Does your wireless connection at home or the office leave you wanting more speed and reliable connectivity? Then it might be time to use a Wi-Fi range extender that will strengthen the signal from your router to areas that need a boost.
It’s common to find areas of your property where the wireless signal isn’t strong enough. Even if you have a stable Wi-Fi network you’ve been using for a long time. That’s why many people use at least one wireless extender to prevent dead zones and improve internet connection for all of their devices.
If you’re:
- tired of dealing with slow speeds,
- unreliable connections, and
- interrupted audio and video when using wireless computers and devices,
continue reading to learn how to use a Wi-Fi extender.
Setting Up Your Wi-Fi Extender for a More Reliable Signal
A Wi-Fi extender works off your existing wireless network and repeats the signal to make it stronger and go farther. The best part is that all you have to do is plug it in, so there isn’t any complicated equipment to worry about.
There are many different Wi-Fi extenders, so you can shop for the one that suits your budget and needs. Typically, these products are easy to set up using a computer or mobile device, whether you’re using a wired or wireless connection to your router.
Just follow the directions provided by the manufacturer to connect the extender to your wireless network. Then, the extender will create a new network that you can connect to whenever you need a better signal. For instance, if your network is called “Home Wi-Fi,” the extender might name the new network “Home Wi-Fi EXT”. Then, you can distinguish between the two and switch between them as needed.
Begin With Choosing the Right Wi-Fi Extender for Your Needs
The first thing you’ll need to do is find the right Wi-Fi extender that will suit your needs and preferences. Remember, you’ll be working off of your existing wireless network, so to select the appropriate extender, look for one that will be compatible with your router. For example, you can purchase an extender that matches the Wi-Fi generation of your router. So, if you’re using a Wi-Fi 6 router, look for an extender that will be compatible.
You can also check the speed and bandwidth of an extender, as well as the frequency (e.g., 5GHz or 2.4GHz). And you can choose from extenders that will sit on your desk or plug into an outlet on the wall. Plus, there are options with antennas you can adjust to receive and send the strongest signal.
For a Strong Signal, Keep Location at the Top of Mind
The main thing to consider when adding a Wi-Fi extender to your home or place of business is where you’ll place it. If you don’t set it up in the right spot, it won’t be as effective as it could be.
When it comes to using a Wi-Fi range extender properly, why does the location make a difference? Basically, it will determine how well all your computers and devices can quickly connect to the wireless signal. It will also help maintain that connection, so your work or entertainment won’t be interrupted.
Place your Wi-Fi extender about halfway between the area that doesn’t get a strong signal and the area where your wireless router is located. That way, the extender will be able to grab the signal coming off the router and rebroadcast it into the area with the weak signal.
If you choose the ideal spot for your extender, it should:
- quickly connect with your router and
- strengthen the signal to your devices
so you can enjoy all of the benefits of high-speed internet. But it might take some trial and error, and you might discover that you need multiple network extenders to cover all areas of your property.
In Larger Homes, Place the Wireless Extender Above Your Current Router
Getting a strong wireless signal throughout a larger property can be harder than getting the job done in a smaller building. The goal is to maintain a steady and reliable connection. But when you’re working with multiple floors or bigger spaces, you might need to experiment to find the right spot for your extender.
If you’re in a multistory home and your router is located on one floor, try placing an extender directly above or below. The result will be a higher chance of an easy connection. If there aren’t any objects in the way, you might find that this works well.
Consider Mesh Routers and Mesh Extenders for Better Wi-Fi Coverage
Sometimes, Wi-Fi extenders just won’t cut it. If you can’t seem to get a good internet connection throughout your property, you might be better off going with a mesh network instead. This system is designed to cover your whole home or office with Wi-Fi. You won’t need to worry about getting extenders and figuring out where to place them.
Is It Your Internet Service, or Do You Need a Wi-Fi Range Extender?
Before buying a Wi-Fi extender, figure out if your internet service is to blame. You can do this by running a speed test online. Several websites make it a snap to check speeds for downloads and uploads, giving you greater insight into the internet signal from your provider.
If you’re getting what you’re paying for in terms of internet speeds, a Wi-Fi range extender may be a helpful solution to fill in dead zones. However, if you discover that the source of the problem is your internet service, you might need to switch to a better plan. Premium plans provide more coverage and speed.
Find a Solution for Your Weak Wi-Fi Signal
Once you know how to use a Wi-Fi range extender to get the most out of it, you can begin searching for the one with the features you want. At Novotech, we know how important it is to have fast, reliable internet throughout your home or office. So, we provide many solutions, including signal boosters and mesh network modules. Contact us today to learn about the many ways we can help.