How do WiFi Extenders Work and Do They Really Work?

Depending on the layout of your home and the location of your wireless router, you may encounter difficulty maintaining a strong Internet signal throughout your residence. This problem becomes obvious when you’re trying to stream videos or other types of data-rich media far away from your router. You’ve probably come to expect copious buffering and poor resolution whenever you’re a bit too far from the source of the signal.

In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of WiFi extenders: what they are, how they work, and how to use them properly to optimize the WiFi signal in your home. There are also a number of other tips and tricks that you can use to increase the range of your router and ensure full coverage. We’ll cover those too.

Take a look at the list of topics and select the one you want to read most. Or, simply read through for a full guide on everything you need to know about WiFi extenders and home internet coverage.

• What is WiFi?
• Why is my WiFi signal weak?
• What is a WiFi extender?
• Do WiFi extenders work?
• How do WiFi extenders work?
• Setting up your WiFi extender
• The benefits of WiFi extenders
• Tips & tricks: How to place a WiFi extender

What is WiFi?

WiFi is a type of radio signal that uses radio waves to transmit a signal from your router to your device. WiFi is unique in that it is made to be compatible with ethernet cables, which are the wired counterpart to the wireless WiFi signal.

Contrary to popular belief, “WiFi” is not short for “wireless fidelity”, though the term’s similarity to the words “hi-fi” and “lo-fi” (short for high fidelity and low fidelity, terms from music recording) have led many to think so. The term was actually coined by a brand agency in the late 1990’s and is surprisingly meaningless. The agency simply needed a better, more consumer-friendly name than the technical term for the sort of signal protocol that WiFi actually is: IEEE 802.11.

So, what do you really need to know? Basically, WiFi is a radio signal. That means, like other radio signals, it can be blocked by certain materials, and certain locations and geographic positions can make it harder to transmit. Have you ever tried driving through a parking garage while listening to AM radio? The concrete obstructs the waves, making the signal break up or drop out entirely. WiFi is similarly susceptible to obstruction (though not quite as sensitive as AM radio), and because it’s a fairly concentrated signal, can only be picked up within a smaller range. That can lead to some headaches.

Why is my WiFi signal weak?

A weak WiFi signal can be caused by a number of factors which can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Before you spring for a WiFi range extender (more on that next), it’s smart to first figure out what the cause of your WiFi troubles actually is.

Does your router affect internet speed? Absolutely. If it’s not simply that you’re too far from the router—if there’s actually something else going on—then getting the extender won’t solve your connectivity issues. If you keep losing connection, experiencing videos buffering, or simply can’t connect to your network, here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:

• First, determine whether the problem is with your WiFi or your device. Try to connect using a different device. If the WiFi won’t load on your laptop, for instance, but loads just fine on your phone (and your phone is connected to the WiFi and not using your data plan), then the problem is likely with your laptop.
• If the problem is with your device, one simple solution is to turn it off, then turn it back on again. Cycling the device’s system is a good way to refresh any blockages that may be keeping it from connecting to the WiFi. You may also need to check your device’s network settings and ensure that WiFi connectivity is switched on.
• If you determine that the problem is not with your device, then it may be time to consider your router. As with all things, your first troubleshooting option is to reboot the router. Depending on your model, it may have a clearly indicated power button. If it does, simply press that, wait, then press it again. If not, you can unplug the router, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in.
• If that still doesn’t work, some routers do have hard reset functions. This usually requires using an unfolded paper clip or pin to press a small button in a small hole somewhere on the back panel of the router. Press it, then simply let the router restart itself. (Be sure to look up your specific router model to ensure you don’t need to take any further actions after the hard reset button has been pushed.)
• Finally, if none of those measures work, it may be time to give your internet service provider a call. You may need a repair technician to come out and fix it.

If your WiFi seems to be functioning properly but becomes weak the further you get from your router—this is especially likely if you live in a large house or property—then the problem is most likely that your router is not strong enough to reach where you need it. In that case, a WiFi extender may be just what you need.

What is a WiFi Range Extender?

A WiFi range extender is a device that repeats the signal emitted by your router. Think of it as a little booster for your router’s signal, pushing the WiFi connection out over a broader area. WiFi range extenders offer a relatively inexpensive way to spread your wireless signal throughout your home.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $150 for a decent model. They typically plug directly into a wall socket, so you are able to place the unit closer to where you do your most bandwidth-intensive internet activity. So, what does a WiFi extender do differently from a router? Not much; they extend the same signal further along.

Many models support dual band routers, so you’ll be able extend the signal of both networks at your home if your extender allows it; many people have both a 2.4G and 5G network. If both your router and the range extender support WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) technology, a simple button push on both devices transfers the network password information to the extender. That makes it simple and easy for someone trying to get onto your network using the extender, provided they know the password.

Look for your network name on your streaming device, usually appended with an “EXT,” log on with your password, and commence viewing. Additionally, be sure to perform a quick speed test to verify the internet speed through the extender is good enough for high quality video. In most cases, the improved wireless signal strength makes a noticeable difference in internet performance.

Do WiFi extenders work?

Definitely—they’re designed to pick up the signal transmitted by your WiFi router, then boost it so it can be picked up in a wider area. Do note that WiFi extenders don’t speed up your internet connection, or add Mbps to your internet speed. Those aspects of your internet connection are determined by your router and your internet service plan.

Note: A WiFi range extender is also not the source of your WiFi signal, and cannot be used to connect to the internet without a router and internet service provider. WiFi extenders solely extend the router signal; they do not create an internet-connected signal of their own.

How do WiFi range extenders work?

WiFi is a type of radio signal, and like any radio signal, it can be repeated by the right kind of device following the right protocol. WiFi routers’ signals can be repeated by using a WiFi range extender, which simply receives the WiFi signal, then using its own broadcasting abilities, sends it out to a wider area centered on the location of the WiFi range extender.

How do WiFi range extenders work? Basically the same way routers do, just without being the origin of the WiFi signal.

Setting up your WiFi extender

The setup for your specific model of WiFi extender will depend on the brand and model of the specific device. However, there are some general similarities you can expect to find in most WiFi range extenders. Follow these general setup rules to help your extender work as efficiently as possible.

• After you purchase the device, the first step you’ll have to take is to unbox it and plug it in. You should see indicator lights turn on at this point, showing that the WiFi extender is functioning.
• Usually, the extender emits a default signal; usually it’s just the name of the brand, plus EXT or some other abbreviation indicating that the signal is coming from the extender.
• By following the instructions on the box or within the setup manual, you should be able to find the website that allows you to interface with the extender. Using a code, you can then set up your administrator credentials.
• Once all that is set up, most models allow you to connect your extender to the main source of your WiFi through the administrator end of the setup site.
• This should create a new network based on your original WiFi network.

The benefits of WiFi extenders

Now that you’re familiar with WiFi, WiFi extenders, and how they both work, you’re probably wondering if you need one. There’s no simple answer because it is highly dependent on your personal situation, the size of your home, and where you feel that you need WiFi. There are, however, a number of benefits to outfitting your home with a WiFi extender.

Check out these advantages to help you decide whether a WiFi extender makes sense for your situation:

• WiFi extenders boost your network, creating a larger area of signal coverage.
• Larger homes with many rooms and floors may experience fewer connectivity issues.
• Move from room to room knowing that you won’t lose signal.
• Having a wider signal decreases the chances you’ll experience dead zones.
• Those with back houses, separate guest suites, or granny flats can extend the range of their WiFi to accommodate the space.
• Backyard WiFi access is faster, improving outdoor work from home sessions and leisure browsing.

Another benefit that WiFi extenders offer is that they make it possible to connect many devices all across your house. If you fully embrace the Internet of Things at your residence and encounter difficulty controlling the devices residing the farthest from your router, purchasing a range extender or two needs to be considered. They can definitely help optimize the performance of your digital smart home.

Most of the major companies producing routers, like Linksys and Netgear, also manufacture range extenders. Research the various models online or at a brick and mortar store to determine which model offers the best performance for the price. If you live in a large house, a range extender may be your best option to improve your home network performance.

Tips & tricks: How to place a WiFi extender

Once you’ve decided to purchase a WiFi range extender and are ready to set it up, it’s smart to follow a few tips and tricks that will allow you to fully enjoy the benefits of your extended WiFi. Finding just the right spot for your router and extenders can take a bit of work, but it’s worth it in the long run. When you’re getting ready to set up, check out these tips:

• Place your router in or near the rooms in the home where the internet is most often used. For instance, if you do a lot of work from home, your home office may be the ideal place to set up your router. If you’ve got a comfy home theater setup where you stream 4K HD movies, that’s probably the room to put the router.
• Once your router is set up, it’s time to think about where you’ll put your extender. The key is to find the sweet spot: close enough to the router that it picks up a solid signal, but not so close that there’s barely any reason to have it in the first place.

Most routers can reach between 150 and 200 feet, depending on the walls in your home and a few other factors — there may even be a time of day when internet is fastest. Ensure that your extender is within that range for best results.

• WiFi range extenders are expensive devices, so it’s wisest not to place them in rooms where they might easily be damaged. If you do have an extender in the kitchen, plug it in far enough away from the sink and frequently-used counters space that it won’t be splashed. If it’s in a garage, keep it away from tool benches and power tools.
• Make sure that your router and WiFi extender are password protected. With the extended range, your network will become detectable to many more devices than before. Choosing a secured password that includes a mix of capital and lower-case letters, numbers, and unique characters is ideal for a WiFi password that won’t easily be hacked.

Once your WiFi extender is set up, you can use a WiFi speed test to ensure that the signal broadcast from the repeater is about as good as the one broadcast from your router. Small differences in speed are expected, and often caused by other factors. But if you notice that the speed on your extended WiFi is much slower than the speed on your router’s network, something may have gone wrong during setup — most likely, the extender was simply placed too far from the router.

Having fast, responsive internet can massively improve your quality of life, making work more productive, and entertainment more enjoyable. Don’t sacrifice for less; use Bandwidth Place’s WiFi speed test and informative blog content to help you ensure you’re getting the internet service you deserve.