Do you have problems with the WiFi signal in some parts of your home or office? Are there places where the signal is too weak or simply non-existent? A repeater or amplifier could be the solution. In this post we are going to see what exactly is a WIFI amplifier, how it works and why it is such an interesting element in some cases.
The amplifier, also called repeater or extender, is used to expand the coverage area of a WiFi network. If we have an amplifier of a certain quality and we find the most suitable place in our home to locate it, we can even reach double the coverage area of our home WiFi network, reaching the furthest corners of the floor above (or below), gardens, basements and spaces close to the house.
How it works
Basically what a WiFi extender does is pick up the original signal from the router and extend it to a wider range. The signal remains the same, with the same username and password, so it is not necessary to modify the device configuration at all. There are some models of extenders that can also create their own WiFi network. If we use them, we will have to reconfigure all the devices that we want to connect to this network.
It is important to know that any WiFi signal that has passed through a repeater will always be significantly slower than the original signal. The loss of speed it is greater in single-band repeaters. On the other hand, if we use a dual-band repeater and the signal reaches a computer with a fast processor (which allows maximum WiFi performance), we will hardly notice any important changes.
It must also be said that the network will be secure, since it will remain the same as the original.
How to install a WiFi extender
Faced with the irritating problem of not being able to use our WiFi signal in some places in our home, even after having tried to change the location of the router and move it to other rooms, this is undoubtedly the best solution. Of course, to do it well it is necessary to pay attention to certain details:
Choose the best location
Although each one knows very well which are the points of his house in which the WiFi signal is weak or does not arrive, it is worth elaborating a WiFi coverage map of our home. It seems complicated, but in reality it is very simple to do, especially if we have the help of applications such as Wi-Fi Heat Map.
In this way we will know in detail the gray areas, in which the signal does not arrive with too much strength, and the so-called Blind spots, which are outside the coverage range. That will help us determine the best place to locate the WiFi extender. Obviously, in the chosen place there will have to be an electrical outlet in which to connect the power supply.
The coverage map information will also facilitate the task of choose the most suitable model, both for signal strength and for other characteristics. For example, that it be suitable for outdoors, in case you have to place it on a terrace or garden.
Configure the amplifier
Once you have chosen the ideal location for the WiFi amplifier at home, you must proceed to configure it so that it can establish a secure connection to the router.
The easiest and fastest way to run this setup is via WPS (Wi-Fi Protect Setup). The WPS button is usually located on the back of the router. All we have to do is press it and then press the WPS button on the amplifier, which is sometimes marked as “Range Extender”. It is not necessary to enter any password, the devices will connect to each other in a matter of seconds and we will be able to verify that the amplified signal reaches where it did not reach before.
Although WPS is quite secure, some manufacturers add a supplementary security system using an 8-digit PIN or even forcing us to access the configuration of the extender through a web page or a specific IP address. Everything is conveniently explained in the amplifier's instruction manual.
Types of WiFi amplifier
Taking the scope or range of the extended WiFi network as a criterion, we can classify repeaters or amplifiers into three main categories:
- Classic WiFi Repeater, which picks up the signal from the router and forwards it more amplified. Indicated for homes of up to 100 m². They can cost between €25 and €55.
- WiFi repeater with PLC. The connection between the router and the repeater is made by electrical cables. The price of these amplifiers ranges between €35 and €75.
- Mesh Wi-Fi Booster, a system in which two or more repeaters participate, creating a network of devices that provide a broader and more stable coverage. It is the ideal solution for multi-storey apartments, single-family houses and houses with large gardens. These devices cost between €70 and €120.
Aspects to consider before buying a WiFi amplifier
Are you already determined to extend the range of the WiFi signal at home with the help of an amplifier? Before choosing a brand and model, there are some aspects that we must consider so as not to make a mistake:
Dual Band Wi-Fi
Most new routers come with WiFi dual band: 2.4 and 5 GHz respectively. The first has a greater range, although it is slower; the second, on the other hand, is much faster and less crowded, but it is shorter. The repeater we buy must match the router.
Speed
You also have to pay attention to the maximum speed allowed by the amplifier. For example, it would not make sense to purchase a repeater that can only reach 100 Mbps if we have contracted a higher connection. According to experts, it is best to buy a WiFi amplifier whose speed triples that of the Internet connection.
Antennas
Finally we have the question of the antennas. The cheapest models incorporate internal antennas that broadcast in all directions. However, the models equipped with external antennas guarantee a greater range, with the added advantage that we can manually redirect to send the signal to a specific area.