Things Should Know Prior To Choose a WiFi Extender

Choosing a WiFi repeater depends on several criteria. First you need specify your needs like – area to be covered, bandwidth, and the price. Then, you must check out the performance of the gadget, manufacturer's brand essence and user's ratings.

But, isn't that will be so time-consuming? Of-course it will be, and, that's why this post will be your solace. Reading this post, will guide you with choosing the superlative wireless extender.

Let the hunt for your dream-extender begin now!

Start with the Range and WiFi Standard

WiFi protocol and standards have evolved in recent years. Today, there are two main types of home WiFi: WiFi n (802.11n) and WiFi ac (802.11ac), newer and faster. The standards are backward compatible. So, without any problem, a WiFi ac repeater will work so with a WiFi router with n standard.

But, you do need to focus on one key point that is range. WiFi extenders with “N” standard have a real bit rate of 300 Mbps and a range of 50 meters, whereas, WiFi ac extenders have a real bit rate of 900 Mbps and a range of 20 meters.

Apart from that, you must check the compatibility with your router. Indeed, if your router has a real speed of 300 Mb / s, and you buy a 900 Mbps WiFi extender, this will not allow your Internet connection to go faster because the extender will automatically lock up on the flow of the router.

Single-band or dual-band WiFi Extender?

WiFi extenders that go through the 5 GHz frequency band are usually faster but have a generally lower range than WiFi repeaters that go through the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Today, some WiFi extenders are dual-band and able to manage two WiFi networks simultaneously. One such example is the Netgear EX6920. Users utilize mywifiext to manage the dual bandwidth. Most of dual band extenders have a range of 50 meters and a real speed of 1200 Mb / s (300 Mb / s + 900 Mb / s), to combine range and speed .

Are you getting the required WiFi signal gain?

When you buy a extender, your goal is to improve your WiFi signal. Today, all equipment performing requires at least 6 decibels isotropic ( in theory. a little less in practice). But, if you are aiming for a 6 decibel isotropic extender, aim for the top model with 8 decibels isotropic. This is all the more important because some factors such as wall thickness or interference from other electrical devices reduce the signal. Hence, generally, it is advisable to take a WiFi extender with a signal gain greater than 8 decibels isotropic .

Look out for what additional features the extender has

Some repeaters are equipped with one or more Ethernet ports that can connect many devices to the extender with the help of an Ethernet cable. These devices includes network devices, TVs, video game consoles, Blu-ray players etc. Apart from this, in order not to condemn the electrical outlets, some WiFi repeaters are also equipped with a mains socket on the front . This makes very convenient for users to connect the extender to power supply.

Others are equipped with an audio jack to connect speakers and listen to music sent from your smartphone or computer, and even a light bulb to illuminate the room in which they are connected.

One great additional feature that only some (like Netgear) offers, is the "access point" mode. Using this mode, the repeater is able to create a new WiFi network, different from that of the router. A network whose name (SSID) and identification number/ password-key can be customized.

Post Summary

The function and purpose of WiFi repeaters are always the same, but the features may vary from one model to another. That's why the prices of WiFi extenders have such vast variations.

Help-tip: After spending more than 60 hours of learning about WiFi repeaters and testing a dozen of models from renowned manufacturers, we concluded that the Netgear extenders are the best way to get WiFi to a place in your home that was not covered by your router. The best part is their outstanding technical support that helped us throughout the setup process and dealing with “mywifiext.net not working.”