connected, you will connect the router to the power source and let it start.
- Set the router
The next step after the router is connected a simple setup. You will ensure that the router is working with the modem. A good router should work with the AT&T service. When doing the setup process, you will initialize by setting the SSID code and activating the AT&T service.
During the activation process, you will use the service provider’s web, a comprehensive guide. The configuration process involves using the web interface or the mobile app to ensure that the service is active.
- Connect the devices
After the connection is ready, you will begin to connect your devices. Smartphones, computers, and Wi-Fi extenders are some of the devices you will connect.
A Wi-Fi extender comes in at this point. You may have to add a device that will provide an extended range and serve extra devices.
How to use an AT&T Wi-Fi extender
There are several ways you can use the Wi-Fi extender. You can choose to use the Ethernet cable without the Ethernet cables and various setup processes. Observing all these methods, the outcome is having the device extending the range of the connection.
How to use an AT&T Wi-Fi extender with an Ethernet cable
An Ethernet cable helps to wire the connection from the router to the Wi-Fi extender. It also connects the Wi-Fi extender to a wired device such as a computer. When using it for connection from the router, you will do the following.
- Establish the connection point
You will begin by assessing the connection to know where the extender is needed. You can use mobile apps such as the spot finder to know where the connection is weak or strong. After getting the ideal point, you will mark it.
- Create a route for the Ethernet cable
You will then create a route that the cable will follow from the router to where the extender is. If you also need to connect a device such as a computer, you can consider having a route from the extender to the computer. As you make the cable pathway, ensure that you do not cross electric wires or the Ethernet cable is not parallel to the electric cables.
- Lay the cables and connect the devices
Lay the cables following the path and fix them to the router and the extender. By doing so, you will have linked the two devices. You can then connect the extender to the power source and switch it on.
- Configure and connect your devices ready for use
Once the connection is ready, you can do a small configuration to work on passwords. A user interface and WPS button apply during the configuration process.
However, the best thing is to have a common password that will serve all the wireless devices. For the wired devices, you will plug them and let them automatically connect. Your devices are ready for use at this stage.
How to use AT&T Wi-Fi extender without Ethernet cable
Using the Wi-Fi extender without an Ethernet cable is effortless as it uses wireless technologies. Below is how to use the device.
- Locate the placement point
You will begin by locating the optimal placement point of the Wi-Fi extender. You will use an analyzer app to assess the connection then select a place where the device will receive a high-quality signal. A spot finder app will serve best for this case.
- Install the device
Install the Wi-Fi extender, ensuring that you place it at the exact optimal point. After installation, you will connect it to the power source and power it on.
- Set the device
There are two ways of setting the Wi-Fi extender. You can choose to use the user interface or the WPS button.
- Using the user interface
The user interface is available via a mobile app or a web interface. You will download the app that matches the device brand or browse the brand’s web interface on your computer. On the interface, you will find steps that you will follow to have the connection ready. Various settings are also available on the user interface for you to choose from.
- Using the WPS button
The WPS button is located at the front of or sides of the Wi-Fi extender. You will press it, and it will begin to implement the setup. An LED light will indicate the process, and once it lights continuously, the connection will be ready.
- Connect your devices
If the connection is successful, your devices will connect quickly and begin to enjoy the services of the extender. Whenever there is no success, you will have to redo the connection.
Using this method, you can easily use an AT&T Wi-Fi extender for your home or office.
Conclusion
AT&T is one of the best ISPs. It delivers a reliable and high-quality connection. However, you may not be able to use an AT&T extender if you do not have a proper guide.
Our day’s guide is influential and will help you a great deal. If you experience extreme challenges when making the connection, the ISP should help you out quickly.
