What is a WIFI Extender and How Does It Work?

Struggling with poor internet connection in some areas of your home or office?

Lying on your bed trying to stream your favourite Netflix show when suddenly the dreaded “circle of doom” starts on your screen- your show keeps buffering for minutes on end. You grab your phone and start browsing Google looking for answers. Why is your wifi network not working? You need a solution ASAP! And Every page takes forever to load as you look for answers.

It’s a frustrating experience, especially since you are paying for high-speed internet.

Why Doesn't My WiFi Reach Every Corner of My House?

There are a couple of reasons why your WiFi is not reaching all areas of your home:

Location of your WiFi router

Wireless signals are broadcasted by the WiFi router in your home. If your router is located in an enclosed area, such as a cellar, closet, or under a desk, the WiFi signal will be partially obstructed. As signals travel through the air, other obstacles such as walls, doors, furniture, and floors will obstruct your signal, resulting in dead spots in certain areas.

WiFi Range

Transmitted wireless signals from your router have a specific range. Let’s take a wireless speaker as an example—you are listening to music on your speaker that is connected wirelessly (via Bluetooth) to your phone. If you move away, you will notice the sound quality worsening, music starts cutting out until your speaker disconnects from your phone. The same applies to your WiFi network; the further your connected devices are from the router, the weaker the signal becomes. The range of your WiFi router can be affected by the size of your house, obstacles in the layout of the home, or the age of your router.

WiFi Router’s Age

The older your router, the more likely you are to experience weak WiFi signals. Old routers are more susceptible to signal interference, slow speeds, and reduced WiFi range. Newer routers often have antennas that are better at receiving and transmitting signals than their predecessors. Newer routers also support the latest WiFi standards, which have speeds that are much faster than previous standards. Plus, they have MIMO technology, meaning more devices can be connected without hindering internet speed.

 

What if My Router is Up to Date and in the Best Possible Location, BUT I Still Have Poor WiFi Coverage?

WiFi extenders, also known as wireless range extenders or WiFi boosters, rebroadcast the signal from your router to improve connectivity. They serve as a bridge between your WiFi router and devices that are out of range.

What is a WiFi Extender?

A WiFi extender, also known as a wireless range extender or WiFi booster, is a device designed to improve the coverage and strength of your WiFi network. It works by receiving the existing WiFi signal from your router and then rebroadcasting it to extend its range, effectively eliminating dead zones in your home or office.

WiFi extenders can be particularly beneficial in larger spaces or environments with multiple floors, where the signal from a single router may not reach all areas effectively. By strategically placing a WiFi extender, you can create a more robust and seamless internet experience.

Key Features of Modern WiFi Extenders:

Dual-Band and Tri-Band Technology: Many extenders support dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) or tri-band frequencies for faster speeds and reduced interference. Tri-band extenders offer an extra 5 GHz band for even greater bandwidth.

Mesh Network Compatibility: Some extenders integrate into a mesh WiFi system, creating a unified network that allows seamless communication among devices without separate network names (SSIDs), automatically connecting to the strongest signal.

Smart Roaming: Advanced extenders enable devices to switch effortlessly between the router and extender, ensuring stable connections, especially for mobile devices moving throughout the home.

User-Friendly Setup: Most modern extenders feature simple setup options, like WPS, mobile app integration, or web configuration, making installation accessible for non-technical users.

Security Features: WiFi extenders are equipped with robust security protocols, including WPA3, which enhances network security with better encryption against unauthorized access.

Ethernet Ports: Many extenders have Ethernet ports for connecting wired devices directly, ideal for gaming consoles or smart TVs that need stable, high-speed connections.

Speed and Performance Monitoring: Some models offer performance monitoring to track signal strength and connection speeds, helping optimize placement for maximum coverage.

How WiFi Extenders Work and Why You Should Use One

How Do I Install a WiFi Extender?

While installation processes may vary among brands (like Netgear, D-Link, and TP-Link), the general steps include:

1. Connect the WiFi Extender to the WiFi Router: Plug in the extender in the same room as the router. Some extenders require pressing the WPS button on both devices, while others may require accessing a specific website to complete the setup. Once connected, you can relocate it to your desired area.

2. Choose Locations for the WiFi Extender: Place your extender strategically—close enough to the router to receive a strong signal but far enough to extend coverage to dead zones.

3. WiFi Extender Broadcasts Signal: Once connected, the extender will broadcast its own wireless signal, allowing devices like laptops, smartphones, and smart TVs to connect.

How Many WiFi Extenders Can You Have in Your House?

You can use multiple WiFi range extenders to enhance coverage, but consider the following:

• Each extender needs to be connected and within range of the WiFi router.
• Do not connect one WiFi extender to another, as this may cause issues.
• Ensure each extender has a unique WiFi network name (SSID) to prevent confusion.

How Will I Connect My Wireless Devices to the WiFi Extender?

A WiFi extender connected to a router is like having two routers to create a larger WiFi coverage area.

When connecting your mobile device to your router, you have to do this via accessing the settings on your phone. You choose the network name that corresponds to your router and enter a password to access the internet

To connect your wireless device to your “new router” you will have to go through the same steps. 

By default, the network name for the WiFi extender will be the same as your routers' name, but with EXT (short for extender) added at the end.

For example:

Router Name: Home WiFi

Extender Name: Home WiFi EXT

Remember, if you have multiple extenders you will need to change the default names.

Will My Wireless Devices Switch Automatically Between Networks?

If you are completely out of your router's range, your device will switch to the extender’s network. However, in overlapping areas, you may need to manually reconnect to the appropriate network.

Are WiFi Extenders Secure?

Yes, WiFi extenders use the same security protocols as traditional WiFi networks, including WEP, WPA, and WPA2. Ensure that your extender supports WPA or WPA2 for enhanced security.

What Would Be the Best WiFi Extender for My Needs?

There are three main types of WiFi extenders:

1. Single-Band WiFi Extenders: Transmit only 2.4 GHz frequencies. While they can travel through obstacles effectively, they may experience slower speeds due to interference from other devices using the same frequency.

2. Dual-Band WiFi Extenders: The most common type, they can broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, resulting in faster speeds and less interference.

3. Tri-Band WiFi Extenders: Utilize two 5 GHz bands and one 2.4 GHz band for superior performance. They are ideal for larger homes and are often used in mesh networks.

Do WiFi Extenders Need to be the Same Brand as My Router?

No, WiFi extenders are generally compatible across brands. However, ensure the extender matches your router’s specifications (e.g., if you have an AC1200 dual-band router, get an AC1200 dual-band extender).

Do WiFi Extenders Really Work?

Yes, WiFi extenders can significantly improve coverage and eliminate dead zones, provided they are placed in optimal locations. Conduct speed tests before and after installation to see the improvements in your home.

You could even test it out.

Before installing your extenders, you can conduct a speed test. You can go into different rooms and test the upload and download speeds. After installing the extenders, run the speed test again in the same rooms. Write the results down so you can compare the before and after results.

Our Top Recommended Range Extender Solution:

Top performer to extend range - AC1200 OneMesh™ Range Extender

This smart roaming range extender supports uninterrupted streaming at your home. No More connecting and disconnecting to different Wi-Fi networks! The AC1200 OneMesh™ Range Extender Wi-Fi Range extender boosts the existing Wi-Fi in your home by receiving the wireless signals from your router and repeating them, extending your coverage by up to twice the range.

Just place the range extender about halfway between your router and the Wi-Fi dead zone. The extender will capture and repeat the Wi-Fi signal from your router to the surrounding area to expand your Wi-fi coverage. Your devices can connect to the network either through your router or extender as you move around your house. Sudden signal drops, buffering and Wi-Fi dead zones becomes a thing of the past. 

Contact Us

Bolton Technical is a leader in the South African signal booster market, offering solutions for homes, vehicles, large and commercial buildings. 

If you’re experiencing poor cell service or need assistance with your cellular signal challenges, contact us at JHB 011 749 3085 or CPT 021 879 3057 or email our team today.