Wifi range booster

As for the usual router, which can act as a repeater, I advise to set up such a scheme only if you already have a router itself. If you are going to buy one, it is better to buy a real repeater. A device that is designed specifically to extend the Wi-Fi network area.

How to Set Up the TP-Link Extender – Connecting the Repeater to your Router

Among the many networking devices from TP-Link, there are a number of models of so-called WiFi repeaters. They are also called repeater, repeater or amplifier of signal as they are used for improving the quality of the wireless signal reception from the router and extending the reception area of the network. In this article, we will detail how to connect a TP-Link wifi repeater to a router and set up a wireless signal booster through a router.

TP-Link WiFi Repeater installation scheme to amplify the signal from the router is very simple.

1. First, we determine which room has the weakest or no signal on the laptop.
2. After we have found out where we need to amplify the wifi signal, we find the place where the network is available, but not so good – at one or two bars on the phone.
3. That's where we put the repeater – its work zone is circular, which means that it will pick up the signal from the wifi router and transmit it further.

How to Connect a TP-Link Extender WiFi Signal Amplifier

There are three ways to connect and configure a TP-Link wifi extender:

Automatic connection with the WPS button

Like most modern models of networked wireless devices, the TP-Link TL-WA850RE wifi extender supports setting up to the signal of an existing access point in automatic mode.

To do this, the router must also have this function – the button "WPS" is responsible for its activation On old TP-LINK devices it was called "QSS".

Press these buttons simultaneously on the router and the amplifier, and then it should pick up wifi and start distributing it.

Setting up a TP-Link repeater from a smartphone

I prefer to be in control of the whole process, so I never use the automatic way to set up the repeater, and I do everything manually. In order to connect the TP-Link Extender signal booster from a phone or tablet:

1. turn on WiFi on your smartphone,
2. press the central button on the device,
3. and find on the phone in the list of available networks with the name TP-LINK_Extender_7320BA – this is the SSID, which is the default firmware of the device.
4. Connect to it. In my case the password is not required, but if your model requires entering an authorization key, it will be indicated on a sticker on the device.

What are Wi-Fi amplifiers for?

Under certain conditions, the Wi-Fi signal in the house or apartment can fade and distort. It's like with cell phone service: it seems to be there, but to use the Internet or even talk is almost impossible. This is possible when the wall materials block the signal, the geometry of the space plays a role, as well as the distance from the access point.

Amplifier can be used, for example, in the countryside, where there is a large area and would like to cover it completely with Wi-Fi. However, in this case you will need some kind of shelter for your amplifier, as well as power for it.

An important point: some devices (most often smart home components) require 2.4 GHz. But all signal amplifiers support this range, and dual-band amplifiers are increasingly common.

In the tests the amplifiers had to work in really difficult conditions, in more greenhouse conditions the final speeds could be higher. At the same time, we could not provide identical test conditions: the operator traffic was changing every minute. Therefore, the test results are of an informative nature only.

How do Wi-Fi amplifiers connect?

Via Wi-Fi from the main access point. For example, it is the operator's modem or your own, distributing the Internet (even if connected to the antenna with a SIM card inside). Conventionally, such an amplifier receives the signal from the "mother" router with one antenna, and gives the second one to your laptop or smartphone. The amplifier must be located in the area of stable reception from the "main" router (imagine two circles, which intersect by borders – this is where the amplifier should be placed). Otherwise it will not work as it should.

To find the dead zones you can arm yourself with popular programs – Wi-Fi analyzers. In our case in a small apartment we have an access point with very weak signal: it is just thick walls and a couple of bends that prevent it from passing through. Then we will amplify it and measure the parameters with the classic Speedtest.

As you can see in the screenshots, the laptop sees the access point, but cannot get any data. Let's check each of the amplifiers and take a look at the installation and connection convenience. We'll start with the cheap ones and move on to the most expensive one. By the way, the Wi-Fi analyzer apps either could not catch the network (Home3 in our case) or showed power beyond the limits.

How to choose a Wi-Fi amplifier

Before buying a repeater, you need to familiarize yourself with a lot of functional and design qualities. To begin with, the user should decide how many devices will be connected to the router. On this basis, it will be possible to choose an amplifier by power and supported Wi-Fi standard.

You should also pay attention to the following criteria.

Functionality

When buying a budget model, you should not count on a wide functionality. The main task of such a device will be to amplify the wireless signal with a range of up to 15-20 meters. However, more expensive models can offer a lot of interesting features:

• The access point mode. With this feature the amplifier can independently distribute the Internet. To begin with the user has to connect a network cable to it via the Ethernet port. Then the repeater can fully replace a router and provide a stronger signal;
• Beamforming and MU-MIMO technologies. Allows you to direct the signal to a specific part of the room;
• WPS. It simplifies the process of setting up;
• Remote control. You can interact with the amplifier from a distance. For this purpose, there are special applications designed for Android and iOS devices.

Number of antennas

Many users make the mistake of saying that the number of antennas affects the range of action. In fact, they only play an important role if the device supports MU-MIMO technology. In this case, the antennas can be pointed in the direction of the connected device.

How far away from the router should you place the WiFi repeater to get a better signal?

Whenever you place a Wi-Fi Repeater to connect to the Internet, you should look carefully at where you place it. Being in one place or another can make the connection better or worse, which translates into good speeds or problems that will even leave you without Internet access. Now, at what The distance from the router. Is it worth putting in a repeater? What if I need it far away? That's what we talk about in this article.

You could say that there is no distance in numbers ideal for connecting a repeater to a router. It will be depend on several factors , so you will have to analyze your particular situation and see what works best for you. Yes, you can have a rough idea and thus not have connection failures.

First of all, you have to take into account these factors that we have mentioned:

You have to look carefully to see if there are obstacles between the router and the repeater. It is normal that at least you have some sort of wall. Every obstacle will reduce the signal. It is not the same as just crossing a room, that the signal has to go through several walls as well as thick ones.

Company The power of the router and repeater will also be key. Not all routers have the same coverage, and not all wireless repeaters will be able to connect in the same conditions. So take a good look at this and look for the balance point that gives your Wi-Fi amplifier a good signal.

You'll also need to analyze where you're going to connect from . It is useless to put a repeater very far away if you are really going to connect in a room closer to the router and lose coverage. So look carefully at where your devices will be and this will also help you find the device.

Tips for finding your device

Once you know that more or less you should place the repeater within 10-15 meters (which can vary depending on some factors, as we mentioned before), it's time to give some tips to avoid problems. It is not enough to put it anywhere and it is advisable not to go wrong.

One of the most important tips is to place the wireless repeater in a place isolated from other electronic devices. For example, do not place it near a TV, computer, or any device that can generate interference and affect the quality of the Wi-Fi signal.

It's also a good idea to place it in elevated position . This will spread the signal better. For example, do not place it on the bottom of furniture. Also, if you are going to connect from several places, it is interesting to have it in the central part of the house, from where you can better distribute the signal.

In short, as you can see, proper placement of the Wi-Fi repeater is essential for it to work as well as possible, with good coverage and internet speeds. Avoid mistakes, as such a device could be useless.

What should a good repeater have?

In places where WiFi networks can't cover all rooms, network repeaters are essential equipment. For this reason, this type of repeater can be very useful for extending the signal and therefore its coverage.

However, and given the wide range of repeaters that we can find on the market. Thus, the most important issues to analyze when choosing the best repeater are the following:

• Single-band or Two-band . WiFi repeater. The ideal would be to purchase a WiFi repeater that supports two bands : 2.4 GHz и 5 GHz This latter alternative allows repeaters to transmit higher wireless speeds, and therefore the signal will be much better
• Another option to consider is the possibility that the repeater has external antennas. , Antennas greatly improve signal reception and expansion.
• Many repeaters include a Ethernet port , This option will allow the network to be wireless if the device is connected.
• Size matters, and the smaller it is, the easier it is to install.
• A quick and easy installation is always a point that users appreciate. Compatibility with WPS For example, this is an aspect that must be taken into consideration since installation is usually easier.

WiFi repeater, what are the types

• Traditional: This repeater collects signals from the router, then amplifies them and sends them back, so the repeater must get a good signal from the main signal. WITH A PLC: This repeater is an improvement over the original model: the data is sent from the router to the repeater using home electrical cables, at the end the repeater emits WiFi again with the data received through the cables, so the repeater PLC can go further than normal.
• Grid: This is the most advanced network repeater amplifier, it consists of two or more devices, it creates a WiFi network distributed throughout the house, it is a way to get more coverage and better signal stability. Because the network created is homogeneous throughout the house, also when you switch from router to repeater, the connection is not interrupted.

We have compiled a selection of the best accessories to help you improve and enhance WiFi coverage in your home outside, such as in the garden.

WAVLINK AC600.

This outdoor WiFi range extender is designed to provide WISP, CPE and remote wireless networking solutions for video surveillance and transmission. With two omnidirectional antennas with dual polarization, it provides an excellent solution for large garden homes with a very practical design.

It is weatherproof with IP65 weather protection. Built-in lightning rod (ESD 15kV), this design can effectively prevent lightning from striking the repeater.

TP-Link Exterior

TP-LINK Outdoor CPE 2.4GHz 300Mbps 9dB, CPE210 is designed to provide efficient solutions for outdoor wireless networks. Its centralized configuration application makes it ideal for point-to-point, point-to-multipoint and coverage connections. Outdoor Wi-Fi. With professional performance combined with a user-friendly design, the CPE210 makes a choice for both businesses and homes. Repeating the signal for more than 5 kilometers.

Wi-Fi Repeater: How Does It Work?

I made a little circuit here, let's look at it first:

I'm not a strong artist, but the schematic seems to make sense. We have a main Wi-Fi router which distributes the Internet via Wi-Fi. Everything is set up, and it works fine. But, it's not getting Wi-Fi all over the house. For example, we have Wi-Fi in the hallway, but the signal in the kitchen is already very bad, or the devices don't catch the Wi-Fi network at all. We take a repeater, and turn it on in the hallway.

If necessary, you can even use several repeaters. For more details on setting up such a scheme, see the article Two Repeaters in One Wi-Fi Network. How to connect multiple amplifiers to one router.

What it does: it receives the Wi-Fi signal from the main router, and transmits it further. It turns out that we already have a very good home network signal in the kitchen. It relays the wireless network (that's why it's called a repeater) . The repeater simply acts as an amplifier. Its main task is to accept a certain Wi-Fi network and pass it on.

A few important points to remember when using a repeater:

• If you use a repeater, the Wi-Fi network will still be the same (and that's good). Let me explain: your main router distributes the network with the name "My_WIFI" (which does not get the whole house). We set up the repeater, configure it (usually it's a matter of pressing the WPS buttons on both devices at the same time) It copies your network information, and creates exactly the same network. With the same name and password.
• Your devices will automatically and unnoticeably connect to the network with the strongest signal. For example, the main router is installed in the bedroom and the repeater in the hallway. So, if you are in the bedroom, you will be connected to the Wi-Fi router. And if you go to the hallway, your phone will automatically connect to the repeater. You won't notice.
• All devices: phones, computers, laptops, tablets, TVs, etc., which will be connected to the main router, or repeater, will be in the same network. This means that we can set up a local network with all the devices. Or, for example, set up a DLNA server, and watch movies from the computer on the TV. In this case, the computer can be connected to the router and the TV to the repeater.

Router in Repeater Mode

An ordinary Wi-Fi router can act as a repeater. However, not all models can do it, and not all manufacturers have this mode done well. If you have an extra router that is lying idle, it may be able to operate in the repeater mode (amplifier) without any problems and increase the range of your Wi-Fi network. All you need to do is configure your router to work in the right mode.

I have already tested the Amplifier mode on routers from two manufacturers: Asus и ZyXel. More specifically, on the models: Asus RT-N12+ and ZyXEL Keenetic Start. You can see the instructions on how to set up the repeater mode on ZyXEL, and how to use the Asus router as a repeater. Both devices are set up very simply and clearly. Work steadily, I checked.

But not all routers have this option. As far as I understood there is no repeater mode on the popular TP-Link routers. There is only a bridge mode (WDS), this is a completely different mode (and another purpose). Only TP-Link access points may act as repeaters. With routers D-Link, I also have not figured out, there probably is no mode that would allow the router to simply amplify the Wi-Fi network (I checked DIR-615/A, I do not know how it is with other models).

Wi-Fi signal repeater is a really useful device

Well agree, it's a useful thing. But for some reason, when faced with a weak Wi-Fi signal in your home, not many people solve the problem by buying and installing a repeater. But they ask a huge number of questions like: "I can't get Wi-Fi in my bedroom, what should I do?", "the Wi-Fi signal is very weak, help me", "what settings should I change in the router so that the Wi-Fi signal would be stronger?", etc.

As a rule, if the signal is bad, there is no way to fix it by configuring the router itself. You simply have a large area of your house that the router cannot physically cover with the signal. And then there are different walls and interference. In such cases, installing a repeater solves all problems.

Range of the wifi amplifier

As for the distance to which this repeater model extended the signal from the main source and amplified wifi. I connected it in a room far from the access point in the usual "Brezhnev" three-room – it turned out that directly it went through 3 plasterboard walls at a distance of about 10 meters. In this room the Internet was not caught even by the iPad Air, to the wireless module of which there are no complaints – it sees wifi even where it is already absent on other smartphones. Our Extender from TP-LINK also caught it (two antennas make a difference). And with no problem started extending it as far as the stairwell. I agree, the initial location of the Point is not very good, but for our experience it is just right.

Numerically it is expressed as follows. When there was no repeater in the far corner of the apartment was the speed of the Internet from the router:

When we hooked up an amplifier, the wifi signal area gave us this:

Of course, these results are relevant only for my network – they were also affected by the characteristics of the PC network card, and the wireless module of the laptop, and the router hardware, and even the radio-magnetic environment in the room, which we approximated to the calm-as-usual as possible. But they certainly present the big picture, so you can safely use these findings in your own practice when designing your networks.

Well, the TL-WA850RE did a great job and I can recommend it to my subscribers as a viable way to extend your WiFi reception area.

3G/4G Internet amplification with an antenna, modem, and Wi-Fi router

The system consists of two nodes: an antenna outdoors and a modem + Wi-Fi router indoors.

Outdoor antenna for 3G/4G modem / router

4G modem connected by adapters to the outdoor antenna and plugged into the Wi-Fi router

How does it work? The antenna is directed towards the intended base station of the cellular operator. Next, the signal reaches the 4G modem with the router, which distributes the Internet by spreading the Wi-Fi signal. The option is popular among private handymen to install dacha Internet. It's cheap and it works!

Wi-Fi router with built-in 3G/4G modem

If you take the modem and router separately, the cable coming from the street antenna gets to the modem through adapters with thin cable and very small microwave connectors TS-9 or CRC-9. First, it is quite tangible loss of signal level and quality, and secondly, mechanically unreliable. For example, wiping dust, you can easily damage the connector on the modem, and as a consequence, you will have to buy a new device.

The solution is simple – just buy a router with a built-in 4G modem. For example, several models of Huawei routers are sold in our market. No advertising: they work great and their connector is more reliable – SMA.

Huawei router with a built-in 4G modem

Why do private craftsmen offer a modem and a router separately? The answer is simple: the price margin is greater.

What is a MIMO antenna and what is it for

MIMO-Antenna for 3G/4G Internet

A MIMO antenna is a device that has two parallel coaxial cables going to the modem/router. In practice, this means that the increase in speed of the Internet on the reception will be from 0 to 20%, and on the return – 50-100%. It is necessary for those who use video communication or remote video surveillance, i.e. actively uses the outgoing channel of the Internet. In other cases there is no practical use.

Active cellular communications amplifier – repeater

The fundamental advantage of the repeater before the router: it enhances voice communications and the Internet – so to speak, a device 2 in 1.

1. Antenna on the roof, which is aimed in the direction of the base station of the cellular operator or operators.
2. Repeater (aka amplifier) inside the room, which amplifies the signal itself. This is the only element that needs a 220 V socket.
3. Internal (subscriber) antenna, which distributes the cellular signal to the phone and other subscriber devices.
4. All elements are connected coaxial (single core) cable with impedance of 50 ohms.

Diagram of connection of GSM/3G/4G communication repeater

External antenna mounted on a mast

Cellular repeater

Internal subscriber antenna

How to choose a repeater

In general, the topic is voluminous enough to be disclosed in one article, but for the scale of a small country house or a construction shed I will try to adapt on the fingers.

CG is usually chosen as 70-75 dB. The weaker the signal on the street, the higher the CG should be. If even on the street in front of the house signal is not enough for a normal conversation, then exactly CG = 75 dB. Plus you will need to put on a mast height of 4-6 meters external antenna. By the way, the price of the repeater is proportional to the CG.

The PD is chosen individually in each case. Use your Android phone to measure the signal. To do this, you need to download the program "Cellular towers, locator" and run it on the street in front of the house. Make one measurement in each communication standard, i.e. GSM, 3G and 4G. How to do this is shown here:

Factors that affect WiFi signal range

There are several popular ways to increase a router's wifi signal to expand the reception area and improve the quality of connection, which can be used independently in any apartment or private house. And it does not matter what manufacturer the router will be – TP-Link, Asus, D-Link, Zyxel, Keenetic, Tenda, Netgear, Xiaomi, Rostelecom, Beeline, MGTS and so on.

The first category is the elimination of external influences on the radio waves, as well as the use of additional devices.

Place wifi router

Many during the repair in the apartment determine the place of installation of the router somewhere in a special server room, or in the dressing room, or in the electrical switchboard. In a word, out of sight. But the configuration of the apartment layout is often such that the wireless signal from the router does not reach the remote rooms. As a result, the wifi range is not enough to get any kind of acceptable speed on it.

The way out is to use the advice from the FAQ section of Asus – move the router closer to the "geographical" center of the apartment, so that the signal from it in a circle evenly distributed throughout all the rooms. You can hide it somewhere behind a cabinet if you don't like the look of it, as long as there is an outlet for it.

Interference from Household Appliances

You should also avoid placing your router near appliances that emit strong electromagnetic waves. For example, near a microwave oven. The interference created will greatly affect the proper and uniform amplitude of the wifi signal propagation through the rooms.

Wifi Signal Boosting Devices

You can also boost the wireless signal coming from the router with special devices and accessories.

External wi-fi antenna

As a rule, the specifications for each wifi router specifies how much range it is designed for in an open space under ideal conditions. But this data is pure theory, and in reality they are simply unattainable. The easiest way to roughly estimate the signal range is by the characteristics of the antenna that the devices are equipped with. One for transmitting and one for receiving. Antennas can be either concealed, built-in, or external, screwed onto the device itself. The power of an antenna is measured in DBI. The higher it is, the more powerful the antenna is.

Below is a sample unit with the included external antennas.

If you've been paying attention, there are router and adapter models that have multiple antennas – two or even three. Using more than one, you can greatly improve the reception quality of the wifi adapter and increase the distance from the router. That is, a router equipped with one 8 dbi antenna will retransmit weaker than a higher level and more expensive model equipped with 2 or 3 8 dbi antennas.

When choosing a receiver, also look at the "Receiving mode" setting – the higher it is, the better the reception.

However, even this will not be enough if we are talking about a decent distance of up to 100-150, or even 500 meters. To provide the desired radius of wifi signal in this case we will help an external booster antenna, which works directionally in a certain sector.

If you have a router with a fixed antenna, you should pay attention to their location. The point is that the signal is evenly distributed in a circle from the center, which is the foot of the antenna. If it stands vertically, the wifi will spread horizontally. This is how they should be positioned when installing a router in an apartment or single-story house.

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