WiFi repeater is nothing but the extender. It receives the router signal and amplifies it to extend the coverage of the WiFi network. This helps to improve the WiFi range in areas where the signal is weak or do not reach, such as in larger homes. All you have to do is login, from the WiFi repeater login page and configure the setting. Now, there are some key points which should be kept in mind while placing and setting up the repeater.
Key Notes to Be Considered
Location
For optimal performance, place the repeater halfway between the router and the area where you need improved coverage.
Bandwidth splitting
Since, the repeater has to communicate with both the router and the connected devices, it usually cuts the available bandwidth in half, which can reduce overall speeds slightly.
Signal Quality
A repeater does not boost the speed of the internet connection; it extends coverage. The quality of the extended signal depends on the strength and quality of the original WiFi signal it receives.
After considering these points, you should know how repeater works. Here are the working steps of repeater, in detail:
Receiving WiFi Signal
The repeater has built-in antennas that detect and receive the existing WiFi signal from the router. To work effectively, it must be placed in a location where the signal from the router is still strong enough to be catch. It must be also close to the area where coverage is needed.
Amplifying Signal
Once the repeater catches the WiFi signal, it amplifies it and increases its strength. However, it is not necessary that it will increase the speed of the internet. But it ensures that devices in distant areas from the router still get a usable connection.
Rebroadcasting the Signal
After receiving and boosting the signal, the repeater rebroadcasts it to create a second WiFi network. This second network is mostly an extension of the original network, typically with the same SSID, depending on the repeater settings.
These are the steps which indicate that how repeater works. We can suggest you some extenders or repeaters of router and WiFi. Some are Aigital repeater, which you can setup by Aigital WiFi repeater manual, Wireless-N repeater is one of the famous extender, which you can use as well.
If you faced any problem while configuring your WiFi repeater, then these troubleshooting tips can help you to resolve the issue:
Troubleshooting Tips
Here we can help you to resolve common issues like weak signals, connectivity problems, or slow speeds.
Check Repeater Placement
- Make sure you place the repeater halfway between your router and the area where network is poor.
- You need to consider that placement should be such way that it is not too close to the router. If it is too close then it will not extend the network far enough, and if it is too far then it will not pick up a strong signal.
- Objects, metal, thick walls etc. can interrupt the WiFi signal. So, make sure the repeater is placed in an open space and free from obstacles.
- Electronic devices can also interfere with the WiFi signal. Place the repeater away from these electronic devices as well.
Check WiFi Signal Strength
- You have to make sure that the repeater is receiving a strong signal from the router. Most repeaters have indicator lights showing signal strength. You should point the repeater, where the signal strength is strong.
- There are apps which can help to identify the strength of your WiFi signal at various points in your home, helping you find the best location for the repeater.
Conclusion
In summary, WiFi repeater works by receiving, amplifying, and rebroadcasting your existing WiFi signal, allowing you to extend the reach of your network to areas with poor or no coverage.
