A major problem in large houses or offices is that the router’s signal will be insufficient. Some areas will have a good signal connection, while others will be unstable and generally poor.
Wi-Fi range extenders, like the name suggests, is a device that expands your router’s signal. An extender does not produce a Wi-Fi signal but relies on the existing one.
The extender’s function is to take the router’s signal and expand them to cover your devices and provide a better signal.
There are different brands of Wi-Fi extenders in the market, but they all function based on the same principles. Different models of extenders have different feet they cover.
The range varies from 800, 1000, 1500, and up to 10,000 square feet. Another major difference between extenders is the presence of external antennas. Some rely on their internal antennas to extend the router’s signal.
Others have two and four antennas that make the distribution of the signal very easy. This Wireless device saves you from running cables through the home or office.
A Wi-Fi extender will significantly increase the signal strength of your router so that it reaches any point in your home without problems.
It is important to understand extenders so that you can choose the best for your home. This article aims to give a detailed description of how to set-up your extender for optimal performance.
There are two major ways to set up your Wi-Fi extender. The method depends largely on the model you purchased. Some Wi-Fi extenders come with a WPS button, while others do not.
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Set Up Of A Wi-Fi Extender With A WPS Button
For a Wi-Fi extender with a WPS button, the process of configuration is straightforward. You can get your extender in synchrony with your router in five minutes.
Most new models have the WPS button feature to reduce the stress of installation. Here are the simple steps to set up your Wi-Fi extender with the WPS button.
- Ensure the router is running
- Plug the extender into a socket that is close to the router
- Power on the Wi-Fi extender: it may take less than a minute for it to be fully running.
- Press the WPS button on the extender and the router. You should hold the button for about five seconds or until the LED light comes on.
- Without any hassle, your extender will connect to your router.
- The synchronization will be indicated with the blinking of the light.
- You can use apps on your phone to locate the best place for your router.
- Some extenders come with a Smart Indicator light, which alerts you to the strength of the location.
It is important to study the owner’s manual before you begin configuration. This is to familiarize yourself with the models’ specifications.
For example, what color of light indicates which signal level. Placing is critical as it can determine if you will get your money’s worth.
How to set up the Wi-Fi extender without a WPS button.
Purchasing a Wi-Fi extender without a WPS button is not a hassle. In about ten minutes, you should be ready to enjoy the benefits of the extender.
The following steps will guide you in installing the Wi-Fi extender.
- Make sure your router is plugged in and running
- Plugin the extender to a socket
- Access the web page of your browser to open the extender’s setting
Ensure you know your router’s password because you will need it. - There will be an option to choose a new Wi-Fi name or network.
- Click on the option that allows you to retain the name and password of the router.
- Once you get to the final page, your Wi-Fi extender is configured, and you are ready to enjoy a stable and fast internet connection.
There are some important things to consider when configuring the Wi-Fi extender.
- Making the right choice
- The most important step in setting up a Wi-Fi extender is what you want
- You need to evaluate your need, so you can choose the right model. Without doing this, you may purchase the wrong type of extender for your home or office. There are big models that you need to place on a desk.
- There are also sleek models that you can plug into a wall socket, and they blend with your wall design. Many people prefer the wall-plug in design because it is handy and comes with fascinating perks.
Choose the correct location
The importance of positioning cannot be overemphasized. The Wi-Fi extender should be between the router and the places it wants to distribute the signal.
A few steps to the right or left can help bypass barriers that hinder the signal’s transmission. Walls and furniture are the main obstacles to seamless data transfer.
The problem with picking the wrong location is that you will not get the best out of the extender. You may even conclude that it is non-functional. In reality, the issue arose from the positioning of the extender.
Check the login details
Most Wi-Fi extenders come with a standard network and password, just for the first connection. You may find the login username and password in the owners’ manual.
So, before you begin the process of configuration, locate the login password and username.
Configuration
The next step is to connect the Wi-Fi extender to the router, adhering to the manual’s instructions. At this point, it does not need to be in the location where you will install it. It is necessary to ensure that the signal is stable.
If you prefer, you can use a network cable for the initial configuration depending on the repeater’s model. We have described how to configure the Wi-Fi extender using the WPS button or the browser. You may also consult your user’s guide to put you through.
Roaming
Most Wi-Fi extenders have the seamless roaming feature. This technology allows you to alternate between signals. The extender picks up the best signal and directs it to your device.
Some Wi-Fi extenders may not have the ability to merge fully with the router’s signal. This is not a problem for stationary devices, but for Smartphones or Smartwatches, you may to manually switch to a stronger frequency.
New models of Wi-Fi extenders can merge their network with the router’s network to ensure you enjoy seamless browsing from whichever part of the home you choose.