All WiFi routers have a limited coverage area. In practice, it turns out to be much less than the value indicated by the manufacturer, due to external obstacles and interference present in the signal path. So The reception of your WiFi signal is weak or unevenly distributed in all the rooms of your house? The WiFi repeater is the solution for you! We explain in detail what it is and how to choose it so that it is adapted to your expectations. By understanding how a WiFi signal booster works and installing this additional device, you can significantly improve coverage.
we will try to find out the best WiFi signal booster in this article.
best WiFi repeater
Netgear Nighthawk EX7300
With MU-MIMO technology and WPS function, which allows easy and almost instant installation, it is one of the fastest WiFi repeaters on the market, while covering a large area.
Indeed on the technical level, the latter has nothing to envy to more high-end models. Compatible with WiFi 802.11b/g/n and 802.11ac, this wifi repeater is also equipped with dual-band technology on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies.
100% compatible with all boxes from livebox to freebox, the NetGear EX7300 stands out above all because it incorporates both beamforming (sends spatialized data so as to reach devices more precisely) and MU-MIMO technology which ensures better simultaneous data dissemination on multiple devices.
Allowing to extend wifi coverage up to 930m² Netgear delivers here one of the fastest WiFi repeater on the market . The only downside: its rather large footprint which in some cases could occupy two electrical outlets.
A very small drawback given the overall performance of this little gem!
TP link extender ac750
Combining discreet design and universal compatibility, this model has an expandable range and a dual bandwidth signal increasing throughput. Its installation is simple and its management intuitive.
The TP link extender ac750 is especially suitable for apartments or small houses. It takes advantage of an extendable reach, easy installation, discreet design and a respectable flow to take the first place in its range. With it, you will be able to watch streaming movies or play online without worrying about connection. However, be sure to place it at the correct distance from your box to take advantage of sufficient flow rates.
This model displays universal compatibility with 802.11 b/g/n and 802.11ac Wi-Fi routers. An Ethernet port is placed under the case but the lack of a more efficient Gigabit port is quite disappointing.
It works in dual-band, combining a 2.4 GHz signal and a 5 GHz signal. The speed can vary and there is a speed ranging from 300 Mbps to 750 Mbps, which generates a fairly fast connection for its price. Especially in “High Speed” mode where the TP link extender ac750 is pushed to its maximum speed.
It is effective in a habitat of a surface slightly greater than 150 m², allowing you to enjoy it in a small house. The “Range Extender” button is used to increase the area of the area to be covered.
Installation is easy thanks to its WPS function, since it appears as a wall outlet. After a configuration that takes a little time for those who are not familiar with the object, the management is intuitive. All the configuration and security (change of name or password) is done via a dedicated web interface.
Note, however, that it requires placement near the box for it to work at best. In this regard, a led light indicates the quality of the signal to help you place it ideally.
Its design has been worked on and its small size (11×6.6×7.5 cm) and light weight (109g) ensure its discretion. Its antennas are integrated into the device which blends perfectly into any interior decoration.
Netgear Nighthawk X6S EX8000
The best high-end Wi-Fi repeateris Netgear Nighthawk X6S EX8000
This repeater has everything one can hope for today with MU-MIMO technology, its meshed operation and more than sufficient speeds. It is thought to be combined with a good quality router.
The Netgear Nighthawk X6S EX8000 repeater takes advantage of the latest technologies in order to offer first-rate performance. It is also easy to install and use while packed with many parameters to configure it as you wish. However, its performance is heavily influenced by the modem it is connected to (this is the problem with any repeater) and its price is not the most competitive.
It arises as the best current solution with its tri-band solution with a 2.4 GHz band (400 Mbps), a 5 GHz band (866 Mbps) and a second 5 GHz band (1733 Mbps). The latter is dedicated to direct communication between the repeater and the router. This makes it possible not to monopolize part of the bandwidth and therefore to maximize the power available for your use of the network. As a bonus, MU-MIMO is also in the game.
In parallel, you have the possibility of configuring a mesh network directly relaying the network sent by your router, with the same SSID, which allows you to surf continuously without suffering disconnection when you switch from the original connection to that of your repeater.
We advise you to optimize the positioning of this repeater using the LED present for this purpose because if the signal strength is excellent at short and medium range, the results are much less interesting when one is placed at the limits of its scope.
Its use is fairly simple and installation is facilitated by the presence of WPS. If you wish, you can also use the dedicated web interface which increases the configuration possibilities. Its monobloc design is used to conceal the network antennas. You will therefore not have to orient them in a specific way and, as a bonus, you benefit from a discreet solution to blend in with your decoration.
The connection is quite extensive. It takes 4 1 Gbps ethernet ports to directly connect all your devices that do not have wireless access and a USB 2.0 port to connect a storage device and give it access to the network.
In the end, this repeater is the best solution you can find, if you are equipped accordingly.
Netgear ex3700 review
Compact, powerful and easy to approach, this repeater is a suitable solution for many users to cover a dead zone the size of a room
Even if it is not the most stylish or the most powerful, the Netgear ex3700 is a good solution for people who do not want to break the bank while compensating for a too low range of their router. The flow rates are quite interesting but we advise you to opt for a model of the higher range if the surface to be covered is more extensive.
This is a dual-band repeater compatible with the 802.11ac standard. It creates its own network divided into two frequencies: 2.4 GHz (limited to 300 Mbps) and 5 GHz (limited to 433 Mbps). However, make sure you are at medium range so as not to further reduce this performance, which is already limited.
It is also recommended to use it to fill a white area the size of an average room. For larger spaces, it will be necessary to switch to another model.
Network security is of course possible via the web interface. Here you can configure the encryption (WEP / WPA / WPA2-PSK), the network name and many other options that will delight more experienced users. WPS is also part of the game to facilitate the connection.
In terms of its design, we are entitled to a compact solution with 2 antennas. This contained template allows it not to block a possible second outlet. The antennas, for their part, appear not very resistant. They must therefore be handled with care and placed either upwards or downwards (this position blocks the RJ45 port on the side). The horizontal position is to be avoided because their resistance does not allow them to easily hold in place.
Ultimately, if you need an affordable solution to fill a room where the network isn’t optimal, it may do the trick. However, if you need the power, go your way.
Tenda nova mw3
For creating a mesh Wi-Fi network without spending a fortune , the Tenda Nova MW3-3 undeniably offers the best value for money. This multiroom WiFi solution makes it possible to cover large areas intelligently for an optimal internet connection. Much more efficient than a traditional Wi-Fi repeater, this device can connect up to 40 devices simultaneously.
This Mesh WiFi system comes with three wireless access points that each cover an area of 100 m2. Therefore, the entire MW3-3 pack provides 300 m2 WiFi coverage. Once installed, you will be able to eliminate WiFi dead zones.
For unparalleled ease of use, the device offers two wireless standards IEEE 802.11ac / a/n and IEEE 802.11b/g/n. Its dual-band Wi-Fi offers a speed of up to 867 Mbps in 5 Ghz and 300 Mbps in 2.4 Ghz. The Tenda Nova MW3-3 allows you to enjoy a fluid and stable connection anywhere in the home, ideal for watching movies in 4K or for playing on the Internet without lag. To listen to music on your connected speakers or to make an HD call, this Wi-Fi Mesh system will offer you quality fluidity.
Depending on your location in the house, your device automatically connects to the strongest access point . Hence, you will not know about untimely disconnections.
Intuitive, simple and fast, the entire installation of the device is done in just a few minutes. And take advantage of better flexibility, know that the configuration of your network can be done via Tenda WiFi App, a dedicated mobile application and, let us point out, of high quality!
Parental controls, network access, security, internet settings, etc., everything can be configured at your fingertips. The application makes it possible, for example, to restrict network access to unauthorized devices, to better protect your privacy or to manage connected objects (surveillance camera, connected lighting, thermostat, etc.). Best of all, the Tenda Nova MW3-3 is compatible with Alexa, Amazon’s smart assistant.
Linksys re6300 ac750
The Linksys RE6300-EU universal WiFi repeater stands out primarily for its ease of use.
Compatible with any type of router, this valiant linksys level repeater provides optimal Wi-Fi over a range of up to 600 m². In addition, it offers compatibility with connected devices such as TV, PC or smartphone.
In addition to excellent compatibility with all the boxes on the market, this WiFi repeater is equipped with the technology to broadcast in beams for better efficiency by avoiding losses in unnecessary areas. Another good point is the presence of a Gigabit ethernet port. Capable of transmitting data at a speed of up to 433 Mbps, this will disqualify it in advance for intensive uses such as streaming HD or 4K content and recent video games.
Despite these few flaws, the price remains the strong point of this model. Indeed, Linksys offers us here one of the products with the best quality/price ratio on the market. The perfect wifi repeater if you are looking to browse the internet from your lounge chair in the garden or check your emails in the attic (you are weird, you!).
how to strengthen WiFi signal
If you have already bought and installed a router at home or in the office, and the WiFi signal does not cover where you need it, then you can try to strengthen the wireless network. We will now consider how to do this.
Installing a repeater, or setting up a second router in repeater mode. Of all the recommendations that you will see here, or even find on the Internet, this method is the most effective and reliable. True, you will have to spend money on a repeater.
What is WiFi signal booster
A WiFi signal amplifier or repeater (repeater) is an electronic device that is used to improve and strengthen the signal and increase the coverage of the WiFi network.
The wifi repeater is an electronic device that comes in the form of a small box. It is intended to capture and duplicate the original wifi signal emitted by your internet router.
It is placed between a transmitter and a receiver which are connected wirelessly , but which are not close enough to receive a good quality signal.
The repeater is therefore used to compensate for transmission losses between two interfaces of a network. By repeating the signal, it allows you to extend the range of the wifi network and to broadcast it everywhere in your home or business.
The wifi repeater allows you to improve the quality of your connections to your smartphones, game consoles, televisions, tablets, and computers.
WiFi signal booster
WiFi boosters are often confused with a repeater or extender. But unlike these devices, the amplifier is not an independent network device, it is connected to the antenna output of a WiFi router or access point. The signal from the router will be amplified by the device’s antenna, thereby expanding the coverage area.
WiFi repeater
The repeater simulates the network by increasing the radius of the connection to it. Therefore, in a large apartment or house, and in particular in a place where the signal was barely picked up, it was constantly interrupted, together with the amplifier it will become much stronger and more stable.
The repeater got its name due to the fact that it performs the function of repeating the network. The device will only repeat the signal and will not be able to affect its quality and improve the basic indicators of the Wi-Fi network:
- the bandwidth of the Internet will not increase;
- the interference that occurs due to the presence of other access points will not go away;
- the concurrent number of active connections to the access point will not increase.
how does a WiFi repeater work
Knowing what a WiFi repeater is, you can figure out how it works. The main purpose of the product is to increase the range of the installed router and to eliminate problems related to the quality of the Internet. The repeater captures the signal from the WiFi router, “cleans” it and sends it further within the range. Thanks to this, all devices in the house receive stable access to the global network.
The device has a signal strength indicator. If its color is red, it means that the power is too low. You need to try to reconnect to the router. If the signal strength is sufficient, the indicator will light up green or blue.
The coverage radius is influenced by the location and number of antennas, the power of the device. When various devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, are connected to a WiFi network, all data is saved unchanged, including access points, IP addresses, and password.
Do WiFi repeaters work?
If your WiFi does not “finish off” in some rooms, then installing a repeater will solve this problem. And if you have a house with several floors, then you can install a router on the first floor, and a repeater on the second.
How to use WiFi repeater
To use the device correctly, you need to learn how to install a wifi repeater. Choosing a repeater site is a major challenge. The main thing is that it has a high-quality WiFi signal, thanks to which the device can extend the network to the rest of the territory.
To use a WiFi repeater, you need:
- Plug the device into a power outlet.
- Find the WPS button on the router.
- Press the corresponding button on the amplifier.
- It can be indicated by a lock icon.
- Wait for a response and connection.
A few important points to consider when using a repeater:
- If you use a repeater, then the WiFi network will remain exactly one (and this is good). To be clear: your main router is distributing a network called “My_WIFI” (which does not catch all over the house). We install a repeater, configure it (as a rule, all settings are reduced to pressing the WPS buttons on both devices at the same time), it copies the information about your network, and creates exactly the same network. With the same name and password.
- Your devices will automatically, unnoticed by you, connect to the network, the signal from which is stronger. For example, the main router is in the bedroom and the repeater is in the hallway. This means that if you are in the bedroom, you will be connected to a Wi-Fi router. And if you go to the hallway, then your phone will automatically connect to the repeater. You won’t notice it.
- All devices: phones, computers, laptops, tablets, TVs, etc. that will be connected to the main router, or repeater will be on the same network. This means that we can configure a local network in which all devices will participate. Or, for example, set up a DLNA server and watch movies from your computer on your TV. In this case, the computer can be connected to the router and the TV to the repeater.
How to choose a WiFi signal booster for a router
Buying a WiFi repeater is tricky because the goal is to invest in a device that works and suits your use! Here are the different purchasing criteria to take into account:
- Compatibility with your WiFi network
- The functions of the Wi-Fi repeater
- Utilisation facility
- The band
- Standards
- The design of the Wi-Fi repeater
- The price
Where to install a WiFi repeater?
The WiFi repeater should be placed in a location that picks up WiFi well enough to work. Please note that it is quite possible – see recommended – to place a repeater in a room of your house which picks up the WiFi signal emitted by your main box very poorly. Indeed, the two WiFi transmission areas must “overlap” in order to properly operate your repeater.
If you have a really large house (you’re lucky) you will however have to install several repeaters which will relay the signal, but note that it is generally not possible to put several repeaters on the chain . If you are in this kind of situation you will have to opt for suitable devices like the excellent Netgear EX8000 set. These solutions are based on WiFi MESH technology to create a mesh network.
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