Building a flexible and functional network often requires the purchase of additional hardware. This list includes a Wi-Fi signal repeater, which is often bought for home use. We will tell you what a repeater is, how to choose and install it in the house, the intricacies of connection and settings, as well as possible malfunctions.
What is Wi-Fi Repeater
A weak Wi-Fi connection in some rooms is a typical issue in large apartments and private homes. It makes no sense to buy a costly router with 4+ antennas for residential usage, because even such models cannot always do the tasks because to their restricted range. A Wi-Fi repeater saves the day.
This device is a small device that resembles (and in some cases is indistinguishable from) a traditional router. Its primary role is to enhance the router’s signal and operate as a wireless access point. Users may virtually double their coverage area as a result of this. In cases when a cheap router “does not complete” to the adjoining room, the repeater is ideal.
Using a repeater has several features:
- The network created by the device will repeat all the parent parameters (SSID and password), but if necessary, you can change the settings to your liking for the second network.
- Most repeaters cannot generate IP addresses to distribute them to devices on their own without the primary router. The only exceptions are models with the Access Points mode.
- Configuring repeaters is performed only via a LAN cable, so make sure you have it prepared.
It should be noted that some routers can act as a repeater, amplifying the signal. If you have an old router with a similar function lying around, you can use it for similar purposes.
How does a signal booster work?
Please look at your router; it will be easier for you to understand the analogy between devices. The router has antennas that transmit and receive a wireless signal. A Wi-Fi repeater works very similarly. Some antennas receive the signal from the router; others broadcast it on the air, reaching the farthest corners of the house or apartment.
As a result, online gaming and video streaming run smoothly. You connect the repeater to an electrical outlet, then connect to the router – the setup is simple; very often, it all comes down to holding one button to pair the devices. Most of all likes repeaters with built-in sockets. The amplifier does its job, and you still have an outlet for connecting, for example, a vacuum cleaner.
How to choose a repeater
You can find devices from $ 40 to $ 150 on the market. Top models are designed for corporate purposes while being used in large offices and enterprises. You can purchase a device from a budget or middle class for an apartment or a country house. When buying, we advise you to focus on some parameters:
- Data transfer rate. Modern repeaters provide up to 450 megabits per second. If your modem operates at 300 Mbps, then buying a repeater with higher bandwidth, of course, makes no sense.
- Powerful antennas provide broader coverage.
- Type of food. Most models are powered from a 220 Volt network, so you must also tie it to the outlet when placing the repeater. However, there are also compact devices on the market that are powered by USB.
- Functionality. Here you should pay attention to reset buttons, WPS connection, light indicators showing signal strength and operating modes.
- Equipment. Make sure that the technical documentation is always supplied with the device. The included LAN cable will be a nice bonus.
Considering the question of which repeater to choose, visit specialized forums. On the Internet, you can read reviews for almost any model on the market, learning about its advantages and disadvantages.
Where is the best place to install a Wi-Fi repeater
The answer is simple – where the biggest Wi-Fi problems arise, namely:
- in rooms on the outskirts of a house and apartment
- in rooms separated by bathrooms and kitchens (tiles)
- in rooms behind thick walls
- on other floors
- near terraces and balconies
Signal amplification is essential, especially in places where the Smart TV and your office (or temporary workplace) are located. We recommend Wi-Fi repeaters, especially in the era of remote work, when households are scattered across rooms, and everyone wants stable Wi-Fi.
Key Features of a Wi-Fi Repeater
Now the tricky part – which Wi-Fi booster should you choose? There are a lot of models, and their characteristics do not make it easy to buy. So many strange symbols and parameters. How to understand them ?! Well, let’s clear things up a bit.
Number of antennas in the repeater
Important but not critical. Three antennas do not mean that a device is better than an analogue with two antennas; the data transfer rate, operating frequencies and supported standards are more important. Often, a two-antenna amplifier is even better than a three-masted model. In addition, there are models without external antennas, only with internal ones. They are just as good.
Supported baud rates
The best of the best Wi-Fi signal boosters. Why? Because it must be compatible with your router! So if it supports, for example, speeds up to 300 Mbit / s, then buying a 500 Mbit / s repeater is pointless. The accessory doesn’t use its potential.
If you plan to use a higher internet subscription, replace your router with higher bandwidth. Then it is better to buy a fast amplifier right away.
Another situation is similar. With a powerful router and high-speed internet, don’t buy a weaker repeater. You will slow down your network speed.
Wi-Fi standard of a router and devices
If your router supports Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, or Wi-Fi 6, your repeater must also help them. Otherwise, it will use the latest agreed standard.
This figure shows how to read the Nomenclature of standards:
Router operating frequencies
When the router is DualBand, it uses 2 bands:
- 2.4 GHz is a long-range but slow, often crowded band;
- 5.0GHz – Less coverage but faster speeds, best for gaming and streaming.
The 2.4 GHz band is sufficient for basic activities such as online shopping, checking social networks, instant messaging, email, rumours and news. Unfortunately, most devices (from smartphones, laptops, printers) are connected, making it constantly overcrowded.
Meanwhile, the 5.0 GHz band has a much higher bandwidth (the maximum data transfer rate also indicates this). Fewer devices use this bandwidth, and there is virtually no latency. Unfortunately, 5 GHz has less coverage, so it needs to use a repeater.
Configuring the repeater in the web interface
Once the Wi-Fi repeater is connected to an outlet and a computer, you should configure it. The procedure will be shown using a TP-Link repeater as an example. The user should sequentially execute the following instruction:
Examine the device for the login label. You need an IP address, username and password.
To configure the machine, temporarily assign an address to the network adapter within the repeater network. For example, you can use 192.168.0.20. In-Network and Sharing Center, select the network adapter and then click on “Properties”. Go to IPv4 properties. In the “General” tab, set the IP addresses manually.
Next, you need to go to the web interface. Open your browser. Enter the address of the repeater (indicated on the label, as well as the username and password).
You will be taken to the quick installation menu. You can use this feature, but on some networks, Quick Setup is not useful. Press Exit to exit to the menu.
Go to the Network section. You will need a LAN tab. If your address range corresponds to 192.168.0.X, then you can go directly to step 9. Otherwise, you need to set the repeater IP in your range. Let’s say we are using the 192.168.95.X network. Then for the repeater, you need to enter the address shown in the image (or any free one).
Click Save, confirm the actions again. Wait for the end of the reconfiguration.
In the network control centre, return the active item to receive addresses automatically.
Re-enter the interface. Please note that when replacing the IP, you need to drive it into the address bar.
Select the Repeater (Range Extender) mode or similar (depending on the router model).
Save your changes and then wait for the reconfiguration.
Go to the Wireless section. Open Wireless Settings.
Select the universal repeater mode and click the Survey button.
You will be taken to the window of available wireless networks. Select yours and then click Connect. Through this menu, all parameters will be entered automatically (SSID and MAC address).
Click Save and go to the Wireless Security tab. Here you need to select the encryption protocol and password.
In the DHCP section, switch DHCP-Server to Disabled. Click save.
Go to the System Tools section. Click on the Reboot button. The device will reboot and the settings will take effect. An icon should light up on the LED panel, indicating the presence of a signal and its transmission.
The repeater will broadcast an identical network (provided that the same parameters are set), so there is no need to reconnect from a mobile or tablet. Now you know how to set up the repeater yourself.
Possible problems and their elimination
When setting up a Wi-Fi repeater, users may have several problems with no signal or the inability to connect specifically to the repeater. Pay attention to the following points:
- The machine must be within reach of the main router. A weak signal is often a connection problem.
- Check that all network devices are on the same network.
- The presence of interference. Some phones and other mobile devices conflict.
- Incorrect operation of the modem itself.
Please read the technical manual for your Wi-Fi repeater model first. All the main sections of the menu are described in detail there.
