If you are tired of catching Wi-Fi around your apartment, determining where the signal is better, you should buy a wifi signal booster for your router to get rid of the problem of weak Internet forever.

What is a wi-fi repeater

Wi-Fi was invented so that you can easily connect to the Internet from anywhere in your apartment (house) from any device. However, it often happens that the router for some reason gives out a weak signal, then in distant rooms pages load slowly or do not open at all.

To strengthen the signal, there is a special wi-fi, which is popularly called an amplifier, however, in essence, it is a repeater, i.e., a signal repeater that extends its range of action.

According to the principle of operation, it can be compared to an extension cord for wired equipment, only here everything happens at the wireless, wave level. Your router transmits the signal to the distance it is capable of, and then the repeater picks it up and relays it to a further distance.

It is a small box, similar to a charger, that runs from an outlet.

Rating of modern models

Now let’s look at the top 5 best repeater models on the market today. Choose based on your requirements and wallet capabilities.

TOP 5 best signal boosters for routers

No.	Name	Speed	price, rub.
1	Netgear Orbi AC3000	Up to 1500 Mbit/s	21140
2	Asus RP-AC68U	Up to 1300 Mbit/s	11090
3	TP-Link Re350	Up to 1167 Mbit/s	3590
4	TP-Link AC750	Up to 750 Mbit/s	1970
5	Asus RP-N12	Up to 300 Mbit/s	1580

1. Netgear Orbi AC3000

Suitable for large private houses, as its coverage radius is 350 sq. m. The kit includes a router and repeater, which, when interacting, provide speeds of up to 1500 Mbit/s.

Capable of maintaining high-speed operation even with a large number of connected devices. It will provide a signal to gadgets from the basement to the attic, and will be able to connect Wi-Fi to the gazebo on the street.

The attractive design allows you to use the device in prominent places.

Despite all the scale of its advantages, this amplifier still has a drawback; it is its price, which is 21,140 rubles. Although, if you take a device for a large office, its cost will be more than recouped by the quality of its work.

2. Asus RP-AC68U

Capable of significantly expanding network coverage due to four internal antennas, it operates on two bands: 5 GHz - up to 1300 Mbit/s and 2.4 GHz - up to 600 Mbit/s.

Can perform several functions: amplifier, network bridge, access point. 5 USB ports of a wired Gigabit Ethernet network allow you to connect multiple devices directly.

Quick setup and futuristic design add to the number of fans of this device. And the price, compared to the leader of the list, is two times lower - 11,090 rubles.

3. TP-Link Re350

The optimal model in terms of price and quality ratio. Two serious antennas guarantee a wide operating radius. The LED indicator helps determine the best location for the device.

It operates at two frequencies: 2.4 GHz with speeds up to 300 Mbit/s and 5 GHz with speeds up to 867 Mbit/s. Ready to cooperate with any router. Setup and installation takes a couple of minutes.

Price: 3,590 rub.

4. TP-Link AC750

Capable of spreading the signal over 185 square meters. and deliver the Internet to previously inaccessible places. Two frequency ranges provide a total data transfer rate of up to 750 Mbit/s. Compatible with wireless devices using 802.11b/g/n and 802.11ac standards.

The Ethernet port is ready to accept wired gadgets, so the device can also act as an adapter.

The ease of installation and configuration is simply amazing. Connect the amplifier to a power outlet, press the Range Extender button on it, and WPS on the router. Soon they will exchange data and the connection will work.

Price: 1970 rub.

5. Asus RP-N12

A good amplifier that has almost the same functions as the models described above. However, it came in fifth place on the list due to the lowest relayed data transfer speed - up to 300 Mbit/s.

However, this speed is sufficient for average everyday needs: surfing websites, watching movies.

Can act as a repeater, network bridge and wireless access point. Two strong antennas deliver the signal to the most remote corners of your apartment.

The LED indicator on the front will help you determine the optimal location of the gadget.

A pleasant price segment makes this device the most popular among the mass consumer. Price 1580 rub.

How to boost a signal without a repeater

Before buying an amplifier, try to solve the problem with weak Internet in the far ends of your home yourself. After all, if your wi-fi router is powerful, but does not reach the back room, then something is wrong here.

• The router must be located in the center of the apartment (or office) so that it is at an equidistant distance from all rooms. Often it is placed in the corridor or in the corner closest to the entrance, so as not to pull the wire far, but then the signal may not really reach all ends of your house. Sometimes it happens that your neighbors have better Wi-Fi through the wall than in your kitchen.

There are special programs that can help you select the optimal location for installing the router, for example, WiFi Analyzer.

• Change the router's working channel. The fact is that most routers operate on 2.4 GHz, which has only 13 channels. Most likely, your neighbors are on the same channel as you, so the speed is reduced. Using the same WiFi Analyzer, you can find a free channel, or at least the most unloaded one.
• Increase the signal distribution power. On most models, you can configure this item manually. Of course, 100% is programmed everywhere, but under some conditions the values ​​could get lost. Go to Advanced Settings and check.
• Update the firmware. It can be downloaded from the official website of the router manufacturer. They are updated at regular intervals and many problems are resolved. Some routers are capable of automatically catching updates.
• If none of the above methods help, you will have to look for a new wi-fi router. Modern models can catch two channel bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, so if on the first band all 13 channels are occupied, switch to free waves on the new band.

That is, a signal repeater is more likely to be needed for large areas. First, configure your router so that it works at full capacity, and only then resort to the help of an amplifier.

However, a high-quality amplifier is a truly cool thing for large country houses, multi-room apartments and offices.

I have been following the latest developments in mobile technology for many years. Previously, this was my hobby, but now it has grown into a professional blog, where I am happy to share the information I have accumulated with you. I tested all the instructions, life hacks, selections of the best programs and tariff plans personally on myself.

Purchasing a Wi-Fi router allows you to create a wireless home Internet zone, “untethering” laptops, smartphones and tablets from the cable connection. However, the standard rating of Wi-Fi signal sources is often not enough to cover large premises or several rooms, which leads to a deterioration in the quality of data transmission. In this case, Wi-Fi amplifiers come to the rescue, through which you can expand the network coverage area.

Reasons for poor signal quality

Before moving directly to amplifying devices, you should determine the reason for the low quality of communication on the network, since it is not always directly related to the power of the Wi-Fi signal source. This is especially true if the actual coverage range of the purchased device differs significantly from the nominal value stated by the manufacturer. There are several factors that can negatively affect the quality of a wireless network:

In the first two cases, the problem of low-quality signal is solved by choosing the right location for the router. This simple action allows you to improve the situation without additional investment. In the last two cases, you cannot do without purchasing devices that enhance the Wi-Fi signal.

Types of Wi-Fi amplifiers

Wi-Fi amplifiers are devices through which you can significantly increase your network coverage area without the need to replace the signal source with a more powerful analogue. As a rule, they are cheaper than the router itself, which makes their purchase quite profitable in terms of the price-result ratio. Wi-Fi signal boosters are divided into two categories: active and passive.

Active amplifiers

First of all, active Wi-Fi amplifiers include repeaters (repeaters) - repeater devices that expand an existing network by receiving the router signal and broadcasting it further. Like a Wi-Fi router, a repeater is a separate electronic device powered by mains power. Its coverage area is also a circle, in the center of which there is a relay device. On average, when using a repeater, the network coverage area increases by 15–20 m, depending on the power of the device.

An active amplifier increases the coverage area of ​​the router by 15–20 meters

The router can also be an active Wi-Fi amplifier if it is paired with the main device. The additional router works like the main one, with the difference that both devices broadcast a single network, and not two separate ones. Unlike a repeater, an additional access point is connected to the main router via a cable and can be located at a considerable distance from it. The main disadvantage of active Wi-Fi amplifiers is their relatively high cost.

Passive amplifiers

Passive Wi-Fi signal amplifiers include amplifying antennas for routers, through which you can increase the initial network coverage range and stabilize the signal. By and large, this is a more advanced analogue of the “native” antennas that come with the router. There are two types of amplification antennas: omnidirectional and directional. Omnidirectional antennas work on the standard principle, spreading the signal in a circle, while directional antennas broadcast the signal in only one direction.

An omnidirectional antenna looks like a rod that emits radio waves in a circle

Depending on the model, passive antennas can be installed directly on the router or placed outside it. As a rule, remote analogues have great amplification potential. The main disadvantage of passive Wi-Fi amplifiers is their relatively low efficiency - the increase in coverage area is 5–10 m.

Setting up a Wi-Fi extender

After you have decided on the choice of amplifier and made the purchase, you need to make the first setup of the device. Only active amplifiers need configuration; passive antennas can simply be connected to the router. For initial setup, you will need a laptop or PC with a Wi-Fi adapter. The repeater is configured as follows:

1. Plug the device into the outlet and wait for the Power Indicator to activate, which notifies the user that the repeater has been successfully turned on. Full activation of the device may take from one to several minutes.
2. After the device is fully turned on, the Wireless Indicator is activated, which indicates that the repeater is starting to broadcast the signal. The new network created by the repeater will begin to appear in the list of available wireless connections on your PC.

   The corresponding indicator on the router indicates that the Wi-Fi network is active.

3. Connect to your new device. When you try to connect to a repeater, Windows will display a system notification that a new router has not been installed and will prompt you to configure it. Select "Connect to the network without preliminary installation and configuration."

   When you try to connect to the repeater, the operating system will prompt you to begin installing and configuring the device

4. After the PC connects to the repeater, open any browser and enter the IP address of the repeater in the address bar. By default, this is 192.168.10.1 (repeaters from certain manufacturers may be assigned to a different IP address, which can be found in the instructions supplied with the device).
5. In the authorization window that opens, enter your username and password. Default data: admin/admin.

   In order to enter the repeater setup menu, you need to enter the default login and password

6. In the repeater system menu, select “Wireless repeater mode”. In the window that opens, select “Repeater Mode”. The device will begin searching for available Wi-Fi networks.

   Pressing the “Repeater” button will start the search mode for available networks

7. Find your router and confirm your choice by clicking the Apply button, or refresh the list using the Refresh button if the network you need is not displayed. If your network is secure, you will be required to enter a password to log in.

   In the list of available networks, you must select the router whose coverage area you want to expand

8. Automatic configuration of the new network will begin, upon completion of which a message indicating the successful completion of the operation will appear in the Wireless Repeater Mode window.

To set up an additional access point, you will need a LAN cable, crimped on both sides. The setup process is as follows:

1. First of all, the additional router is reset to factory settings. For this purpose, a miniature button is used, which is usually hidden in a recess - you need to press it and not release it for several seconds.

   In order to reset the router to factory settings, you need to click on the reset button

2. The main and additional routers are connected to each other via a network cable. On the main router, the cable is connected to the LAN connector (usually yellow), and on the additional router - to the WAN (usually blue).

   To connect routers, you need to connect the local (LAN) port of one of them to the input of the global network (WAN) of the other

3. If the connection is successful, the LAN and WAN indicators on the main and additional routers will light up, respectively.
4. After successful completion of the connection, you need to configure the additional router using a PC. For this purpose, the router and PC are connected with a LAN cable through the LAN port on the router and the corresponding connector on the PC.

   The LAN port of the computer is connected to any free “yellow” port of the router using a patch cord

5. Enter the IP address of the router in the address bar of the browser. The default is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 depending on the device manufacturer. After clicking on the entered address, an authorization window will open in which you must enter your login and password. Default data: admin/admin.
6. In the system menu of the router settings, select the “Network” tab, and then the “WAN” tab.

   The settings window specifies the method of connecting to a network with a dynamic IP address

7. In the window that opens, the “WAN Connection Type” field should have the value “Dynamic IP”. If this is not the case, set this value by clicking on the activation arrow of the drop-down list.
8. If an additional access point is successfully configured, the values ​​set by the program will appear opposite the “IP Address”, “Subnet Mask” and “Default Gateway” fields.

If you prefer to use a secure network with password access, then you will also need to install additional security settings on the additional router. To do this, in the “Wireless” tab, select “Wireless Security”. In the window that opens, select the WPA/WPA2 standard, and enter a new password in the “PSK Password” field. To confirm the data, click the “Save” button. Confirm reboot to set new parameters.

It is advisable to set up password access on an additional router so that unauthorized users cannot connect to the network

DIY Wi-Fi amplifier

If you wish, you can make a Wi-Fi amplifier yourself from available materials, thereby saving money. However, it is worth noting that the benefits of such “homemade products” are rather doubtful, and the risk of rendering the router unusable is very high. Below we will look at the designs of directional signal amplifiers that allow you to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal without risking the “health” of your router.

Focusing attachment for Wi-Fi router

The signal from a Wi-Fi router spreads in a circular diagram - as it moves away from the source, it deteriorates, and when it leaves the zone of reliable reception, it begins to break off. If necessary, the signal can be focused and transmitted in the desired direction, where the router coverage is not enough. To make a focusing attachment, you will need copper wire with a diameter of 0.8 to 1 mm and a piece of plastic or thick cardboard.

To assemble the amplifier you will need a piece of ordinary cardboard and several pieces of wire 48 mm long

Assembly of the nozzle is carried out in the following sequence:

This attachment provides up to 10 dB of gain, while the diagram takes on a directional shape, that is, the Wi-Fi signal is stably transmitted for the most part only in one direction.

Aluminum can amplifier

A Wi-Fi signal booster made from an aluminum can is perhaps the easiest way to strengthen and stabilize a Wi-Fi network within a small radius. This type of amplifier also makes the signal directional.

To make such a device, you will need an aluminum can with a capacity of 0.5 liters and a regular construction or stationery knife.

To make a Wi-Fi amplifier you will need a router, an aluminum can and a utility knife

The assembly of the nozzle is carried out according to a simple scheme:

To make the nozzle fit more tightly on the antenna, the hole in the can can be sealed with foam rubber, paper or any other material.

Video: how to make a Wi-Fi booster free and easy

Wi-Fi amplifiers expand network coverage and stabilize the signal without the need to replace the router. Each of the listed options has its own advantages and disadvantages, taking into account which you can choose the most suitable solution for each situation.

A Wi-Fi repeater (or repeater) is a device whose task is to relay the signal from a wireless router or access point. Used to expand wireless network coverage. Many modern equipment models can operate in different modes:

• access point (AP=Access Point);
• repeater;
• universal repeater;
• wireless network client;
• bridge with access point function.

Operating modes of wireless equipment

If you want to take advantage of the wireless repeater feature today, you need to look for equipment that is referred to in manufacturers' catalogs as:

• Access point (in English terminology Wireless Access Point) ;
• Wireless repeater or wireless signal booster(in English terminology Range Extender) ;

Attention! Routers (i.e. routers) rarely have wireless repeater functionality these days. Some router models can be used as a repeater by installing alternative DD-WRT firmware. However, the device may be unstable on alternative firmware.

Let's take a low-cost access point as an example. TP-Link TL-WA701ND. But the instructions are also suitable for other models like TL-WA730RE, TL-WA801ND and similar ones.

The device can operate in several modes:

Access Point Mode

Convert your existing wired network to wireless.

Repeater mode

Expanding the coverage of an existing Wi-Fi network by relaying a wireless signal.

Wireless Client Mode

The device functions as a wireless adapter for connecting wired devices to a wireless network.

Bridge+AP mode

Connecting two local networks using a wireless channel.

What is the difference between a repeater and an access point?

A wireless access point connects to the network using a cable and creates a wireless network around itself. And the repeater mode implies both connecting to the network and relaying it exclusively via a radio channel.

Setting up a Wi-Fi repeater

Before setting up the repeater, configure the main router to a specific broadcast channel. If auto channel selection is set on the main router, the repeater will lose connection with it more often:

Different manufacturers have different web interfaces for their equipment, but the essence of setting up a wireless repeater is the same: in the device settings you need to specify the MAC address (BSSID) of the main access point and its security parameters. We will tell you how to set up network relay using the example of the same budget access point TP-Link TL-WA701ND, which can operate in repeater mode.

Before setting up, place the signal repeater in the area of ​​reliable reception of the wireless network whose coverage you are going to expand. Later, once the relay setup is complete, you can experiment by moving the repeater and observing the quality of the relay.

To connect the repeater with the head router or access point, you need to perform the following steps:

1 Connect the repeater using an Ethernet cable (patch cord) to LAN-port of your existing router or access point:

You cannot connect via a wireless network to an unconfigured repeater, because... it itself does not broadcast the wireless network and does not issue an IP address. An exception may be if your repeater defaults to access points and you will configure it from a device equipped with a Wi-Fi module. But we still recommend using a patch cord.

2 Connect to your main router's network from any computer, as you did before.

Go to the properties of the network adapter on your computer and manually assign an IP address from same address range, to which your new wireless repeater (or access point with repeater function) is configured (). Read the instructions for the device and you will find out exactly what its default IP address is. Often the IP address is also indicated on the bottom of the device:

If we talk about TP-Link equipment, then usually their routers have a default IP address of 192.168.0.1, and access points with a repeater function have IP 192.168.0.254.

Let's say the default IP address for the new extender is 192.168.0.254. This means that to configure it, you can temporarily assign the IP address 192.168.0.20 to the computer’s network adapter:

3 Go to the repeater web interface ().

By default, TP-Link equipment has the following credentials:

IP address: 192.168.0.254;
Login: admin;
Password admin.

4 Click EXIT to exit the setup wizard.

5 Go to the section Network. The only setting in this section will open LAN.

As we said above, by default the device uses the IP address 192.168.0.254. If you are using a different address range on your network, set a new IP address from the same range. For example, if your router, whose signal you are going to relay, operates in the 192.168.1.1-192.168.1.254 subnet, change the repeater address to 192.168.1.254 or any free one from the 192.168.1.* subnet.

When setting up a repeater, you need to make sure that:

• The IP address of the signal repeater belongs to the same subnet as the IP address of the main router;
• there is no conflict between the addresses of the router, signal repeater and other devices on the network.

If your network uses addresses in the range 192.168.0.1-254 with a mask of 255.255.255.0, do not change the setting LAN on the repeater.
In this case, continue reading these instructions with paragraph 8 with the words “Select mode Repeater(Range Extender)«

In our example, we are using the subnet 192.168.95.0.1-192.168.95.254. Therefore, let's change the IP address from 192.168.0.254 on 192.168.95.254.

If you have changed the access point's IP address, click Save

Then click OK in the following window to reboot the device:

Wait for the reboot to complete:

6 Because Now the repeater will fall into the working range of IP addresses of your existing network, return automatic receipt of parameters in the properties of the computer’s network card:

7 Log in to the repeater web interface using the new IP address:

(if you did not change the IP address, then go to http://192.168.0.254 again)

8 Select a mode Repeater(Range Extender).

Click the button Save:

After changing the operating mode of the device, you must reboot it again. Click OK to reboot the device:

Wait for the device to boot:

9 Go to section Wireless. This will open the setting Wireless Settings.

Repeater mode has two subtypes: WDS Repeater And Universal Repeater. The easiest way is to use the mode Universal repeater. It will work in most cases. Use WDS repeater only if you know for sure that the root access point supports WDS.

After selecting the operating mode, you must specify the details of the main access point whose signal the repeater should relay. In field Wireless Name of Root AP enter the wireless network name (SSID) of the main access point, and in the field MAC Address of Root AP Enter the MAC address of the main access point.

In the web interface of TP-Link devices there is a button for these purposes Survey.

It is used to search for available wireless networks. By clicking on it, you can select any available wireless network and add it to the repeater with one click on the link Connect. In this case, you do not need to enter either the SSID or the MAC address of the access point (BSSID). These details will be entered automatically.

After pressing the button Survey wait about 10-15 seconds until a window appears with a list of available wireless networks, and then click Connect in the line with your network:

Click Save to save settings:

10 Go to settings Wireless Security.

Select the security mode that is used on the root access point (WPA2-Personal is recommended).

Enter the appropriate security key.

Click Save:

In the pop-up window, click OK:

11 Go to section DHCP. This will open the setting DHCP Settings.

Set the switch DHCP Server to position Disabled and press the button Save:

If you leave the DHCP server enabled, the Internet will not work on devices that will connect to the repeater.

12 Go to section System Tools.

Click the button Reboot:

In the window with a question Are you sure to reboot the Device click the button OK:

Wait for the device to reboot:

13 Disconnect the patch cord from the LAN port of the device.

After rebooting for 1-2 minutes, the device should connect to the root access point (or main router) and start relaying the signal. In this case, the first indicator on the right should light up:

Your devices, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, will see the same network as before, only the signal should become several notches stronger. There is no need to do any reconnections on client devices, because The repeater relays a network with the same name and the same security settings.

How to check the repeater operation

Question: Why check? After all, if devices connect to the network, then everything is fine?

Answer: This statement is incorrect. Devices may connect to a more distant access point or router, but the repeater may not function. Therefore, the verification needs to be approached more scrupulously.

Method 1: Try to access the web interface of the access point after disconnecting the patch cord from its LAN port.

Go to page Status. If in the area Wireless you see the SSID of the relayed network and the signal strength of the root access point, and in the area Traffic Statistics— the number of sent and received packets, then the signal repeater functions correctly:

Method 2: Launch the application Wi-Fi Analyzer on Android device ().

You should see two access points with the same SSID running on the same channel:

Often, after installing a router, the wireless network does not cover the entire area of ​​​​the house or office. In such cases, an amplifier is needed. In order not to spend a considerable amount on purchasing a device, it is easier to make a wi-fi signal repeater with your own hands.

What is a Wi-Fi repeater? The English word repeater is translated as repeater. The repeater connects to an existing network and receives a signal from the wi-fi router, which repeats (rebroadcasts) further. At the same time, the network coverage area expands significantly. If previously there was no Wi-Fi coverage in some place remote from the router, then after installing the amplifier, stable Internet will appear there.

If you use a Wi-Fi repeater at home or in the office, there is no need to purchase and install expensive and complex equipment or run an additional cable. All you need to do is purchase an amplifier and plug it into a power outlet. In this case, the range of the network will immediately increase several times.

As for repeater performance, things are not so optimistic. A small disadvantage of a wi-fi signal repeater is the reduction in Internet speed.

Some devices may limit information transfer from 3 to 5 Mbps. This reduction in speed is not critical. The signal strength is quite enough for watching movies and surfing the World Wide Web.

How to make a repeater from a wi-fi router?

If you have an unnecessary router, then you can make a wi-fi repeater yourself. To do this, in the settings of the main router, change the transmission channel number. The number can be anything, but it must be remembered. This value will be needed when setting up a router that plays the role of a repeater. We save all changes made.

The next step is to create a wireless bridge between the main router and the repeater. To do this, you need to connect the devices using a network cable.

Repeater from Wi-Fi router

How to set up a DIY Wi-Fi repeater:

1. using a computer, log into the admin panel of the router (repeater) by entering your username and password;
2. find the “Wireless Communications” section and go to the “Operating Mode” settings;
3. Having selected the “Universal repeater” mode, click “Search”. The program itself will find the main router and connect to it;
4. In the “Channels” window, enter the number that you specified when setting up the main router;
5. select your preferred encryption algorithm and reboot.

After all the steps, the wireless network is ready for use. It is advisable that the router and wi-fi repeater working in conjunction be of the same brand. This will significantly improve network performance and stabilize the signal.

Connecting and checking the operation of the amplifier

To evaluate the correct settings of the repeater, you need to connect it to a laptop or computer using a LAN cable or Wi-Fi and power it from the mains.

Connect the repeater to the computer

• Click “Start”, go to “Control Panel” and “Network Sharing Center”;
• we find the subsections “Changing adapter parameters”, “Local network connection”, “Properties”;
• open the line “Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv 4)” and check the IP address used. It must match the repeater's IP;
• then enter the IP address of the repeater in the search bar of the browser and go to the admin panel. All Wi-Fi repeaters have one default login and password - the word “admin”. Enter it in both fields;
• By opening the “Networks” menu, we will see all available connections. Select what you need and connect.

The wi-fi repeater mode and information transmission speed can be checked in the “Status” menu.

Android smartphone owners can test the performance of the amplifier by running the WiFi Analyzer software on the device. If the repeater and wireless bridge are configured correctly, two access points with the same names and operating on the same channel will be visible on the screen.

Principle of operation

How does a Wi-Fi repeater work? The operating principle of the amplifier is simple. For example, there is a functioning router that distributes wi-fi indoors. Everything works, but not everywhere. There is a connection in the rooms, but in the corridor the signal is worse or there is none at all. In this case, a repeater will come to the rescue.

How it works: Receiving a signal from the main router, the repeater sends it further, expanding the network coverage area. And now, there is already Internet in the hallway. Thus, the repeater rebroadcasts and amplifies the wi-fi signal.

Repeater to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal

When using an amplifier, there are several important points to consider:

1. if you install a repeater, your home Wi-Fi network will still be single, with one login and password, since the device copies an existing network;
2. all home devices will be able to connect themselves to a stronger network;
3. smartphones, tablets, computers and other devices will be connected to the main router and located in the same zone.

Using a wi-fi repeater will help you create a home local network or your own DLNA server, which will allow you to watch movies from your PC on your TV. It does not matter which gadget is connected to the router and which to the amplifier.

A wi-fi repeater is a very useful and necessary device. If you connect and configure it correctly, you will have access to the Internet in the most remote corners of your apartment or office. Wi-fi will work stably and without errors, which often appear due to low signal levels. In addition, it is not necessary to buy a repeater. You can do it yourself, saving money and time.

Content

The scope of application of wireless information transmission technologies is constantly expanding. At home and at work, you need WiFi for high-quality and reliable operation of your smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer with a WiFi adapter on the Internet. In a situation where, due to the low power of a router or a small antenna in remote areas of an apartment or office, Internet reception deteriorates, a WiFi signal amplifier will help. This device is otherwise called a repeater.

What is a WiFi signal booster

To increase the operating area of ​​the router, it is necessary to pick up the signal emitted by it, amplify it and transmit it further. This is the principle of operation of a WiFi signal amplifier. Most older routers operate at a transmission frequency of 2.4 GHz. More modern routers use the 5 GHz channel. If the same devices are operating within the coverage area of ​​your router, the signals they emit in each frequency channel reduce the speed at which all subscribers receive information. A WiFi signal repeater is capable of receiving on one frequency and relaying it on both frequency channels.

How does it work

A Wi-Fi signal amplifier for a router is a device that plugs into a 220V outlet. When the router is turned on, the WiFi signal repeater receives its signal, amplifies it and transmits it to its radiating antenna. The repeater does not increase the Internet speed, but increases the transmission range. The repeater has an indicator of the received signal strength. If it lights up red, this indicates low signal strength and you need to move the repeater closer to the router. If the signal from the router is reliably received, the indicator lights up green or blue.

Types of WiFi signal amplifiers

Technical means of reception and transmission differ in their power and additional functions. Based on this parameter, repeaters are divided into three main classes:

• Personal - to work on a wireless Internet network with a weak reception level, you can use a compact amplifying repeater in the form of a USB device.
• Home repeaters are designed to work in wireless networks with 1-5 receivers, the coverage radius is no more than 10-20 m.
• Industrial or office repeaters are full-fledged access points. These are modules with several antennas and are designed to provide a stable signal for up to 50 consumers, connecting computers and phones to the Internet.

Router signal amplifiers are sold by computer showrooms in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities. Internet users have the opportunity to order promotions, sales, discounts and buy a WiFi signal amplifier in online stores. All goods are delivered by courier services or, cheaper, by mail.

WiFi amplifier TP-Link

One of the leaders among manufacturers of communication equipment is TM TP-Link. To solve the problems of dead zones and provide wireless and Internet in places where cable installation is difficult, TP-Link offers a WiFi router signal booster:

• name: TL-WA860RE;
• price: 1,750 rubles;
• characteristics: speed 300 Mbps, frequency 2.4 GHz, protection WEP, WPA, WPA2, types
• WiFi 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g;
• pros: two antennas increase the coverage area;
• cons: not noted.

The use of dual-band repeaters can reduce interference (mutual overlap) of router signals. The TP-Link TM line includes a WiFi signal repeater, which on a 5GHz channel is capable of providing a data transfer rate of 867 Mbit/s:

• name: RE305;
• price: RUB 2,690;
• characteristics: Wi-Fi standard 802.11a, speed 300 Mbit/s in the 2.4 GHz band, 867 Mbit/s in the 5 GHz channel;
• pros: high data transfer speed;
• cons: expensive.

Repeater Zyxel

ZyXEL occupies one of the leading positions in the wireless communication device market. In its product line, in addition to expensive models, there are cheaper products with good characteristics:

• name: ZyXEL Keenetic Lite III;
• price: RUB 1,927;
• characteristics: 802.11n, MIMO, 300 Mbit/s, router, 4xLAN switch;
• pros: Wi-Fi access point;
• cons: not noted.

TM ZyXEL offers a universal Internet center that can operate in access point, amplifier or router modes. The proposed model has a lot of additional features and is able to automatically detect the type of receiving devices, select the channel to work with them and strengthen the WiFi signal:

• name: Internet center ZyXEL Keenetic Extra II;
• price: RUR 3,590;
• characteristics: managed Ethernet switch, Wi-Fi at 2.4 GHz – 300 Mbit/s, at 5 GHz – 867 Mbit/s, four 5 dBm antennas, support for IPTV and Smart-TV, Yandex.DNS and SkyDNS protection;
• pros: universal model;
• cons: high price.

Asus

One of the leading manufacturers of computer equipment, the Asus brand creates models of routers and repeaters in a price range accessible to most buyers. The proposed model will provide good reception and amplification of the WiFi signal in any room of an apartment or small office:

• name: Access point with repeater mode Asus RP-N12;
• price: 649 rub.;
• characteristics: LAN speed 100 Mbit/s, WiFi:802.11g, 802.11n, frequency range 2.4 GHz, 2 antennas;
• pros: good price/quality ratio;
• Cons: 2.4 GHz band only.

A large office requires powerful amplifiers and antennas that can operate over long distances. TM ASUS has in its arsenal a model for large enterprises:

• name: Access point Asus RP-AC68U;
• price: RUB 4,390;
• characteristics: access point, 5 LAN ports, speed 1000 Mbit/s, WiFi: 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, frequency bands 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 4 antennas;
• pros: black column design;
• cons: not noticed.

Xiaomi

Manufacturers of Wi-Fi signal amplifiers advertise their products in different ways. TM Xiaomi simply indicates the gain parameter is 2 times. If your router worked at 20 meters, with this repeater the maximum range will be 40 meters:

• name: Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Amplifier 2;
• price: 649 rub.;
• characteristics: double gain;
• pros: does not require settings;
• cons: not noted.

TM Xiaomi offers many products in economy class. A similar device is the repeater model proposed below:

• name: Xiaomi Wifi Amplifier Access Point;
• price: 289 rub.;
• characteristics: WiFi:802.11g, 802.11n, frequency range 2.4 GHz;
• advantages: low cost;
• cons: not noted.

Netgear

Communications equipment manufacturer Netgear pays great attention to the design of its products. Many computer users will be interested in the model:

• name: Netgear WAC120;
• price: RUR 5,263;
• characteristics: LAN speed 1000 Mbit/s, WiFi:802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, frequency range 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 1 antenna;
• pros: black stylish vertical design;
• cons: high price.

When purchasing computer equipment, many people like universal models. The proposed model from Netgear is both a repeater and an access point:

• name: EX6200;
• price: RUR 3,917;
• characteristics: 5 LAN ports, LAN speed 1000 Mbit/s, WiFi: 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 2 bands 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 2 antennas;
• pros: stylish black body with red trim;
• cons: not noted.

D-Link

Some of the best-selling router models on the market are routers from D-Link. For those who use equipment from this company, the repeater is well suited:

• name: DAP-1353;
• price: RUR 3,335;
• characteristics: 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 3 removable dipole antennas, antenna power 13 dBM, 2.4 GHz;
• pros: 3 antennas will provide more consumers with Internet;
• cons: high price.

If you need to purchase an access point with an amplifier function, a multifunctional device is suitable. D-Link offers a repeater with a good increase in power:

• name: DAP-2360;
• price: RUB 2,884;
• characteristics: WiFi 802.11g, 802.11n, frequency range 2.4 GHz, 2 antennas;
• pros: can work as an access point;
• cons: high cost.

Totolink

Totolink products are known for both cheap and more expensive models. Among the publicly available is a repeater - a Wi-Fi extender:

• name: TOTOLINK EX300;
• price: 497 rub.;
• characteristics: speed 100 Mbit/s, WiFi:802.11g, 802.11n, 2.4 GHz, transmitter power 20 dBM, 2 external antennas;
• pros: high power;
• cons: not noted.

For professional use, Totolink produces broadband routers with four antennas. The proposed sample provides WiFi speeds of up to 1167 Mbps.

• name: TOTOLINK A850R 1200M wireless router repeater;
• price: RUR 2,247;
• characteristics: QoS, 4 LAN ports, speed 1200 Mbit/s, protocols 802.11ac, 802.11b, Wi-Fi 802.11g, Wi-Fi 802.11n, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, 4 powerful antennas;
• pros: high transfer speed;
• cons: not noted.

Netis

To create a highly efficient mobile office or entertainment network with a wide coverage of users, use TM Netis equipment. The model below increases the coverage area by 100 meters:

• name: Netis E1+;
• price: RUB 1,190;
• characteristics: 1 port 10/100Base-TX, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n 2.4 GHz, 300 Mbit/s;
• pros: good gain;
• cons: not noted.

TM Netis produces equipment using the next generation WiFi technology 802.11ac. The proposed sample operates in two frequency ranges with signal level amplification:

• name: Netis WF2780;
• price: RUB 2,690;
• characteristics: at 5 GHz speed 900 Mbit/s, at frequency 2.4 GHz – 300 Mbit/s, transmitter power 100 dBm, 4 omnidirectional antennas;
• pros: high power;
• cons: expensive.

How to choose a WiFi signal booster

When purchasing, you should choose repeaters based on your requirements for its power. It’s not worth overpaying and buying a powerful transmitter that will output a signal outside your premises. This will interfere with other people's work and cause other signal sources to interfere with your channel. Therefore, choose a repeater according to the scope of application:

• Models from the simplest to dual-band and dual-antenna options are suitable for an apartment.
• For an office with a large assortment of used receivers, it is worth choosing dual-band models with 4 antennas and a power of at least 60 dBm. It is advisable to choose equipment with the 802.11ac protocol to enable new and emerging applications.