Best Wifi Extenders in 2023

Setting Up Your Wi-Fi Extender

First, you need to decide what Wi-Fi extender is right for your needs. If you are in an environment with many brick-and-mortar buildings, you may want to avoid going wireless. However, if you are in a higher-density area or building with thick walls, this may not be a bad option. Think about other obstacles in your home, such as floors, walls, and ceilings. These items may block your wireless signal, meaning that the wireless extender would not be the best solution for you. The best Wi-Fi extender option is when you have a large open space with many access points.

If you’re looking to extend where the Wi-Fi in your home or office reaches, you may have come across not only Wi-Fi extenders, but also Wi-Fi boosters, and even Wi-Fi repeaters. Below are some clear definitions to help you choose the proper device for your Wi-Fi expansion needs.

• Wi-Fi extender: The defining trait of Wi-Fi extenders is their use of wired connections. This allows for the most speed, best performance, and dependability. You can also find wireless extenders to strategically place around your space; the larger the space is, the more extenders you will need.
• Wi-Fi repeater: A Wi-Fi repeater is essentially the same as a wireless extender, as it allows for wireless Wi-Fi expansion through your space. The main difference between a Wi-Fi repeater and a Wi-Fi extender is that it connects to your router. The disadvantage of this is that, since the Wi-Fi is coming from the original device, it cuts the bandwidth in half, meaning you will experience a major change in your Internet speed.
• Wi-Fi bridge: A Wi-Fi bridge is used to connect devices that are in a location that is not in reach of your router. As the name suggests, Wi-Fi bridges are used to connect two networks in order to create more coverage in your space.

Once you know what type of Wi-Fi extender to use, you must consider where you position it. It is important to place your Wi-Fi extender in an open and elevated location, as elevation allows it to get a clear view of the wireless signal from the wireless access point. Another important aspect is keeping it away from obstructions, such as walls, columns, or other obstacles that may block its ability to connect with the wireless signal coming from a source.

If you already have a Wi-Fi extender and want to add another one, make sure that they are not competing. They should work independently, not duplicating each other’s efforts. You will also want to set up the Wi-Fi extenders on different channels so that they do not interfere with each other.

When purchasing a Wi-Fi extender, you need to ensure that you can receive all of your services from it, such as internet, digital cable, and DSL. Make sure that you check the number of channels it has and the connection’s speed. Your extender will have a maximum number of channels, so make sure that it is not exceeding this, or there may be conflicts with other wireless devices in your home or office.

To set up your Wi-Fi extender, follow these simple steps:

1. Find a place other than your bedroom that is remote because it will be easier to place your Wi-Fi extender there. With time, you may have to travel a few miles away or stay away from your home.
2. If you need to place an extender in an area with less than 20 feet of space, you’ll want to get a ceiling-hoisting type model like Netgear’s AC750 Wi-Fi Range Extender.
3. Choose a high point to put your extender for better coverage. If possible, choose a device that lets you extend the internet into another part of the house without running any wires.
4. If you need to extend your signal through a long distance, this can be possible if you use an extender with a power boost like the Netgear AC750 Wi-Fi Range Extender.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Wi-Fi Extender

• Router: The first thing you will need to do is ensure your existing router is close to the area you want to cover. A more powerful model will cover a larger range and have more features.
• Size: If you want to keep the size of your extender small, then be prepared to make some sacrifices. Smaller devices are generally less powerful and may not support as many users at once.
• Wi-Fi frequency: There are two main Wi-Fi frequencies available to users: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The extender you choose will depend on which frequency your router supports and what is best for your home network. Newer routers offer dual-band support while some older routers may only have a 2.4GHz option.
• Antennas: The number of antennas on your extender will determine how far the signal can reach, so you should be prepared to compromise if you want something small and portable.
• Power: If you live in a larger house with thick walls, you will need a more powerful model to cover your entire home and keep the signal strong. To ensure you get the best results possible, you’re recommended to get one that is at least 2 watts.
• Range extenders: Most extenders are designed to work on Wi-Fi networks of around 100m and should be sufficient for most homes. However, some models provide the option of using range extenders to increase your wireless coverage if needed.

More ways to improve your Wi-Fi signal

• Check out cable thickness – Ensure that the cable you are using is thick enough for the distance needed.
• Reposition your router – Move your router to an elevated location away from obstacles for a better signal.
• Avoid interference – Make sure that there are no other sources of interference in your house. Other routers or gadgets that emit Wi-Fi signals simultaneously can cause interference.
• Use Wi-Fi extenders – Wi-Fi extenders are useful for extending signals by traversing signals from the Wi-Fi access point to rooms with weak signals.
• Check your antenna – Your Wi-Fi antenna is an integral part of your wireless setup. If the part that comes with the device isn’t strong enough, there will be interference, which would result in a weaker connection.
• Change your channel – Changing the channel to avoid interference is a good idea if you have multiple Wi-Fi devices. Please do this by looking through your device’s manual to change it or looking online.
• Get a new router – Old routers can cause interference, so if you have an old one, get a new one. Newer models increase signal strength and allow multiple devices to work with fewer interference concerns.
• Upgrade router software – Upgrading the software on your router is a good idea because often it has options that might help improve the Wi-Fi range. Read your router’s manual to see if you can do this and ensure that it’s compatible with your device.