If you are experiencing troubles with your WiFi signal, the first solution that come to your mind is WiFi extenders. However, regarding these devices, another relevant question might pop up: “Do WiFi extenders work?”.
The answer is neither yes nor no. It all depends on where you place them, what extender you purchase and how you will use it.
This article explores how wifi extenders work, the average coverage area, and how long they last. Moreover, you will find a few tips to get the most out of your WiFi booster.
Do WiFi Extenders Work? Yes, But…
Before answering your question: “Do wifi extenders work?”, it is helpful to define them.
A WiFi extender is a device used to enhance your wireless router’s reach. Simply put, a WiFi extender ( or WiFi booster) takes an existing internet signal and rebroadcasts it around a specific area. Whether it is a 2.4 GHz or a 5 GHz internet connection, the device enhances the reach of what signal is found.
If you use it properly, a wireless range extender gives you access to the web in areas where the original router may not have been able to reach. Extenders allow for more consistent or stronger coverage throughout a larger area. It eliminates spotty signals or dead zones in houses with irregular layouts.
In other words, WiFi extenders do work, but you must be sure to use them correctly. Let’s have a look at how wireless range extenders work and how you should use them.
How Do WiFi Extenders Work
When you have a router that doesn’t provide enough signal to reach all your wireless devices, an extender can amplify the reach of your network. However, these devices are far from perfect. Therefore, you must understand how wifi extenders work to solve your signal issues.
A WiFi extender takes an existing signal from a router and amplifies it throughout an area. This ensures you get a good-quality connection wherever you are in the building, whether on the ground floor or two stories up in an attic space.
WiFi extenders offer a simple, cost-effective way of extending your internet connection without investing in additional routers or hardware. It is also easy to install and requires minimal setup, as most models come pre-configured for quick plug-and-play use.
With an extender in place, users can enjoy reliable online performance across devices such as laptops, tablets, phones, and other connected gadgets. To extend the reach of your WiFi network, you need the following:
- The existing router/access point, which provides your original connection to the internet
- One or more extenders that work with specific firmware installed on them. The firmware allows your router’s signal to be detected by the extender so that it can communicate correctly.
More reliable coverage lets everyone in your home or business stay connected without worrying about dropped signals or slow download speeds. This is particularly useful if you run a business and offer free wifi to your customers.
In order to get the most out of your extenders, however, there’s no need to be an IT engineer. Nonetheless, there are a few aspects to consider to extend your internet connection range effectively.
Do WiFi Extenders Work: 7 Tips to Get the Most Out of Them
As you have read so far, wifi extenders do work. However, you must follow a few best practices and avoid common mistakes to make them work efficiently. Below is a breakdown of the aspects you want to keep in mind when choosing and plugging in a WiFi extender.
- Compatible -Be sure that your WiFi extender of choice is compatible with your router.
- Extend a strong signal -The WiFi extender amplifies the signal that is founded. You want to place your WiFi extender where the signal is strong to have satisfying results. Therefore, you want to put it where the signal is strong. Choose a spot where there is a strong but not perfect signal.
- Choose a renowned brand -Get a WiFi booster that is made by a reliable company that makes this type of device. Avoid sketchy or unknown brands. It is not worth saving a few bucks and ending up with a gear that causes you trouble.
- Choose the right spot -Plug the WiFi extender in a clean area so the range can amplify adequately. Do not place it in some secluded corner or surrounded by furniture.
- Check reviews -If you buy it on Amazon, be sure to read the reviews and other people’s experiences. Just as you check reviews on local review sites for restaurants, do the same with your extender.
- Avoid walls -It is vital that you place the extender in an open area that connects to other spots—ideally, a corridor or an open space.
- Unplug it -If you are not going to use the WiFi for an extended period of time (a week or more), unplug the WiFi extenders. This ensures that the device does not look for a signal that is not there.
If you follow these simple tips, you can be sure that your WiFi extenders will work. Let’s now answer a few common questions about WiFi extenders; how far they can reach and how long they last.
How Long Do WiFi Extenders Last
How long do WiFi extenders last? There’s no one universal answer to this question. It mainly depends on the quality of the hardware and how you use it. When you purchase a solid WiFi extender, it can last anything from three to ten years.
When it comes to WiFi extenders’ life cycle, you want to get quality before quantity, so you don’t have to replace them after a few months. You can purchase it from specialized sellers or Amazon (be sure to read the reviews first.)
It is recommended to purchase a renowned brand specializing in internet connectivity devices. Your router provider likely offers extenders as well. Therefore, you might be interested in getting one from the same company.
If you are interested in getting WiFi extenders that work, these are a few companies that produce high-quality range extenders. These WiFi boosters are simple to use and work as a charm:
To extend the life of your WiFi extender and have the best performance, it is also important to update the device’s firmware. This is a simple procedure that requires just a few clicks. If you purchase an excellent quality extender, the seller will provide you instructions on how to do it or will update it automatically.
How Far Do WiFi Extenders Work
When it comes to wireless boosters, another common question is “How far do WiFi extenders work?”. Here the answer is straightforward because the coverage area always depends on three factors:
- Strength of the original wireless signal
- Location of the extender
- Type of extender
In general, a WiFi extender can extend the range of a wireless network by about 50-300 feet, depending on these variables.
However, several factors can limit the reach of a WiFi extender, and you can’t simply change them. For example, walls, floors, and other physical barriers might block or weaken the wireless signal, reducing the coverage area of the extender. Additionally, electronic devices such as smart appliances can interfere with the wireless signal, further reducing the range of the extender.
It’s a good idea to do some testing and experimentation to determine the best placement and settings for your extender to ensure optimal coverage. Ideally, you want to place them where the signal is strong. If you do so, the extender will extend an already strong signal becoming more efficient.
Are you planning to use your WiFi extender in your business? Then you might be interested in a social WiFi hotspot to make the most out of the free WiFi offered to your customers.
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