What is wifi repeater range

Last year, in , I used the combination modem and router that came with my ISP plan and that one doesn't support Wi-Fi 6 at all. Here are my takeaways from the other three I tested:. With two adjustable external antennas, the D-Link DAP is pretty powerful for a budget-priced range extender, but it wasn't as consistent as our top pick.

D-Link DAP : This was the only range extender that ever managed to hit triple digits during my tests, with an average speed of Mbps in my bedroom during evening hours.

Setup was just as simple as what I experienced with TP-Link, too. I was able to stream HD video, browse the web and make video calls on the extender's network without any issue.

Network speeds were inconsistent though -- and much slower in daytime hours, with a bigger dropoff than I saw with TP-Link. The device also dropped my connection at one point during my speed tests. On top of that, the app was too finicky for my tastes, refusing to let me log in and tweak settings with the supplied device password.

It ultimately forced me to reset the device. Software woes aside, the hardware seems good with this range extender and it has a dual external antenna setup. Since it's not quite the newest model from D-Link, there's a good chance you can find it on sale somewhere. Netgear EX : It's a dated-looking device and it wasn't a strong performer in my tests. The 2. But the 5GHz band was surprisingly weak, often dropping into single digits with only a single wall separating my PC or connected device from the range extender.

I wasn't a fan of the web interface, either -- it seemed more interested in getting me to register for the warranty and opt into marketing emails than in actually offering me any sort of control over the connection. There's an app you can use instead, but it's only available on Android devices. By default, the device automatically steers you between the 2.

The device supports automatic firmware upgrades, which is great, but you can't use the Linksys Wi-Fi app to tweak settings -- instead, you'll have to log in via the web portal.

On top of all that, the RE seemed to be the least stable of all the extenders I tested, with more than one dropped connection during my tests. Most plug-in range extenders only offer basic features at best, but the TP-Link RE also includes a signal strength tester and a High-Speed Mode in the app.

Aside from my speed tests, I made sure to stream video in my bedroom on each extender's network and I made several video calls on each network, too. I also spent time playing with each extender's settings. You shouldn't expect much, but most will at least make it easy to change the extension network's name or password.

Some include app controls with extra features, too. Again, the features make for slim pickings, but you can check signal strength or turn on High-Speed Mode, which dedicates the 2. That mode actually wasn't as fast as sharing the 5GHz band like normal when I tested it out, because those incoming 2. Setting a range extender up is about as painless as it gets. Most, including all ten that I've tested here at home, support Wi-Fi Protected Setup, or WPS, which is a universal protocol that wireless networking devices can use to connect with each other.

Just plug the range extender in and wait a minute for it to boot up, press the WPS button and then press the WPS button on your router within two minutes.

It's also worth making sure that your range extender includes at least one Ethernet port. If you can connect your wired device like a smart TV directly to it, then you'll enjoy speeds that are as fast as possible. A mesh router with its own, dedicated range extenders will do an even better job of spreading a speedy Wi-Fi signal throughout your home and you can get one for less than you might think. One last note: If you're living in a larger home, or if you need speeds faster than Mbps at range, then it's probably worth it to go ahead and upgrade to a mesh router that comes with its own range-extending satellite devices.

You've got more options than ever these days, and just about all of them would likely outperform a standalone router paired with a plug-in range extender like the ones tested here. For instance, I had a three-piece TP-Link Deco M5 mesh router on hand during my tests, so I set it up and ran some speed tests alongside the four range extenders I initially tested.

My average speeds stayed well above Mbps throughout my entire house, even in the back. Find the most accessible AC power outlet in your location you have chosen. Make sure there isn't anything obstructing it such as other cables.

Even though the product is a wireless device, to get it setup you want to connect using an ethernet cable from the port to a computer that is close.

Maybe your laptop or desktop that is in range to the repeater. Each manufacturer can have a different method of doing this so look to the manual for more information. After you have created a connection to your wireless repeater from your laptop or desktop you want to access your computers local area network properties.

If your computer is a windows:. The next thing you want to do is right click Local Area Network and choose properties and then Internet Protocol Version 4 and Properties again.

After double checking your repeater devices instructions you want to use the default IP address which might look something like : You will then submit number strings for the subnet such as You might be asked to enter a DNS server address, if so, leave blank.

You might also then be asked for a username and password in which you want to enter the admin credentials in the two fields. If it goes through then you will be brought to a setup wizard.

Look for the wireless repeater mode and click repeater - onekey setting. After that appears select the wireless network selection button and click refresh list. Look for your first routers wireless network to connect to. You will then want to enter your WiFi;s network password that you have already set up for the pre-shared key field. Make sure you get to the Apply button and reboot. These steps should give you a basic guide to follow for setting up your wireless repeater. After doing this your network should have more range.

The great thing about repeater devices today is that they might even come with an app for you to monitor performance. When looking at WiFi repeaters you want to keep in mind the performance you can expect from them. The device is compatible with most routers on the market, and pairing takes less than ten seconds. Measuring 2. No more worrying about dropped video calls or websites taking forever to load.

As with all Amazon deals , this one will move fast, so add this to your cart before the prices goes back up again. The final discounted price will be reflected at checkout. You need an appropriate place to keep the extender.

To cover your dead zone with the Wi-Fi signal, it is best to choose a place that is halfway between the dead zone and the router. This will help increase the bandwidth and strength of your WiFi considerably. Keep track of the bands on your router and choose an extender which has the same number of bands for good performance. The bands on your extender can be more, but never less than the number of bands on your router.

Sometimes, you may need to configure some settings on your WiFi extender settings using your computer. Nowadays, extender manufacturers provide with Analytics apps for their products, such as Netgear. So, you can use the app to test the connectivity speed and signal strength.

Taking your smart device to various corners of the house will give you an idea of where the signal is lower or higher. This way, the app can help you monitor the strength of the signal, check the status of the network, help optimize the home network, and identify the cause of interference, if any.

Extenders and repeaters are available in a variety of designs and models. Some of them even provide wall-plug features, where you just need a power outlet to connect the device and it starts emitting its signal after configuration. If your usage is limited to one Ethernet port, then you can go for the wall plug model. For multiple Ethernet cables, you may need a desktop version that can provide higher level of connectivity for commercial purposes.