![]() They often use a separate network SSID that you have to log into as you move through the house, and Wi-Fi speeds are typically half of what you get from your main router. While fairly easy to configure, range extenders have their limitations. Extenders can also offer advanced router-like features such as guest networking, access scheduling, and media server capabilities. Some (but not all) extenders are equipped with LED status indicators that tell you if the extender is too far from the router. Moreover, nearly all manufacturers offer web-based setup wizards and illustrated instructions that will help you configure basic wireless settings. But most of today's routers and range extenders support Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), which makes pairing the two as simple as pressing a couple of buttons, naming your new extended network, and creating a network password. Not very long ago, setting up a range extender required a bit of technical expertise and a good deal of patience to find the best location (ideally halfway between the router and the dead zone). For as little as $15, these adapters are essentially antennas that plug directly into your computer to help it pull in a better Wi-Fi signal. It's also worth noting that, if you're having the rather specific issue of connecting a computer to Wi-Fi in a particular part of your home, you might be better served by a USB Wi-Fi adapter. If you can't spare a wall outlet, look for a plug-in model that offers a pass-through outlet. Due to their size, plug-in extenders usually have only a single LAN port and lack USB connectivity, making them less versatile but more affordable than desktop extenders. Some models have external antennas, while others use internal antennas to present an unobtrusive profile. Plug-in extenders are much smaller than their desktop counterparts and are inserted right into a wall outlet. Most desktop extenders look just like a wireless router and are typically equipped with external adjustable antennas, multiple LAN ports for connecting to devices like TVs and gaming consoles, and USB ports for attaching to peripherals such as storage drives and printers. There are two types of Wi-Fi range extenders: desktop and plug-in. Do You Need a Desktop or Plug-In Extender? If you recently bought a new router that supports these standards, you'll certainly want to make sure any range extenders support them as well. The same goes for the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E technologies, the current fastest flavors of Wi-Fi. ![]() ![]() If your router supports Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) data streaming, which provides enhanced performance by sending data to compatible clients simultaneously rather than sequentially, look for an extender that supports this technology if you want to extend your MU-MIMO network. For example, if you have a dual-band AC1900 router, get a dual-band AC1900 extender (or better). When shopping for a range extender, it's important to find one that matches your router's specs. Range extenders provide a relatively easy way to deliver Wi-Fi without having to run cables. In most homes, however, the router's location is tied to the room where the internet enters the house, which means relocating the router will likely require running an Ethernet cable to the desired area. In some cases, you can relocate your router to a central location to deliver a stronger signal to those dead zones that were previously out of reach. Likewise, homes with multiple floors and many walls are more susceptible to signal loss than a one-story home with an open floor plan. But for homes built with dense materials like brick, concrete, plaster, and metal, some level of signal degradation is almost a certainty. Range extenders come in various shapes, sizes, and speeds, but they do have their limitations they are typically half as fast as your primary router, and they create a separate extended network that makes seamless roaming difficult.ĭepending on the size and layout of your home, a mid-to-high-end router may provide all the Wi-Fi coverage you'll need. When paired with a budget-priced router, you can build a tandem system with coverage that rivals what you'd get from a single high-priced router or mesh network. What makes range extenders so attractive compared with a bespoke mesh system is that they are easy to install and inexpensive. Best Hosted Endpoint Protection and Security Software.
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