We all know the importance of an Internet connection these days. And, having a Wi-Fi connection nearby is the best feeling. But there are some situations where we feel like the connectivity is getting weak, or the connection gets suddenly lost. These situations are quite annoying.
That basically happens if the router is weak or you are far away from the router range. Therefore, a simple solution to this is using a Wi-Fi range extenders. That does help a lot!
Whatever you call them, range extenders, repeaters, they all do the same job.
But, how would you know which one is the best Wifi extender for your router? Well, while you decide to buy a Wi-Fi extender for you, some factors need to be kept in mind:
- Single Band or Dual Band: The Single Band has the 2.4 GHz frequency only. On the other hand, Dual Band has both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. While the Single Band provides only longer coverage, the Dual Band provides better transfer speeds too.
- Compatibility: Check the Wi-Fi standard of the router you are using and make sure that the extender is compatible with it.
- Security: One of the crucial factor to check is Security Standards. The latest Wi-Fi security standard version is WPA2-PSK (AES).
- Ethernet Ports: Always look for availability of Ethernet ports if you are looking to connect any Smart TV or gaming console with the Wi-Fi extender.
However, if you are still not able to decide what’s best for you. You can follow the complete Buying Guide to choose the Best Wi-Fi range extenders in India. We also have carefully selected and listed some of the Best Wi-Fi repeaters for you in 2020.
Best WiFi Repeaters/Range Extenders in India 2020
After extensive research, we have come up with a list of the Best WiFi Repeaters in India based on the above-mentioned specifications and price.
Best 1200 Mbps and above WiFi Range Extender In India
There are Wi-Fi extenders that can easily reach every nook and cranny of your beloved home or office. Whether it is a big multi-storeyed house or multiple rooms, 1200 Mbps extenders are better in every way. With a throughput of up to 1200 Mbps and above, here are some of the best Wi-Fi extenders that you can go for
1. TP-Link RE305 AC1200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Range Extender
TP-Link, since their commencement in the year 1996, has never failed to provide reliable networking devices as well as accessories. Their products are curated carefully to fit every individual’s needs. One such product of theirs, the Dual-Band Wi-Fi Extension helps in bringing stability to all the dead zones of your home and office.
Being a wireless device, it reduces the signal interference for ensuring reliable Wi-Fi coverage. Users would be able to connect multiple devices with its 5GHz 867Mbps and 2.4GHz 300Mbps dual bands for enjoying HD streaming, gaming, browsing the web, and complete all the business work without facing any difficulty. It is worthy of our top spot!
It can connect to the Wi-Fi router easily while expanding and strengthening its signal to all those areas which the router cannot reach by itself.
Wi-Fi Bandwidth: 1200mbps and above
Wireless Com Standard: 802.11a/802.11b/ 802.11g/ 802.11n/ 802.11ac
Best Features:
- Smart LED Lights
It comes with a responsive signal light which helps you to find a suitable location for installing the RE305. The red light means the device is far away and the blue light means the connection is good.
- Easy Access Point
It has a built-in access point which allows you to simply plug-in the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port for turning the internet connection into the dual-band wireless access point within seconds.
- Mobile Application
You can even use the TP-Link’s free Tether application from their iOS or Android device in minutes. The application is feature-rich which allows you to access all the advanced network management easily.
Warranty and Customer Support
Comes with a manufacturer’s warranty for a period of 3 years
TP-link is a well-known brand in the networking industry. Their after-sales service is good and they have proper service centers that provide 3rd party service. You can contact 1-844-287-4762/1-866-225-8139. If you want to Email them: https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/contact-technical-support/#E-mail-Support
Pros:
- It has a dual-band system for different connection
- It is scheduled for power-saving options.
- Can work with any standard gateway or router.
- It can be used both in wireless form and wired form
- Cost-effective.
Cons:
- Drop in speeds in some cases.
Final Verdict:
This Wi-Fi range extender is the ideal device for people who are heavy users and want their internet connectivity when in the remotest areas of their house or office. Even though it is a bit pricey if you compare with other extenders on this list, it also comes with three years of warranty which prevents the buyer from any future unnecessary costs.
2. Netgear EX6110 AC1200 WiFi Range Extender
Netgear has been known for providing innovative networking products that powers business, connects people, and transforms people’s way of living. This device by Netgear is made to boost the existing network range while at the same time it also delivers a speed range of up to 1200Mbps.
Both the Wi-Fi bands can be used whose performance is improved by the FastLane technology. The internal antenna array and the high-power amplifiers increase the range of coverage. It can work with any type of WiFi router. The only reason it is placed second is the price factor. It is a bit costly than our topper TP-Link.
Users who are heavy gaming addicts and love to stream their videos in HD, would not be disappointed with this device. It also allows for multiple device connectivity such as laptops, smartphones, iPads, and more, all at the same time.
Wi-Fi Bandwidth: 1200mbps and above
Wireless Com Standard: 802.11b/ 802.11g/ 802.11n/ 802.11ac
Best Features:
- Smart LED Lights
It comes it smart LED indicators which finds the best location when you are installing the device. It also reduces interference with its dual-band Wi-Fi which ranges more than 1200Mbps.
- Mobile Application
It comes with NETGEAR WIFI Analytics Application which allows you to test the Wi-Fi strength in any room and identify which room has the weakest coverage. The application would help to optimize the home network, identify Wi-Fi channels that have the least interference and traffic, monitor signal strength, and more.
Warranty and Customer Support
NETGEAR products are provided with a manufacturer’s warranty period of 2 years.
For their products, they provide complimentary technical support for ninety days from the date of purchase. They also have three separate types of support, Home Support, Business Support, and Premium Support. For Business Support, customers can call at 1-855-ProSAFE (1-855-776-7233). For Premium Support, customers can call at 1-866-833-7699
Pros:
- It is compatible with devices that supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
- Mobile app support
- Good service backup
- Wide coverage and FastLane technology
Cons:
- The wireless coverage and the data throughput might vary depending on the operating environment.
- It might be incompatible with gateways or routers with firmware which has been altered.
Final Verdict:
This device would provide expanded coverage and reliable connection in all the corners. It offers you an application with the help of which you can test their Wi-Fi strength, optimize their network, and more. The installation can be done within minutes where you just have to plug-in the device to an electric point.
3. TP-Link RE650 AC2600 Universal Dual Band Range Extender
Another TP-Link product and this device is complemented with powerful Quad-Antenna with Beamforming design which delivers a high targeted Wi-Fi connection for improving the throughput and even making the signal quality stronger.
The Intelligent Processing Engine helps in balancing the demands of every device for keeping their connection uninterrupted and fast. It also sends the Wi-Fi traffic to the dedicated processors, whereas the dual-core and powerful CPU handles the remaining work. The only reason it is placed third is because of its exorbitant pricing.
The device uses TurboQAM ad 4-stream technology to boost Wi-Fi bandwidth. You can reach the maximum speeds of 1733Mbps on 5GHz and 800Mbps on 2.4GHz. This feature of the device supports all the necessary online applications such as gaming and 4K streaming.
Wi-Fi Bandwidth: 800mbps + 1733mbps
Wireless Com Standard: 802.11a/802.11b/ 802.11g/ 802.11n/ 802.11ac
Best Features:
- MU-MIMO Technology
The device with its MU-MIMO technology allows to serve 4 devices at once, increases the Wi-Fi throughput, and reduces wait time for every device. Compared to a traditional Ac-range extender, this device runs 4x faster.
- WIRED CONNECTION
The Gigabit Ethernet ports allow you to connect wired devices like smart TV and game console for creating a reliable and fast wired connection.
- Smart LED Lights
The Intelligent Signal Light allows you to find a suitable location for installing the RE650. The blue light indicates good connection while the red light indicates poor connection.
Warranty and Customer Support
This product comes with a manufacturer’s warranty for a period of 3 years
This particular product has performed quite good and has a 4-star rating in amazon.in. You can expect it to perform well. For any service-related issues, you can contact 1-844-287-4762/1-866-225-8139.
If you want to Email them: E-mail Support
Pros:
- The device can be regulated using the TP-LINK Tether Application.
- It comes with three years warranty.
- It allows for both wireless and wired connection.
Cons:
- It is very expensive
- It does not include a remote for regulating the device which makes it really difficult for the non-tech savvy people who are not comfortable to use mobile applications.
Final Verdict:
The device comes with various features like the 4*4 MU-NIMO, Beamforming Technology, Gigabit Ethernet Port, and various other features which make it the ideal choice for those who look for high performance in their range extender. The only problem is this device is very costly.
Best 300 Mbps and above WiFi Repeaters/Range Extender In India
If you have a small working environment or multiple rooms or a simple 2 storeyed house, a Wi-Fi Repeaters / extender with a throughput of up to 300 mbps is sufficient. Here are some of the best picks that you can go for:
4. TP-Link TL-WA850RE 300Mbps Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender
TP-Link has consistently been the best global provider of a wide range of Wi-Fi devices. They have yet brought another Wi-Fi device which is undoubtedly going to impress all of their seven billion customers spread across 170 countries.
This Dual-Band Wi-Fi Extension by TP-LINK brings stability to all the dead zones of your home and office. It can connect to the Wi-Fi router easily while expanding and strengthening its signal to all those areas which the router cannot reach by itself. Being a wireless device, it reduces the signal interference for ensuring reliable Wi-Fi coverage.
You would be able to connect multiple devices with its 5GHz 867Mbps and 2.4GHz 300Mbps dual bands for enjoying HD streaming, gaming, browsing the web, and complete all the business work without facing any difficulty.
Wi-Fi Bandwidth: up to 300mbps
Wireless Com Standard: 802.11a/802.11b/ 802.11g/ 802.11n
Best Features:
- Smart Signal Indicator Lights
It comes with a responsive signal light which helps you to find a suitable place for better signal reception.
- Ethernet Bridge
You can simply plug-in the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port to get internet connection point within seconds in TVs, desktops and consoles etc
- Tether Application
There is an exclusive Tether application for iOS and Android devices. The application is easy to use and allows you to access all the advanced networks.
Warranty and Customer Support
Manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years
TP-link is a well-known brand in the networking industry. Their after-sales service is good and they have proper service centers that provide 3rd party service. You can contact 1-844-287-4762/1-866-225-8139. If you want to Email them: https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/contact-technical-support/#E-mail-Support
Pros:
- It has three years of warranty.
- It has a dual-band system for different connection
- It is scheduled for power-saving options.
- It can be used both in wireless form and wired form.
Cons:
- It is a bit pricy compared to its contemporaries.
Final Verdict:
This is a complete product with all the basic features of an ideal Wi-Fi extender. The wide coverage, smart signal indicator, dedicated Ethernet port for wired access and a comprehensive 3 years of warranty, this TP-Link TL-WA850RE universal extender with 300 Mbps bandwidth is a potent device and perfect for normal homes, multi-storeyed, and multiple room applications.
5. Mercusys MW300RE 300Mbps Wi-Fi Range Extender
Mercusys ensures that people can live a faster life with their extensive range of networking devices. This range extender by Mercusys boosts the wireless signal of your router which was previously unreachable. It comes with 3 external antennas along with NIMO technology which makes the device better from all the traditional and ordinary range extenders.
Users can easily set-up the device with the help of a button and it is even easy to configure the device as well. It comes in a wall-mounted design and miniature size which allows the device to be moved and deployed without facing any difficulty.
It also has a multicolor LED which allows the users to look for the best location for delivering strong and stable Wi-Fi connection.
Wi-Fi Bandwidth: up to 300Mbps
Wireless Com Standard: 802.11b/ 802.11g/ 802.11n
Best Features:
- Stay Connected Everywhere
It would eliminate all the dead zone of your house or your office and it would also help you to get a strong connection in every corner of your house with no interruptions.
- Easy Connectivity
The device can be connected with your router within seconds by just pushing the WPS button on both of the devices.
- Multiple and Strong Connectivity
The internal antenna array and the high-power amplifiers increase the range of coverage. It can work with any type of Wi-Fi router. Users who are heavy gaming addicts and love to stream their videos in HD, would not be disappointed with this device. It also allows for multiple device connectivity such as laptops, smartphones, iPads, and more, all at the same time.
Warranty and Customer Support
The product comes with 3 years of manufacturer’s warranty.
MERCUSYS provides their customers with a 24/7 customer support where customers can call them at +86 86693232 or Email them at support@mercusys.com
Pros:
- It comes with three years of warranty.
- The device comes with a Quick Installation Guide which will help you to set-up the extender all by yourselves.
- It is very cost-effective.
Cons:
- It does not provide a lot of features, unlike its counterparts.
Final Verdict:
With the price range, this device has a lot to offer to the buyers. People who are looking for an extender which has a good warranty period and also offers high-performance, then this is an ideal buy for them. It is not as feature-packed, but in terms of overall performance, it is a good to bet.
6. STRADERS Universal Wi-Fi Amplifier Range Extender
STRADERS is a fairly new name in the networking industry. But makes some of the best value for money products! And the Straders Universal Wi-Fi is a great option if you want to easily boost the Wi-Fi signal at your home or office. If you have an old or entry-level Wi-Fi router then this can be a great choice if you want to increase its strength.
The Straders Universal Wi-Fi Extender is USB powered because of which it can be plugged into any USB port. And once you have done that, you will get 300 Mbps Wi-Fi all-around your house. Not only that but you can easily stream movies, play games, surf the internet, and do much more once connected to it.
Wi-Fi Bandwidth: up to 300 Mbps
Wireless Com Standard: 802.11a/802.11b/ 802.11g/ 802.11n
Best Features:
- Compact and Stylish
One of the best things about this Wi-Fi extender is its design. Apart from being extremely compact, it also looks good in any home or office environment. - USB Powered
Most Wi-Fi amplifiers out there need an extra power cable which can be an issue for a lot of users. Thankfully, Straders Universal Wi-Fi repeater is USB powered. You can plug it into any USB port at your home to power it. - Easy to Install
Unlike most Wi-Fi extenders out there, this one comes with a smartphone app. You can use it to easily go through its setup process. It can also be used to monitor the Wi-Fi signal strength afterwards.
Warranty and Customer Support:
Since this is an imported product, you get a 1-month seller warranty.
Don’t expect good after-sales on this one, as it sold directly from a seller. To report any issues or avail the warranty of this product, you can contact the seller by using this link:
Pros:
- It is very compact and stylish.
- You can power it using any USB port.
- This can be controlled via a smartphone app.
- It increases your Wi-Fi signal by quite a lot.
Cons:
- It lacks any physical buttons.
- You only get a 1-month seller warranty.
Final Verdict:
If you are looking for a stylish and easy to set up Wi-Fi extender, then the Straders Universal Wi-Fi Amplifier is a good option. You can easily control it by using its smartphone app. And it can be placed anywhere in your home using a powered USB port. But keep in mind about the after-sales and relatively short warranty period.
7. Kihuwey Wi-Fi Range Extender/Repeater/Signal Booster
Kihuwey makes a great value for money Wi-Fi range extender. And even though this Wi-Fi repeater is quite affordable, it offers a lot of features. You can easily use it to boost the Wi-Fi signals of your home as well as your office without any issues.
Kihuwey is a very modern and sleek looking Wi-Fi repeater that is USB powered. As a result, you can easily plug it in any USB port at your home. Once you plugged in the Kihuwey repeater, it promises high-speed Wi-Fi without any signal loss. And it can work with any Wi-Fi router that you have.
Wi-Fi Bandwidth: upto 300 mbps
Wireless Com Standard: 802.11a/802.11b/ 802.11g/ 802.11n
Best Features:
- Small and Modern
Apart from looking quite good, this Wi-Fi extender is also quite small. You can easily fit it in any USB port due to its 180 degree USB port which rotates in both directions.
- Highly Compatible
Many Wi-Fi repeaters work with selected Wi-Fi routers that can be an issue for many users. Thankfully, the Kihuwey Wi-Fi signal booster does not have this issue. It is highly compatible and works with most Wi-Fi routers without any issues.
- Easy to Install
Since this repeater is USB powered, you can install it in any corner of your home. Once you have powered the Kihuwey extender, you can then set it up using its smartphone app that is quite easy to use as well.
Warranty and Customer Support:
You get a 6 months warranty with the Kihuwey Wi-Fi Range Extender.
Kihuwey is one of the top global Amazon sellers. They have a dedicated technical quality check department and separate product return policies. In order to avail the warranty of this repeater, you have to contact its Amazon seller using this link:
Pros:
- Works with any Wi-Fi router.
- Uses a USB port for power.
- Comes with a smartphone app for easily controlling it.
- Modern design fits in any home or office setup.
Cons:
- Does not have any physical buttons.
- Lacks support for dual-band 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection.
Final Verdict:
Kihuwey Wi-Fi Range Extender is an easy to use repeater. It works with all Wi-Fi routers out there without any issues. And installing it at your home is as easy as plugging it into a USB port and using the smartphone app afterwards. It is hassle-free, affordable and gets the work done.
8. Digisol DG-WR3001N Wireless Range Extender
Digisol makes a lot of networking products which includes both wired and wireless devices. And today we are here with one of the recent products launched by Digisol. The Digisol DG-WR3001N is a Wi-Fi device that helps you in extending your Wi-Fi range. And the best thing about this Wi-Fi extender is that it can work with any Wi-Fi router that you have.
You can use this device to extend your Wi-Fi signals to every corner of your house. Once you have installed the DG-WR3001N, you can then enjoy 2.4 GHz 300 Mbps Wi-Fi without any issues. It can be used with all of the devices that you have including mobile phones, computers, laptops, etc.
Wi-Fi Bandwidth: upto 300 mbps
Wireless Com Standard: 802.11a/802.11b/ 802.11g/ 802.11n
Best Features:
- Signal Strength Indicator
This Digisol Wi-Fi Extender shows you the current signal strength using an indicator light. The light is present on the top of it which is easily visible. As a result, you do not have to use any software to check its signal strength. - Multiple Wi-Fi Modes
You can use this Digisol Wi-Fi repeater for more than just increasing your Wi-Fi range. Digisol DG-WR3001N can be used as an access point, a universal repeater, or a wireless client. - Plug and Play
The installation process is quite simple for this Wi-Fi extender. It simply plugs into an electric socket and connects to your Wi-Fi. Once that is done, it will start boosting your Wi-Fi signal.
Warranty and Customer Support:
Digisol provides its customers with a 5 years warranty for its Wi-Fi Extenders.
On the service front, there are Digisol service centers dedicated towards providing after-sales support to its customers. So, service-related issues can be resolved. You can contact Digisol as well as get a list of its service centers by visiting the following link:
https://www.digisol.com/contact-us/
Pros:
- It offers a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
- You get various indicator LEDs on the front.
- Easy to install and set up at home.
- Offers a secure connection with its WPS button.
Cons:
- Its size could have been smaller.
- Does not offer a 5 GHz dual-band connection.
Final Verdict:
Digisol DG-WR31001N offers a Wi-Fi range that is more than enough for most homes and offices. And it is also quite easy to install and highly reliable due to its 5-year warranty. Due to this, if you are alright with its price, then you should definitely go for it.
9. ASUS RT-N 12 Wireless N300 3-in-1 Router/AP/Range Extender
Asus is known for affordable, feature-packed and reliable products. They are mainly into computers, but they have quite some expertise in networking systems as well. This wireless 3-in-1 router is a perfect example of that. This router cum AP cum extender is a purely wireless system with wide-range coverage and powerful multi-tasking abilities.
This router cum extender can be used for both wired and wireless connections and is ideal for small businesses. The wide coverage area is perfectly suitable for home working environments. The 2T2R MIMO Technology and dual 5dBi high gain antennas provide extended support ideally for streaming videos in HD, VoIP calls, and even online gaming.
Wi-Fi Bandwidth: Upto 300 mbps
Wireless Com Standard: 802.11b/ 802.11g/ 802.11n
Best Features:
- Easy 3-step setup
It has ASUS’s unique Quick Internet Setup and a very intuitive Graphical User Interface. You can simply connect the router within 30 seconds with 3 easy steps.
Connect the cables to the router> Open a browser>Simply follow the online setup wizard.
- Secure Wi-Fi networks through guest access
You can share your internet with your guests safely. No need to share passwords or resources. The ASUS guest network supports 3 individual guest networks.
- VPN server enabled
You can set up an exclusive VPN server easily no matter where you are. It has PPTP encryption, so your data transmission is discrete and confidential.
- Better Access Control
Comes with 4 SSIDs for better bandwidth management and access control
Warranty and Customer Support
Comes with 2 years of seller warranty
ASUS is a well known brand and specifically in India, the after-sales support is commendable. You can expect proper service centers in metro cities. For any product related or after-sales support you can contact them here: Online Support Page or call them: 1800 209 0365
Pros:
- 3-in-1 ability-Router/Access Points/Extender
- RJ-45 (Ethernet Cable) supported by almost all ISPs like BSNL, Hathway, Airtel etc
- 4 SSIDs for better bandwidth management
- Android app support. Easy setup and use.
- ASUSWRT dashboard UI for better optimization and control.
Cons:
- Some reports on reduced range after some time
- Signal drops reported by some users
Final Verdict:
This ASUS router is feature-packed. It comes with all the features a router should come up with. The icing on the cake, 3-in-1 working formula, 3-step easy setup, 5 dual 5dBi high gain antennas, VPN control and price. Overall a value for money device!
10. Tenda A301 Wireless N300 Universal Range Extender
Tenda is mainly famous for its networking products. They have quite a big lineup of routers with different features and capabilities. This particular product is a pure wireless Wi-Fi extender that can work with any router you have.
This extender plugs into an electrical outlet. It blends in with the interiors and is ideal for home, two-storey houses, multi-room house etc. It can easily cover an area over 120 square meters. It can provide uninterrupted internet for HD video playbacks, streaming, multiplayer games, and even high-speed download.
Wi-Fi Bandwidth: Upto 300 mbps
Wireless Com Standard: 802.11b/ 802.11g/ 802.11n
Best Features:
- Ethernet Port
It comes with an exclusive Ethernet port for connecting wired devices like DVRs, gaming consoles, TVs etc
- Encryption Mechanism
To enhance security level, the extender supports WEP, WPA and WPA2 encryption mechanism
- Omni-directional antennas
External Omni-directional range extender antennas for boosting Wi-Fi range.
Warranty and Customer Support
3 years of comprehensive warranty cover
In terms of after-sales and customer support, you can expect dedicated service centers only in big metro cities. For more information and service-related queries you can contact Tenda customer care at +011-40890072 or email: support.in@tenda.com.cn
Pros:
- Universal application! I can work with any router.
- Wall-mounted design for easy access.
- Wireless and wired mode thanks to an Ethernet port.
- Wide coverage thanks to range extenders
Cons:
- Expensive
- Firmware can be improved
Final Verdict:
Overall, this Tenda A301 Range Extender is a useful product. It plugs in into any electrical socket and extends your Wi-Fi with some added benefits. With 3 years warranty, good features and fair after-sales, this one can be an option if you want a small, robust and reliable extender upto 300 mbps bandwidth. Provided, if you want to spend a bit for all of this!
Buying Guide Wi-Fi Extenders:
If you are considering to buy a Wi-Fi range extender to expand the coverage of the router’s wireless signal, you have to keep in mind a few factors to a perfect purchase. There are lots of technical parameters to watch out for in order to get the best performance from the Wi-Fi booster. The following is a complete buying guide that you need to go through before you opt for a Wi-Fi range extender.
Types Of Wi-Fi Extender
There are two types of Wi-Fi range extenders available on the market.
- Desktop Range Extender – Such an extender looks more like a typical router. There could be multiple external antennas along with LAN ports and even USB ports. You can connect devices such as your TV, gaming console, and USB devices such as printers and storage devices. Since these desktop range extenders have multiple antennas at offer, you can expect a wide signal coverage offered by these.
- Plug-In Range Extender –Such an extender is relatively small and it is inserted directly into a wall outlet. Most of them have internal antennas and have one LAN port. However, most lack USB connectivity and therefore, they are less versatile. But they are more affordable than a desktop Wi-Fi extender. When compared to a desktop WiFi range extender, these have a shorter range.
Factors To Consider While Buying A Range Extender –
Keep the following list of buying parameters in mind when you go through Wi-Fi range extenders for purchasing.
1.Compatibility
It is important to buy a Wi-Fi extender that is compatible with the Wi-Fi standard of the existing router. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers set the standard for Wi-Fi connection. The following is the complete list of the standards prevailing in the market along with their details.
The latest standard is IEEE 802.11ac and the speed difference with its previous standards is massive. Your Wi-Fi router will have any of these 802.11 b/a/g/n/ac/ad standards and the extender you buy should be supporting that standard. Moreover, an 802.11ac wireless network extender will also support any router having lower standards.
But the opposite is not true which means a router with the latest standard won’t be supported by an extender with lower standard compatibility. Therefore, opt for an extended that supports the standard of your router or higher. If you have a higher standard extender and a lower standard router, the signal speed will get an instant boost.
2. Single Or Dual Band
Your router may have a single or dual-band configuration depending on the model you bought. The signal band supports only 2.4GHz frequency of transmission. The dual-band supports both 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies. The 2.4GHz is for longer range and the 5GHz is for faster speed. Therefore, if you have a dual-band router, go for a dual-band extender. Otherwise, the speed will be lower when extended.
Besides, a dual-band extender is useful when you want to stream videos. The single-band one is more for light use. The 5GHz band is cleaner and less crowded and hence, you will get a smoother wireless experience.
On a side note, if your router supports MU-MIMO data streaming technology, you should also opt for an extender that supports the same. This will enhance the performance in sending data to multiple clients at once rather than sequentially. But when compared with 5GHz signals, 2.4 GHz offers a much higher range as it can penetrate walls in your home or office quite easily.
3. MU-MIMO
MU-MIMO is one of the latest technologies found in WiFi routers and WiFi extenders. It results in a better WiFi experience while connected to a wireless network. As a result, make sure that both your WiFi router as well as the WiFi extender offer support for MU-MIMO. MU-MIMO stands for Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output data streaming. And as you can tell by its name, it is used for sending large amounts of data to multiple users at once. This can be quite useful while watching or streaming high-quality videos and movies on a wireless network. It also makes your wireless network better for having multiple devices connected at once. If your WiFi router or WiFi extender has multiple antennas, then it can easily use this technology for streaming data to multiple users at once.
4. Placement
Even if you have bought a WiFI router with various fancy features and a great range, you can use it to the full extent until the placement is correct. The biggest issue with WiFi routers is that the signal can deteriorate when going through multiple walls and objects in your home or office. As a result, the placement of your WiFi extender plays a fundamental rule during its installation. The most straightforward way to place a WiFi extender is to place it between the source WiFi router and the end-user. You should also avoid a large metal object and try to offer a direct line of sight so that the signal does not have to penetrate multiple walls.
5. Speed
As you have already seen in this buying guide, a 5GHz WiFi network offers better connection speeds than a 2.4 GHz one. And this speed of your WiFi router or extender depends on the frequency being used by it. Usually, a WiFi extender with higher frequency bands offers better speeds. But no two 5 GHz WiFi extenders have the same speeds as there are various ratings within a single frequency band. And this speed rating is given as AC900 or AC1100 as shown here:
| Type
AC600 |
2.4GHZ
150 |
5GHZ
433 |
| AC750 | 300 | 450 |
| AC1000 | 300 | 650 |
| AC1200 | 300 | 867 |
| AC1300 | 450 | 867 |
| AC1450 | 450 | 975 |
| AC1600 | 300 | 1300 |
| AC1750 | 450 | 1300 |
| AC1900 | 600 | 1300 |
6. Coverage
Based on the range to cover, you should buy an extender accordingly. If the area to cover is small or there are no obstacles in between the coverage area, a less powerful(single-band) extender will do the job. However, when you have to cover a large area horizontal or vertically, you have to opt for a powerful (dual-band) Wi-Fi booster.
The extender specifies the area coverage it can produce. Therefore, you have to select the placement point and calculate whether the extender you are buying is enough to cover all the required area or not.
7. Ports Availability
Different Wi-Fi boosters have different number of ports. If you want to connect any smart device with the extender through a wire, it should have Ethernet port. Any connection by wire is stronger and faster than a wireless connection. People connect their smart TV and gaming consoles through Ethernet ports available on certain extenders. You can also use the ethernet port of your WiFi extender to connect directly to the internet for even faster internet speeds from that WiFi hotspot.
Apart from that, certain extenders come with USB ports. You can use them to connect storage devices, printers, and scanners. You can access those connected devices from anywhere in the coverage, which is very useful. If you have such requirements, do check for USB ports. In that case, you have to buy a desktop Wi-Fi range extender.
8. LED Indicators
You have to place the extender at a perfect spot to amplify the signal strength just as you want. However, finding this ideal spot is not that easy. Most people opt for the trial and error method. But there are some extenders available on the market that come with LED indicators to make the job easy for you.
The LED indicators show you the strength of the signal the extender is receiving from the router. By watching those indicators, you can place the extender at the best possible spot for optimal optimization of signal strength. Apart from those indicators, there are other indicators that show the operation as well as warnings.
9. Security Standards
Security is the priority in any network connection. There are certain security standards that both the router and extender come with. Even if your router has any standard below WPA2, you should ensure the extender has the latest WPA2 standard. There is also a WPA3 security standard available for certain network devices. These standards prevent unauthorized access to your network and transfer the data packet securely. You also get WPS login buttons on some WiFI routers and WiFi extenders. These essentially allow you to connect to the network without entering the password while being completely secure.
10. Setup
It used to be slightly difficult to set up older range extenders. However, modern extenders are easy to set up with WPS support. You can pair with the press of a couple of buttons.
The next step is to name the extended network and set a password for secure access permission. Most of the modern extenders have web-based setup wizard for this basic configuration. Some offer advanced features, such as access scheduling and guest networking. It depends on your requirements and you should buy accordingly.
11. Firmware
The software embedded in a hardware device is called firmware. Every Wi-Fi range extender comes with a ready-made firmware. However, from time to time, the firmware gets upgraded so that the device or its firmware does not become outdated. Through a new firmware version, the company fixes the reported bugs, boosts the performance and adds new features and supports. Most importantly, security standards are upgraded through regular firmware updates.
Therefore, you should buy an extender from a popular brand which has the reputation of providing regular updates of its firmware. Besides, some extenders have the option of installing a customized firmware for advanced users. A customized firmware allows advanced users to explore those features that are capped off by the company. Hence, the warranty assurance gets cancelled after installing a customized firmware.
How To Setup A Range Extender?
There are two configuration methods available for setting up a range extender. One is rather automatic and effortlessly, while the other one is manual but it has its own advantage.
- WPS Method – WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup. Both the router and the range extender have a WPS button respectively. You have to physically press the buttons on both the device to pair them. Once the pair is done successfully, you will have extended coverage of wireless signal from your router. However, this automatic method comes with certain limitations in further tweaking. Hence, some of the advanced users opt for the manual method.
- Manual Method – In this method, you have to connect the Wi-Fi extender with your computer. This connection can be wired or wireless. Then you have to visit the configuration website by the IP address mentioned in the extender’s manual. The next step is to configure the extender with the existing wireless network. Under normal circumstances, you have to consider both the 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies. Therefore, create a new SSID for both and connect the SSID of wireless clients with extender’s SSID.
Conclusion:
A good Wi-Fi extender can make a huge difference if you are stuck with a slow network at certain places inside your home. Whether is a dropped connection, or a slow and interrupted supply, a Wi-Fi extender can connect to your existing network and extend that much needed wireless coverage.
If you have a big house with multiple floors and rooms and you generally have a lot of devices to connect, our recommendation is to go for a 1200 Mbps or above bandwidth extender such as the TP-Link RE305 AC1200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Range Extender.
Whereas, if your requirement is less and you have a general small working environment and fewer devices to connect, it is ideal to go for 300 Mbps extender. Our top recommendation here is TP-Link TL-WA850RE 300Mbps Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender
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