Due to the fact that there are a lot of products of this kind on the market, it is difficult to take a decision that can fulfill all of your needs. Therefore, in order to help you, we have gathered some of the greatest units according to their technology and features and ranked them properly to make your choice a lot easier.
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This is one of the most efficient WiFi range extenders because it boosts the existing network range and speed, delivering wireless speeds of up to 300Mbps. Its external antennas are able to provide coverage and higher speed, while its convenient wall-plug was created to save space. If you are thinking about purchasing such a unit, you should know that it works with any standard router as well. Also, it is just perfect for video gaming and streaming. Besides all these aspects, it’s important to know that it features a fast Ethernet port that can connect a wired device such as a Blu-ray player, TV or game console to your network as well. Furthermore, this unit is easy to use thanks to its CD-less setup that is great for mobile devices, and the Push ‘N’ Connect that uses WiFi Protected Setup (WPS). In addition, the NETGEAR N300 EX2700 comes with a 1-year warranty that covers all the damages and reparations.
PROS
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CONS
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- High speed Ethernet port
- It comes with an advanced N300 Technology
- Ergonomic design
- It is equipped with LED indicators
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- It only operates in the 2.4 ghz band
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VERDICT
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If you are looking to purchase a WiFi range extender with a wide range of impressive yet useful features, the NETGEAR N300 EX2700 is exactly what you need. Although it does not have a USB port and it is a single band, it still is one of the most efficient range extenders on the market. More than that, for those of whom, do not seem to have any problem regarding the policy of limited 1-year warranty provided by the manufacturer, then this model can be a great addition.
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Nowadays, there are plenty of devices that can provide a strong and reliable wireless internet connection, and the EX6400 is one of those units. In order to improve your home signal without being necessary to make any complicated technical adjustments, you can confidently choose this model. The EX6400 model provides performance, durability, and a great price. Moreover, it is incredibly easy to use, all that you have to do being to plug it in the area where you don’t have wireless internet access and you want to have additional coverage. Before buying this model, it’s good to know that it combines both the 2.4 and 5 gigahertz bands that provide a lot of available bandwidth for both channels, offering up to 1.9 gigabits of data transferring speed. Additionally, it uses the FastLane technology that was designed to improve the bandwidth speeds by combining both bands into a stronger, single dual-band signal. When it comes to compatibility, the NETGEAR AC1900 EX6400 is capable of connecting to any new 802.11ac units, including some devices that require a wireless protected setup protocol, such as wireless printers.
PROS
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CONS
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- Simultaneous dual band WiFi
- Two WiFi modes
- Secure setup
- It works with all standard routers or gateways
- High-power amplifiers
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- It is not as powerful as the previous version
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VERDICT
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The NETGEAR AC1900 EX6400 is exactly what you need to boost your existing network range. It delivers AC dual band WIFI up to 1900 Mbps. It is perfect for HD video streaming and gaming. Best of all, this range extender is very easy to install and use. All you have to do is to plug it in an area where you do not have wireless internet access and you need additional coverage. Also, it comes at a reasonable price and a 1-year warranty.
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The EX6120 model is one of those range extenders that can help you boost the existing network, delivering AC dual band WiFi of up to 1200 Mbps. This small and discreet unit works with any standard router, and most people use it for HD video streaming and gaming. Furthermore, if you are looking to purchase such a unit, you should know that it comes with a lot of impressive features such as two wireless modes that can extend the existing connection or create a new wireless access point, simultaneous dual bands that extend 2.4 and 5GHz WiFi up to 1200 Mbps and reduce interference, external antennas used for better coverage and more speed, an Ethernet port that can connect a wired device, including a TV or game console to your network, and the FastLine technology that is designed to use both bands in order to create one high-speed connection.
PROS
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CONS
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- Dual band WiFi up to 1200Mbps
- Easy to install
- Secure setup
- It uses FastLane Technology
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VERDICT
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In spite of how good the others are, we still placed the NETGEAR AC1200 EX6120 on our list. It comes with features that you may not find on other extenders. Plus, it comes with a reasonable price and an easy installation. It uses FastLine technology to establish one super high-speed connection. More than that, it is ideal for HD gaming and streaming.
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4. TP-Link N300 TL-WA850RE
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The TL-WA850RE is the best choice that you can make if you own an apartment or a small house that has a WiFi dead zone. These days, most people buy this product because it’s easy to install and configure. Moreover, it provides a good signal at up to 75 feet away from the router. If you are thinking about buying it, you should know that it is a dual-band unit that supports up to 300Mbps throughput. Also, it comes with an interesting package that contains an RJ-45 cable, a quick installation guide, and a resource CD. If you want to test it first, you can use WPS, but only if your router supports it. You have to plug in the extender and turn it on, press the WPS button on both the router and the extender, and the connection should be established. There are other methods that you can use, but they are quite complicated and they can take a little longer. However, if you want to improve your wireless signal, you can confidently choose the TL-WA850RE as it is more affordable than other units.
PROS
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CONS
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- Easy to configure
- Great price
- It provides good WiFi signal at up to 75 ft. from the router
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- No Gigabit speed supported on Ethernet port
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VERDICT
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The TP-Link N300 TL-WA850RE is one of the best WiFi range extenders we tested. Although it is not as powerful as the NETGEAR EX2700 model, it still is an option you need to consider. The TL-WA850RE is designed to improve the signal strength of an existing wireless network. More than that the Ethernet port of the device allows it to act just as a wireless adapter to turn a wired device into a wireless one. Overall, it is a WiFi extender that will surely meet your expectations.
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As you already know, Linksys is one of the most important brands in the home networking market, especially in the wireless segment. The RE6500 model is an amazing extender that does a great job and that exceeds all expectations, showing the quality of the manufacturer’s work. Its most useful feature is the 3.5mm headphone jack that can be used to stream music through media players that support DLNA or Apple’s AirPlay. This device uses a MediaTek MT7621A processor that is a dual-core 880MHz SoC. Its 5GHz band is powered by MediaTek’s MT7612E controller, while the 2.4GHz radio uses the MT7602E. Also, it features the Cross-Band technology that maximizes the simultaneous use of both bands. This means that it maximizes the use of high-speed data transfer and uninterrupted streaming and gaming. Besides this, it has audio capabilities as well. As such, you will be able to connect the stereo system or audio speaker to the range extender and stream your music from a smart device or computer.
PROS
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CONS
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- Compact yet powerful device
- Simultaneous dual band WiFi
- No installation requires for AC1200 Max
- Easy to assemble
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- It works slowly when enabling 2.4 GHz mode for data transfer
- The light stays on with no way of turning it off
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VERDICT
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After reviewing several models of extenders, we can truly confirm that the LINKSYS AC1200 RE6500 is one of the best wireless network range extenders out there. Like the previous model, it has simultaneous Dual band WiFi. This means that it is able to support two deference kind of wifi network at once such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Additionally, it is very easy to assemble with all the required parts and extremely easy to use.
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If the WiFi signal tends to be weak, a perfect device to turn to in order to improve it is the TP-Link AC1200 RE305. This compact WiFi extender is compatible with all standard routers and gateways, being a guarantee that it will improve the internet on your devices. This makes it ideal for those who play many online games and who need a good internet connection as well as for those who stream on YouTube or on other platforms. One of the biggest highlights of the product is the fact that it improves the signal to Alexa and Echo devices, iOS and Android smartphones, and PlayStations among other devices. What makes it one of the most convenient choices of the moment is the fact that it features the innovative Intelligent Signal Indicator that helps you determine the best location for the extender to have as wide of a reach to your devices as possible. It’s easy to use, all that you have to do to expand its range being to press the Range Extender button. Due to the fact that it supports the AP mode, you will be able to create a new Wireless Access point whenever you want. It boasts a universal compatibility, being able to work with all 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac routers or access points. Best of all, it’s accompanied by a 2-year warranty that ensures the manufacturer will fix or replace it free of charge during this period of time.
PROS
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CONS
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- Dual-Band for good speed
- Easy setup
- Smart LED indicator
- Inexpensive
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- No USB port
- No pass-through outlet
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VERDICT
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The TP-Link AC1200 RE305 is one of the most inexpensive range extenders on our list. However, it still is a good option worth taking into consideration. It has a dual-band WiFi which means that it can easily support both 2,4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It can easily eliminate the dead sport from your house, providing a great connection wirelessly all over the house. Also, it has LED indicators which announce you about the status of the connections and much more. Overall, it is a good option and it will surely do a great job in your home.
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Looking for an affordable router that performs like a more expensive one? Then the TP-Link AC1750 is the one. It is a dual-band device capable of reaching speeds of up to 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band and 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. We really like this unit as it works extremely well with any wireless access point and any Wi-Fi router. It is equipped with three adjustable external antennas thanks to which it is able to deliver great coverage and strong WiFi connections. With the dimensions of a 6-inch smartphone, this device is very easy to install and its Gigabit Ethernet port is like a wireless adapter that can be connected to your network at gigabit speed. Compared to the above models, it comes with a great price, a 2-year warranty and 24/7 technical support. Overall, it is a great option to consider while looking for a quality extender.
PROS
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CONS
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- Easy setup
- It works great with any Wi-Fi router or wireless access point
- It comes with three adjustable external antennas
- 2-year warranty
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VERDICT
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The TP-Link AC1750 is one of the most efficient WiFi range extenders available in the current market. It comes with a high-speed mode and an intelligent signal indicator that allows you to find the best place to install the RE450. It is an exceptional extender that can be connected to your existing wireless network in minutes.
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Looking for an affordable router to extend WiFi to your devices? The OptiCover is an advanced model that claims to boost your existing network range. According to the manufacturer’s specification, it is able to deliver AC dual band WiFi up to 300 Mbps. With its WPS button, it provides a super easy connection. With its three modes, such as Repeater, AP and Router mode, the OptiCover extender can easily meet three kinds of needs. While the Repeater mode can boost your existing wireless network, the AP mode will cover a wireless with a wired network. The third mode, the Router mode will create a private wireless network. With this incredible device, you will eliminate dead zones in your home. It is known for delivering blazing-fast dual-band WiFi across your home for 4K streaming in any corner of the house.
PROS
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CONS
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- It boosts your existing network range
- Three WiFi modes
- It eliminates dead zones
- Easy setup
- It delivers fast and strong signal
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VERDICT
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If you are looking to purchase a router that is compatible with any router or access point, this option could be exactly what you need. It delivers a strong and stable signal up to 300 Mbps. It eliminates dead zones in your room and boosts the existing network range.
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NETGEAR Nighthawk Mesh X6S EX8000
9. NETGEAR Nighthawk Mesh X6S EX8000
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It should come as no surprise that we selected the EX8000 extender by NETGEAR as one of the most effective models available on the market. It is an extender that works with any router. It is powerful enough to provide you with complete home WiFi coverage. The device comes with a lot of interesting features and uses advanced technology. First of all, you need to know that it has 4 Gigabit ports that allow you to connect your existing wired devices. It uses FASTLINE3 technology and MU-MIMO thanks to which you can connect multiple devices at the same time. In addition to this, it comes with a USB port, nighthawk mesh and dedicated WiFi link for fast WiFi. It is also worth mentioning that it delivers tri-band mesh WiFi up to 3 Gbps. It features a sleek yet elegant design. It is very easy to set up and use. The only drawback is that it is more expensive than other similar devices. However, it still is a nice option to consider when making a purchase.
PROS
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CONS
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- It maximizes the existing WiFi speeds
- With this extender you will have the same network for all your connected devices
- It eliminates dead zones
- Simple setup
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VERDICT
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What we really like about this model is the fact that it has a simple setup. Aside from maximizing your WiFi speeds, it is very easy to install and use. It may not be a popular choice as it is a bit expensive, but we assure you, it is a great choice to consider, these days.
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Do you really need a WiFi booster? Maybe you have some troubles getting a good WiFi signal in your home. Or, perhaps you want to watch your favorite movie on your laptop, but you are in a dead zone in your home and all you get it’s a low signal strength. If so, a WiFi router could be the solution for you. Finding a good quality device that provides fast WiFi around the entire home can be extremely confusing. There are plenty of models available on the market, so finding exactly what you need could be a challenge. Therefore, in order to help you find an extender that can meet your requirements, we have included on our list an affordable device specially designed to boost your network coverage. In terms of performance and reliability, the WiFi range repeater by ROCK SPACE is one of the best out there. It comes with dual-band technology and provides up to 300Mbps for 2.4GHz and 433Mbps for 5GHz. In addition to this, due to its dual external antennas, it is capable to offer full signal coverage. In what regards its compatibility with other routers on the market, it has been tested with most models. The results are great because it is compatible with most of them. Plus, it works great with any gateway or regular router. More than that, it is very easy to set up. It comes with a smart signal indicator thanks to which you will be able to find the best location for WiFi coverage.
PROS
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CONS
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- It extends WiFi coverage by up to 1292 sq. ft.
- Easy setup
- Compatible with all kind of routers including the regular ones and gateway models
- It comes with dual external antennas
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VERDICT
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The WiFi booster by ROCK SPACE is a good quality extender. It features dual-band technology thanks to which it is able to extend its coverage by up to 1292 sq. ft. It has an easy setup and a reasonable price. Overall, it is a nice option to take into consideration.
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About WiFi Range Repeaters
Nowadays, most people are using WiFi extenders because they can improve the home signal. The internet connection can be ruined by a poor home network setup, but a quality extender that can provide a fantastic performance is able to solve this problem. Actually, these small devices can catch a wireless signal and rebroadcast it, helping to strengthen the signal from a router on a different floor of the house.
The devices should be placed in a central location, near the main router. In fact, the perfect spot for an extender is halfway between your main router and the intended wireless devices because as you already know, it is just boosting the signal. However, if they are placed far away from it, the speed of your connection to the rest of the network and to the Internet will be reduced. Also, you should know that the main cause of low coverage and poor wireless performance is the number of walls and doors between you and your router. For example, if you live in a house with thick walls, it is crucial to have such a unit because even if you have a great router, it won’t be able to provide top-notch performance up a floor.
There are plenty of devices that can improve your internet signal, including WiFi enhancers, Powerline network adapters, USB dongles, and router advice. Each of these devices may have the same purpose, but they won’t work in the exact same way. However, WiFi enhancers are the best choice that you can make because they are the only units that deliver a solid performance at an attractive price.
Benefits of Home WiFi Booster
In order to get rid of wired systems, WiFi is the only solution that you have. When it comes to wireless and internet connection, the major problem is with large areas because you have to cover the signal all over it. In this case, such a product can be a real aid, coming with a lot of advantages and benefits.
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Boosting Signal Strength
The main purpose of using a Wifi range extender is that it can enhance signal strength without requiring you to move your PC or other devices that are connected to the Internet. The further a PC is from the switch that it interfaces with, the weaker its remote flag will have a tendency to be. Therefore, if you are thinking about placing such a product between the PC and the switch that it interfaces with, it will empower the PC in order to get a more grounded flag, prompting a better speed when cruising the Internet.
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Cost
When it comes to the money that you have to spend, it is good to know that these units are not very expensive. Actually, their prices depend on their features, meaning that some are very cheap while others come at a more expensive price. Obviously, they are used to improve the range of your existing network. As such, whether it is an expensive model or a cheap one, it has the same purpose. However, some products come with amazing technology, such as the FastLane technology that is ideal for HD streaming and gaming because it uses both bands in order to establish one super high-speed connection. Also, most devices have some impressive features of their own, like an Ethernet port that is able to connect a wired device such as a game console or a smart TV to your existing network, or the Tether App that allows easy access and management using any mobile device.
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Defeating Obstructions
Another advantage of using a WiFi booster is that it is able to diminish the effect of several deterrents that can affect the remote association. There are plenty of strong metal items such as file organizers and various apparatuses that can debilitate remote signals and have an adverse effect on the remote network. As such, placing an extender in an area where few articles rest between it, the switch, and the PC can allow the signal to pass to the PC without going through many items.
What to Look for When Buying a WiFi Repeater
Range extenders are the most effective and affordable way to improve your WiFi connection in your home. Basically, when it comes to range extenders, you should know that there is no wiring involved. However, there are several things you need to take into account when purchasing such a unit.
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Do you really need such a device?
Before buying this type of appliance, first, you should check out your existing router. If you have an old router, think about investing in a new one and use the old unit as an extender for it. However, they will need a wired connection and their set up can be absolutely challenging. On the other hand, if your router is new and you still need an extender, your purchase has to be the same standard as the original network or better. For example, if you already have an AC1200 router, you need to buy an appliance that can support the standard connection. Keep in mind that generally, it only extends one frequency band at a time. Therefore, you might need two separate extenders, because it is better to extend both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz bands in a dual-band network.
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Check the compatibility with your WiFi
When you are looking to purchase such a device, you need to consider the compatibility with your WiFi. As such, it is important to know that the original WiFi standard was IEEE 802.11. These days, the manufacturers just added A, B, G, N, and AC to the standard model. Keep in mind that is not important to buy a sophisticated unit with the latest standard if your router doesn’t support it. However, we suggest you check your router first and after buy the device. Plus, you need to know that speeds are displayed in Mbps, so you won’t gain an advantage if your unit supports a faster speed than your router because it can only rebroadcast what it receives.
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Design
There are hundreds of models available on the market and each one of these items comes with its own design. Some of them look a lot like routers with aerials and they have their own power supply, while others are just some simple plastic blocks designed to plug directly into a wall outlet. You can choose an extender which is not so bulky, but you need to know that a larger one has more feature than a smaller one. However, it is important to choose a device which is able to satisfy your needs.
Top 3 Brands on the Market
When it comes to shopping, most people are thinking about making a purchase from a valuable brand. The truth is that an important brand is able to provide a lot of things, including quality, performance, durability and the clarity that their products are efficient.
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NETGEAR
NETGEAR is an American company which develops products that are built on a variety of technologies, such as wireless, powerline and Ethernet. Their range of easy-to-use products can provide a good signal and help you watch almost everything on your PC, without buffering. In fact, NETGEAR provides networking, storage and security solutions which are affordable and easy to install and maintain. Moreover, this valuable company is trying to keep its customers satisfied and loyal.
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TP-LINK
TP-Link is one of the most important manufacturers of computer networking products in the world. This Chinese company has created various products, including wireless routers, ADSL, IP cameras, wireless adapters, range extenders and powerline adapters. It tries to keep its loyal customers closer by providing them with excellent products and services. Moreover, all their products represent the highest standard in innovation and execution. Since entering the international market TP-LINK is constantly expanding and they won’t stop developing and promoting innovations in order to provide their customers with great services.
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LINKSYS
Have you ever heard about Linksys? This is an American company which is selling various data networking hardware products including wired and wireless routers, Ethernet switches, wireless Internet video cameras, audiovisual products and network storage systems. Actually, this brand along with two others, such as Belkin and WeMo, is part of Belkin International which is one of the most valuable brands in the world. Their products are renowned for their simplicity and ease of use.
When it comes to WiFi range extenders, it is good to know that there are various models available on the market and each one of this model has its own features which provide a lot of benefits. However, in order to find the most suitable product for you, you need to consider several factors.
- Single or Dual-Band
The 802.11n WiFi standard also has a dual-band support and it covers the long-used 2.4GHz band. However, it can also provide the 5GHz band. The 2.4 GHz band has a longer range, but when it comes to the 5GHz band, you need to know that it supports faster speeds. Furthermore, for those people who already have a dual-band router, the dual-band extender is the best option because it has to be a connection between the two. The single-band model can just extend 2.4GHz to the rest of your home. However, it can connect to the original router with 5GHz where it does offer coverage. Moreover, the single-band unit is also cheaper than a dual-band one.
- Security
Security standards represent an encryption method which can prevent anyone without the original password from connecting to the network. The WiFi Protected Access, which is WPA2-PSK (AES) is the latest version appeared on the market. As such, if you have a router that doesn’t support WPA, you should think about upgrading it.
- Ease of use
The router’s network name or SSID, as well as the password or key, is very important to set up a connection. As such, you need to know all these information that can be found on the back or underside of the router. Most models can provide WiFi Protected Setup (WPS), so their installation will be easier. You just have to press the button on your wireless extender and the one on your router and they will connect. It will receive the relevant data from the router, so it will be able to recognize the information in the future without you having to do anything at all.
- Ethernet ports
There are a lot of features that a wireless extender can offer, and the Ethernet port is one of them. It allows you to plug in a device that has a wired connection, in order to get better speed and a reduced number of devices which are trying to connect wirelessly. If you need an extension that can serve a game console, DVR and TV that are all placed together, then a unit which has at least three Ethernet ports should be the best choice. Additionally, there are a few products which will also provide audio streaming capabilities. You can choose and stream music from your smartphone because they will boost a port to connect headphones and speakers.
- System requirements
It is quite important to know whether you are moving the router or not, its connectivity won’t be better. In fact, you won’t solve any problem by doing this. You just have to adjust its connectivity settings on its computer. Windows 7 and Mac OS X can help you adjust any OS or software settings, which can interfere with the Internet connection because they have connection repair tools.
- Warranty
Like so many other appliances, these products come with a one-year warranty. There are also manufacturers that offer longer warranties, but most of them will provide a standard warranty. Moreover, some of these warranties will also cover the damages caused by the product or your time and expense in getting the damage repaired.
If you are looking to expand the reach of a wireless LAN, a WiFi repeater could be extremely useful in this situation. Their main purpose is to connect wirelessly to the access point and boost the existing signal in your home. As mentioned above, there are so many models and devices available on the market that it is quite difficult to find exactly what you need. In order to help you make the best decision, we have gathered 6 of the best models out there, but our favorite model is by far the one that we placed it in the third position.
The NETGEAR AC1200 EX6120 is one of the most efficient extenders out there. Although it comes in a small size, it is extremely powerful and does a great job helping you boost the existing network. As compared to its competitors, it is equipped with a dual band that extends 2.4 and 5GHz WiFi up to 1200 Mbps. Additionally, it uses the FastLine technology that was specially designed to use both bands so it can create a high-speed connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1What is the difference between a WiFi extender, repeater or booster?
Generally speaking, there is no difference between these items. They are mostly the same thing. Some models are equipped with more features than others, but there is not a clearly defined difference between them.
2 Can the NAS be connected to the extender?
It is not recommended to connect the NAS directly to the booster. First, it should be connected to the router for better performance.
3 How does a WiFi signal booster work?
The WiFi signal extender is mainly used to extend WiFi network coverage space by amplifying signals.
