“Homeowners in particular are aware of the problem: The Wi-Fi signal strength in some living areas is often not enough – especially on the terrace or in the garden, it can happen that the wireless home network is limited or not usable at all. Then it is worth buying a WI-Fi amplifier, also called a WLAN repeater. This can ensure that the signal also penetrates thick walls. The use over several floors of a residential building is no longer a problem.
Wi-Fi Amplifier: Increase Range
Basically, it should be noted that a WLAN repeater can only provide as much power as the router allows. This means that the speed cannot be increased. However, a Wi-Fi amplifier can amplify the Wi-Fi signal, increasing the range within which the wireless Internet can be used. If a repeater is intermediated, the Internet can also be used, for example, signal-strong outside the house. So you often get the feeling that the Internet suddenly works a little faster than before.
Set up Wi-Fi repeaters: How to do it
Thanks to the intuitive technology of many devices, everyone can set up a Wi-Fi repeater today – usually only a power connection is required, in addition, often only one button has to be pressed and the connection to the router is already established. Afterwards, the ideal location for the WLAN amplifier can be found by trying it out. For this purpose, LED lights also indicate how stable the connection to the router is at the current location.
The Netgear ex6120* repeater proves to be a practical and simple solution to range problems, as it is compatible with any router and modem, thus completely saving non-technical professionals from extensive research into router types, frequency bands, network protocols or WLAN standards. And the setup is also very simple: The WLAN amplifier is placed in a free socket and by pressing the WPS button a connection to the home router is automatically established. This extends wi-Fi coverage by up to 60 square meters.
It works just as easily with the Netgear repeater EX3700*, which covers only 50 square meters, but is a little cheaper.
Wi-Fi amplifier for the socket
An almost unrestricted lydial WLAN repeater comes from the Laxikoo* brand: Not only does the socket amplifier connect to the router at the touch of a button via WPS, it also has an RJ45 jack to be connected to an internet-enabled TV or game console via LAN cable. If you don’t have a smart TV, you can easily upgrade your TV with a TV stick.
This has the advantage that there are no annoying dropouts during streaming or online gaming. But the WLAN booster can do even more: Thanks to the Access Point mode, routers and WLAN repeaters can be connected via LAN cable – then it is the amplifier itself that builds up the WLAN – the device can then be positioned flexibly.
By the way: Cheap Internet amplifiers with integrated antenna are usually just as powerful as low-cost WLAN repeaters with external directional antenna. If you need a lot of range, you should still consider purchasing a Wi-Fi repeater with one or more large external antennas, as these can often cover a longer range. This includes, for example, the Amplifier YUNJIN AC750* for the socket. Outdoors, it can reach up to 200 meters of range, and indoors up to 100 meters are possible. The Wlan repeater from Aigital* can also score points with previous buyers. Amazon reviewers praise the good signal strength that can reliably penetrate even reinforced concrete walls.
Fritz Wi-Fi repeater and WLAN amplifier from Telekom
Telekom* has developed its own Wi-Fi amplifier for its customers, but also for users of other routers. The so-called Speed Home WiFi is compatible with the usual radio standards (802.11ac/n/g/b/a). Another advantage: Up to five devices can be connected for a mesh network, so that even in larger residential buildings or office space, extensive Wi-Fi reception is guaranteed. For users of a Fritz! Box could be eligible for the purchase of a Fritz Wi-Fi repeater*, as it is with all Fritz! box models is compatible – however, the device also amplifies the signal of all other common R via WPS or installation assistant. Commissioning is also carried out at the push of a button.
Wi-Fi Repeater: Conclusion
Wi-Fi repeaters are available for as low as around 20 euros
Powerful Internet amplifiers have a particularly large directional antenna
Many Wi-Fi amplifiers come directly into the socket, some are also powered by power supply
To be sure that routers and Wi-Fi repeaters are compatible, you can buy devices from the manufacturer of the router (for example, a Fritz Wi-Fi repeater or a WLAN amplifier from Telekom)
An additional LAN port can provide a stable connection when using TVs and co.
This article was first published on 19/08/2019.
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