Complete Guide to Extending Your WiFi Network

Table of Content

• Motorola Q11 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System Review
• Ways to Fix “Unidentified Network” or No Internet in Windows
• TP-Link Archer AX11000 Next-Gen Tri-Band Gaming Router Review
• What is the difference between a Wi-Fi extender and booster?
• PCMag Stories You’ll Like
• How do I extend cat6 beyond 100M?
• Google Nest Wifi Review
• .By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.

In many cases, the router manufacturer will sell external antennas separately. In some instances, moving your router to a different location can do wonders for its range. Ideally, a Wi-Fi router should be out in the open and toward the center of your home. If you hide your router in a cabinet or behind other objects, you could be blocking its reach.

Like many different types of technology, Wi-Fi has evolved over the years, leading to better routers with improved range and connection speeds. Wi-Fi extenders are commonly referred to as Repeaters or Boosters. They pick the original signal from the main router and rebroadcast it. The wireless signal from a router can only transmit so far but thick walls can hinder the signal. Having the router in an attic or in the corner of the house can reduce the signal and bandwidth.

Motorola Q11 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System Review

We recommend an outdoor WiFi extender, sometimes called a WiFi repeater or access point. Dual frequency routers offer you the choice of 5.0GHz and 2.4GHz bands. You might find that switching to the 5.0GHz band improves your WiFi range as it will incur less interference from other electronic devices since the frequency is used less often. Keeping your device’s firmware current can help you obtain the best WiFi signal that the router can provide. Simply finding a new location for your wireless router can have a dramatic impact on your WiFi signal for a variety of reasons. You should strive for a central location that is free from physical obstructions like walls and doors if possible.

With the right equipment and certain tweaks, you can extend a Wi-Fi range. And, we’ve gathered almost all the methods you can try to help you with the process. You can very simply and very easily replace this with a bigger antenna; or a more directional one which you can position exactly as you need to. If your broadband speed isn’t the problem (remember, you only need 2-3Mbps for streaming on catch-up players) find out how much broadband you need here. We’ve got 2 fast fibre broadband packages available – and we’ll give you at least x1 FREE Mesh Wifi Linksys Router when you sign up. Ever wishfully wondered if moving rooms will cure your connection issue?

Ways to Fix “Unidentified Network” or No Internet in Windows

This means you need to manually switch between networks, which can be frustrating. Every week a Guardian Money reader submits a question, and it’s up to you to help him or her out – a selection of the best answers will appear in next Saturday’s paper. If you want the direct and simple answer, it’s illegal to use your neighbor’s Internet service without their consent, period. Your neighbor is paying for the service and if you are using it without their knowledge, it’s stealing. With a router without an antenna, you should be sure that it is centrally positioned to get the best signal.

If your internet is still slow standing right next to the router, you may have some outdated gear that needs an upgrade. Some Wi-Fi extenders may allow you to boost your home Wi-Fi up to 2,500 feet. Please note that this isn’t a hard-and-fast range, as it can vary based on your environment and the strength of your Wi-Fi extending device. If your Wi-Fi network is set to public, it’s possible that your network could be getting slowed down by unauthorized users, like your neighbors.

TP-Link Archer AX11000 Next-Gen Tri-Band Gaming Router Review

2.4 GHz provides a better range, so you can also try switching the frequency. Likely, you can use an additional router or a Wi-Fi extender. Your WiFi may not reach every nook and corner of your house. However, you do not have to settle for the router’s default range. One simple way of improving the signal in the home is to change the wireless channels.

With prolonged work from home periods extending well into the second half of 2021, your home wi-fi is as crucial a part of your life as any other. On this note, we take a look at five easy, do it yourself steps to extend wi-fi range at home. For the most part, we attempt to make do without buying any additional new hardware, such as all the fancy new wi-fi routers around you. At times, the simple workaround might just be near you, and here are a few ways in which you can boost and extend wi-fi range at home. However, there are instances where slow speeds, dropped connections and dead zones occur. Router manufacturers make improvements to their software and issue firmware updates to improve the performance of their products.

What is the difference between a Wi-Fi extender and booster?

Don’t you hate it when you’re about to send that email then your internet connection starts buffering then crashing… and buffering on repeat? It’s not because you have a poor internet provider, but because you’re in a different area of your home where the connection is weak. Under the Physical Interface section, make sure the settings exactly match those of your primary router. For example, if your primary router uses WPA2 Personal with TKIP encryption, set things the same here, and enter your key as you would if you were connecting from a PC or phone. Equipment manufacturers make improvements to their products.

The main difference is that an access point relies on a hardwired connection to your network as opposed to simply repeating an existing wireless signal. In almost any circumstance, this will result in dramatically improved performance over a more conventional wireless extender. Even if positioned properly, it’s important to realize that each and every person or device connected to your wireless network shaves off a slice of its total bandwidth.

When you update the router’s firmware, it fixes bugs, provides security updates, and boosts performance. Along with that, it helps to get the best range the router has to offer. Most wireless router manufacturers also make repeater devices that forward on the signal to a larger area. However, this range can be decreased by obstacles such as thick walls inside a home. Another example is external areas – if you need to extend WiFi to garage, or are looking for the best way to extend wifi signal to a garden, you might need a mesh WiFi system. Then, unplug your router from power and leave it alone for at least 30 seconds so it completely powers down.

Not only does 5GHz offer faster speeds, but you'll likely encounter less interference from other wireless networks and devices because the frequency is not as commonly used. Note, though, that it doesn't handle obstructions and distances quite as well, so it won't necessarily reach as far as a 2.4GHz signal does. Mesh systems use multiple routers to make a consistent signal. Plug one of the mesh system devices into the back of your router to connect it to your network. Place the remaining mesh devices throughout your home wherever you’re having trouble connecting to the Internet. The mesh devices all give off full-strength signals to make your wifi network larger and more reliable.

To solve this problem, you can secure your Wi-Fi network by adding a password, which will kick off any users that aren’t supposed to be using your network. Not only can keeping unauthorized users off your network keep it running faster, but it can protect you from anyone that may be trying to hack your router. One of the best ways to extend Wi-Fi range is to add an antenna to your router. Even if your router only comes with an internal antenna, adding an external antenna is a great way to achieve an extended Wi-Fi range. To figure out if your router supports external antennas, read through your router’s manual.