The features of a WiFi repeater amplifier are varied. However, the main function is to amplify the Internet signal and distribute it stronger in all home or office areas.
It can also create a wireless network starting from a wired network thanks to the access point mode or expand the number of devices connected and exploit other types of bands.
The WiFi repeater should be positioned where the signal strength is optimal to transmit to another less covered area. In all cases, the final purpose is to use a more powerful WiFi connection, even at a distance from the modem, in the garden, or a building with thick or multi-story walls.
The most recent WiFi repeaters are easy to install and simple to use. Still, you need to understand how they work, and the repeaters’ features, as our modem or router will necessarily support many of these. So let’s see how to choose a WiFi repeater.
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How to choose a WiFi repeater: Types and Characteristics
To understand which WiFi repeater to buy, you must first establish compatibility with our modem or router. The repeater’s advanced features will be useless if not compatible. The network will still work if the modem is too old, but we will not use the new range extender functions. To buy a WiFi repeater, we must consider the following:
Speed: The speed of data transfer is important to work continuously. If we use the network to download videos, and music, watch streaming programs, play online, or transfer important size files, we must orient ourselves on powerful WiFi repeaters. The speed is expressed in Mbps, that is, megabits per second. The most common WiFi repeaters have a speed of 300 Mbps but can reach over 1000 Mbps.
Of course, our modem or router will have to support the same speed we want for the repeater. As for speed, WiFi repeaters are divided into classes. Among the most common, we find the class 802.11.N, 54Mbps, and 802.11.N, up to 450 Mbps. And 802.11.AC class, used by the most powerful WiFi repeaters, guarantees a speed of up to 1300Mbps.
In addition to these, older classes support a lower speed. Unfortunately, if our modem does not support one of these classes because it is older, it isn’t easy to take advantage of these speeds.
Dual-Band: The dual-band function uses two channels to exploit a wider band. The single band uses up to 2.4 Gigahertz, while Dual-band 5 Gigahertz is added. Furthermore, the dual-band can automatically transfer data from one band to another, such as through interference. Modem and other connected devices must also support this to take advantage of Dual Band.
Connection by cable: Wireless repeaters may also include ports for cable connection. They can have Ethernet cable ports, allowing the repeater to connect physically to the router, and USB ports, which allow you to connect other devices such as game consoles, printers, or other types of hardware we want to include in-network.
Connection by cable: Wireless repeaters may also include ports for cable connection. They can have Ethernet cable ports, allowing the repeater to connect to the router. USB ports allow you to connect devices such as game consoles, printers, or other types of hardware that we want to include in-network.
How the WiFi repeater works and how to install it
The WiFi repeater works just like a modem, but in this case, it intercepts the wireless network transmitted to the main router. Then it retransmits the same signal expanding the range of the WiFi networks.
Repeater position is critical: We cannot get a satisfactory signal with our device. So the repeater will be moved to the same room or an adjacent room until it intercepts the signal correctly. Repeaters with adjustable antennas, in this case, are advantageous because they can help us capture WiFi signals more easily until we find the best position.
Remember that a wall-mounted repeater, compared to desk-top repeaters, will be limited in a location unless we use an extension cord to provide greater mobility.
Repeater installation is not always easy unless you are an expert in buying one with WPS automatic installation. In this case, a repeater will be detected automatically, and enter your username and password to make it work. If the repeater does not have this type of installation, it is better to ensure you have instructions installed by a technician.
The best WiFi repeaters quality-price, more powerful, and more reliable
Among the best WiFi repeater, we have the Netgear with two compelling and easy-to-use models in the first place. NetGear repeaters are present in ranking with different models.
NetGear N300 is among the best for value for money. But, at the same time, NetGear N300 is an economic WiFi repeater that offers a viable solution if we do not have any pretensions or use a non-latest generation WiFi modem router.
The price range is between $20 and $100, and between a high-end repeater and an economic one, we find significant differences in functionality and power. So let’s now see a selection of the top 10 best WiFi repeaters with related characteristics and prices.
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