Depending on the layout of your house or apartment, and where the router for the internet is located, you might have areas that do not have any connectivity.
The cause of the dead spots are not always distance to the router. Many times there are reinforced metal and concrete support walls or other structures/electrical installations in the way that are either blocking the signal or significantly reducing the range in a specific direction.
Installing a second router to be used as a gateway to make sure the entire building has coverage is a great idea, but routing cables is not always an option. If the construction allows for easy installation of new cabling, a hard wired option is always ideal as it provides the best connectivity and speeds.
This could be for any part of your house/apartment/work space/building, including areas that are outside. For example, you might have a porch or deck on the opposite side of the house to where the router is, and you would like to sit and relax there while streaming sports or music to your phone.
So what do you do if you need to extend the coverage? The easiest is to buy and install a Wi-Fi extender. They are relatively easy to connect and configure for use, and only require a power outlet in the general direction of the dead spot.
They come in a large range of sizes, shapes and colours as well as different output powers. The majority of them will also have a standard RJ45 network connector so a device can be hard wired to the extender if needed.
How do you position/connect/use the Wi-Fi extender? Follow the tips below to help you get the optimal placement for best coverage.
Where is the best installation point for the Wi-Fi extender:
Typically installed halfway between your router and the area with weak signal.
Signal Strength: Place the extender where it still receives a strong signal from the router (at least 50% signal strength).
Avoid Obstacles: If possible, keep it away from thick walls, metal objects, and appliances like microwaves that can interfere with the signal.
Central Location: Ideally, it should be in a central location in your home to maximize coverage in all directions.
Test Performance: After installation, test the Wi-Fi speed and signal strength in the areas you want to improve. You might need to adjust its position for optimal performance.
How do you set up a Wi-Fi extender:
1. Unbox and Plug In
- Unpack your Wi-Fi extender and plug it into a power outlet midway between your router and the area with a weak signal.
2. Connect to the Extender
- Use a smartphone, tablet, or computer to connect to the extender’s default Wi-Fi network. This network usually has the extender's brand name in it (check the label/manual for details).
3. Access the Setup Page
- Open a web browser and enter the extender’s IP address (often something like
192.168.0.1or a specific URL provided in the manual). - You may need to log in with a default username and password (often found on the device or in the manual).
4. Follow the Setup Wizard
- Most extenders have a setup wizard that guides you through the process. Select your existing Wi-Fi network from the list and enter your Wi-Fi password.
5. Choose the Extender Network Name (Optional)
- You can either keep the same name as your existing network (which allows for seamless roaming) or create a new one.
6. Finish and Reboot
- Complete the setup, and the extender may reboot. Once it's done, reconnect your device to the new Wi-Fi network.
7. Test the Connection
- Move to the areas where you needed better coverage and test the Wi-Fi speed and signal strength.
8. Adjust Position if Necessary
- If the signal isn’t strong enough, try moving the extender a bit closer to the router or adjusting its position for better performance.
And that is how easy it is to extend the coverage inside or outside of your home. No cables needed and the installation is very quick and easy. A standard Wi-Fi extender should provide an extra 100 feet/30 meters of extra coverage depending on factors like obstructions and interference.
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