![]() ![]() The further away from your router a wifi device is, the further the signal has to stretch to reach it. A mesh network is likely to be a better option than a wifi extender if you have a large home. Mesh networks use nodes, which are small devices that communicate with each other to keep wifi signals strong and going to the right places without being interrupted. A traditional home wifi network relies on one signal that gets distributed to all of your wifi enabled devices. Mesh networks help improve your network speed, range and stability. Mesh Networks allow multiple routers to work with each other as a team to share information. In many cases, depending upon the distance from the router, the wifi extender may actually weaken the wifi signal. ![]() Wifi extenders will stretch a wifi signal, but they don’t strengthen the signal. The best placement for a wifi extender is halfway between a router and an electronic device. Wifi extenders work best when they’re used with one or two devices that always stay in the same place. Wifi extenders do exactly what they sound like, they lengthen a wifi signal over a longer distance from a router. If you have a continuous problem with your devices disconnecting from wifi or a weak signal, and your router is behind a couch or in a closet, move your router. ![]() When wifi signals have to travel distances, like reach out to your front or back yard or work around obstacles, they get weaker. Think about driving out of town and having your car radio signal get weak or stop broadcasting. The further wifi signals have to travel, the weaker they get. Routers receive signals, decode them and send the information invisibly to all of the electronic equipment in your home. Often, though, that software is second-rate compared to stand-alone apps for analyzing your Wi-Fi.Wireless networks use radio waves to communicate. App AssistanceĬhances are that any extender you buy comes with its own software for optimizing its position and performance. If you experience this issue, try using a different network name for the extended segment. But it also means that there can be problems in the areas covered by both the router and the extender where their signals overlap. Using the same log-in credentials allows you to roam between the router and extender without re-logging in and connect with networked printers and storage drives. When setting up the extender you’ll have to decide whether to keep the same network name and encryption passcode or use a different one. The prime culprits here are microwave ovens, cordless phones, refrigerators or even baby monitors. Another big disruptor of Wi-Fi extenders are stray radio-frequency signals from things that interfere with the Wi-Fi signals. When picking your extender’s location, avoid objects that will either reflect the signal (like mirrors or large pieces of metal) or absorb it (walls, closets or masonry supports). In fact, it often works best in multi-story situations if the router and extender are roughly above or below each other. Solve this by moving the extender closer to the router than you might if both devices were on the same floor. However, when setting up an extender for a floor above or below the router (such as for a basement or attic), you’ll need to take account of the extra height and all the wood, steel and plaster in your floors and ceilings - building materials that can absorb part of the Wi-Fi signal. If you have a ranch house or a single-floor apartment, you should be home-free. Upstairs, downstairs: Better signal in multistory homes Netgear's Nighthawk EX7000 is among our top choices for Wi-Fi extenders. ![]()
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