The Wifi repeater is a great ally of high internet speed, ensuring an excellent connection, regardless of the room, the person is in. Without a signal repeater, it is common to feel that the frontier wifi connection or satellite internet is weaker in certain rooms. Further away from the router, several factors can interfere with the signal quality, causing the internet to be slow. This is a common reality. But even this problem already has a great solution: it is the wireless signal repeater. As its name expresses, the device has the function of repeating the wireless internet signal present in a network. In certain places, such as homes or offices, it is common for the wireless internet signal to end up getting weaker due to interference from walls, doors, mirrors, or even other devices with functionality on the same frequency as the routers (such as cordless phones and microwave ovens). When this happens, wireless repeating becomes imperative
How does a wireless-signal repeater work?
The way the wireless signal repeater works is very simple, everything happens as follows: the router transmits all the signals to the repeater which, in turn, amplifies these signals. Thus, the Wi-Fi internet network ends up having a much larger range area. For example, if your router is in the living room of your house, it may be that the Wi-Fi does not pick up very fast in the rooms. Now if you install a wireless signal repeater in the hallway, close to the rooms, the signal is much better and faster for anyone to surf at all times of the day and night. The good thing is also that the wireless repeater device is portable, works by outlet, and, when configured, can be installed anywhere in the home or office. And it is still possible to access the internet with a smart TV using the signal repeater. You can buy these wifi repeaters also from companies that provide services related to cable and internet bundles, to improve your signal contracted at home.
Wifi repeater vs Powerline
Repeater and powerline are interesting alternatives for those who need to expand the coverage of the Wi-Fi network. Despite being cost-effective, the operation of the repeater depends a lot on the positioning – therefore, it may not be the most suitable for all situations. Another option is the powerline. Although it is more expensive, the device has the advantage of transmitting data through the electrical network of the house.
What does each one do?
The repeater amplifies the Wi-Fi signal without the need to run cables – it only happens through wireless transmission. This type of equipment can clone the router’s settings to extend the main network or, if the user prefers, create a separate network with a different SSID (name). Powerline devices work differently. The data transfer takes place within the residential electrical installation. The basic kit contains two pieces of equipment: one is the adapter connected to the modem/router via an RJ-45 cable and the other is a signal receiver. Both communicate over the electrical network and the receiver becomes an access point, creating another independent Wi-Fi network. It is worth making it clear that the powerline has nothing to do with the Internet over the electrical grid. Even if you buy the equipment, it will still be necessary to have a plan from an operator, as it only works with a router/modem.
Speed and range
Currently, there is a wider variety of repeaters, with different prices and specifications. The most basic models offer between 150 Mb/s and 300 Mb/s of transfer speed over the network and operate on the b/g/n protocol working at 2.4 GHz. There are also more advanced versions compatible with AC routers, reaching up to 1,200 Mb /s when combining the speed at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The range varies by model. However, in general, more advanced repeaters offer better wireless coverage than available powerline devices – which, in turn, can bring greater stability of the connection to the electrical installation.
Installation
Both types of devices have a very simplified installation. It is possible to put the equipment to work without major difficulties even if the user does not know networks. However, the repeater can cause a bit of an inconvenience. This is because, to work properly, the Wi-Fi signal of the main router must be at a good level in the place where it will be placed. If this is not done, the user may face several problems, from connection oscillations to a drop in the transmitted Internet speed.
Tips for installing wifi repeater
To install your wifi repeater, some tips are important to correctly position and extend the signal to the rooms. So check out the 7 tips we’ve separated to help you.
1. Determine the type of use
The first step is to define the main function of the repeater in your network. That’s because the devices can be used not only to expand the router’s range but also to create a kind of auxiliary Wi-Fi, such as a guest network or a signal for a specific room or device. Therefore, it is important to note the features that the device offers before buying, as some models allow more advanced configurations than others, allowing different types of use beyond just replicating the network.
2. Check login and initial password
The models of this type of product, in most cases, come configured with a default network and password, only for a first connection. This information is extremely important and is usually present on the repeater itself or in its manual. So, before starting the steps below, make sure where they are located.
3. Simple settings
Configuring a repeater is not a complicated task, especially when the model has a WPS function, which is also present in some routers. That way, the user can pair both by pressing the button on both devices simultaneously. Some repeaters also offer the possibility of configuration through mobile applications, which should make installation and adjustments a lot easier in a more simplified interface.
4. High outlets
There are several ways to improve the quality of Wi-Fi. One of them is to leave the routers in higher positions in the house, which facilitates the propagation of the signal through the house and also prevents the waves from encountering many obstacles. As repeaters work by plugging directly into an outlet, choosing the ideal location can be a bit of a problem. Therefore, the tip is to choose the highest possible location – as long as the main signal reaches there and the product can cover the desired area.
5. Far from the router (but not far)
As the repeater expands a primary signal, the device cannot be installed that far from the router. It is interesting to find a distance that is sufficient to receive the waves from the main device and, at the same time, ensure a stable connection. Before installing the repeater, use a smartphone or notebook to check the signal strength in the chosen location. There are several websites and applications that can help users understand the best position, clearly displaying the quality and strength of the signal around the house.
6. Avoid obstacles
As with routers, repeaters need to be positioned in a suitable way to provide a network with good transmission quality. Try to position the equipment in places that have fewer obstacles, both about the router and the area that needs to receive the signal. Most of the available models have lights that indicate the strength of the received signal, which helps when installing. In addition, it is important to observe if there are objects nearby that can interfere with the distribution of waves, avoiding placing the repeater in nearby places.
7. Enough distance to connect the cable
In addition to allowing the Wi-Fi range to be extended, some signal repeater models offer cable connections. In this way, the user can also connect devices that are further away and that do not support wireless connections on green hat files. This function can be interesting to turn on desktops, printers, or even older TVs, for example. For this, the Wi-Fi device must be in an outlet with adequate distance to connect an Ethernet cable, without disturbing movement around the environment.
Benefits
There are some good advantages to using a repeater. Among them, we can highlight:
- Extend the router’s signal and take it to more places in the home or office where the signal is weak;
- Rely on the role of the main router for small environments;
- Have enough speed (around 300 Mbps) to browse and watch videos without interruptions;
- Being able to transport and install wherever you want, since the device is light and compact;
- Have a wireless receiver for the smart TV.
Best brands of wifi repeater
If you have doubts about which wifi device to use, we’ve brought you a list of the 9 best recommendations for 2022. Check it out:
- Netgear Nighthawk X6S EX8000 Tri-band WiFi Extender
- TP-Link RE605X WiFi 6 Range Extender
- Netgear Nighthawk X6 EX7700 Mesh Range Extender
- TP-Link RE650 AC2600 Wi-Fi Range Extender
- Devolo Mesh WiFi 2
- Netgear Orbi Whole Home Mesh WiFi System
- Linksys Velop Wi-Fi extender
- Trendnet Wi-Fi Everywhere Powerline 1200 AV2
- Linksys RE7000 Max-Stream AC1900+ Wi-Fi Range Extender
Conclusion
The obstacles in the construction of apartments and houses can make it difficult for the signal to propagate inside. Therefore, having a wifi repeater is a great way to maintain connection stability throughout the house. Follow these tips and enjoy a good internet.