Expand WiFi Range To Eliminate Dead Zones
We now live in a day where there are lots of WiFi devices running on the internet. And it continues to grow as more and more WiFi devices are created. In some cases, the signal may be reduced or lost due to dead zones and the router’s range just doesn’t cover all areas of the house. The best WiFi extender booster can offer a solution to this problem by providing a list of routers that will extend the coverage range areas and increase the signal to devices where it’s needed.
Many of you that own a router that’s connected to the internet probably have experienced times when the upload and download speeds are getting slower or even non-existent. Also, you are now experiencing some dead zones in certain areas of the home. So, a WiFi extender may just be what you are looking for.
A WiFi extender or booster is a device that repeats the wireless signal directly from the router and expands the coverage. It acts as a bridge that captures the WiFi from the router that expands the coverage area. This is great for eliminating the dead zones in your home. It takes the signal, amplifies it and transmits the booster signal for faster upload and download speeds. This solves your problem.
We have an article on Best WiFi USB Adapter PC for further reading. You will find some of the best adapters that will also boost the strength and extend coverage of the WiFi signal in the home. They are not expensive and you may want to check them out.
If that’s not enough, we have another article on Best Rated WiFi Routers for you to read too.
As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualified purchases.
Table of Topics
Just click or select the topic of interest and be directed to that section. Or, you can scroll down to view them all.
- Consider Using A Mesh System
- WiFi Extender Video
- Top Rated WiFi Extenders
- Shop Best Rated WiFi Extenders
- WiFi Extender Buying Guide
Consider Using A Mesh System
If areas where you are experiencing dead zones is far away from the router, a mesh system may just be the answer. The mesh system provides extra nodes that can be placed anywhere as long as it’s within a certain distance from each other. If you should have a large area or more than two floors, a extender booster may not solve the problem. A mesh system will.
This extends the WiFi coverage area to other floors, basement, garage, or patio. Anywhere where additional coverage is needed. They also provide room for expansion just by adding additional nodes to the system.
We have included some mesh systems in the list below for consideration.
WiFi Extender Video
The short video below helps explain exactly how a WiFi extender works in the home. Take a look.
Top Rated WiFi Extenders
Below are some of the top selling WiFi range extender, and mesh brands. You should find one that fits nicely into your budget and provides the extender coverage area you are looking for in your home.
GOLD MEDAL WINNER
#1. TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi System
Model: Deco M5 ASIN: B06WVCB862 Ratings: 3,788 Score: 4.7
Awards: Amazon #1 Best Seller
This mesh WiFi system provides area coverage up to 5,500 sq. ft. and connect up to 100 devices. It comes with 6 Gigabit ports, guest WiFi, QoS, Cloud update, and speeds up to 1.3 Gbps.
PROS
- Coverage area up to 5,500 sq. ft.
- Connect up to 100 devices
- 6 Gigabit ports
- Parental controls
- Guest WiFi access
- Works with Amazon Alexa
- 3-year built-in Antivirus protection
CONS
- Price
- Made in Vietnam
- Some users reported poor customer service
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Brand: TP-Link (Deco M5)
- Color: White
- Weight: 1.02 lbs.
- Dimensions: 4.72 x 4.72 x 1.34 inches
- Flash: 32 MB
- SDRAM: 256 MB
- Antennas: 4 built-in
- Frequency: 2.4 & 5 GHz
- Signal Rate: 400Mbps 2.4 GHz & 867Mbps 5 GHz
- Wireless Security: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
- Software: CHCP (Server, Client), Firewall (SPI Firewall) Protocols (iPv4 & iPv6) WAN Type (Dynamic IP/Static IP/PPPoE)
- Features: 3-year built-in Antivirus, QoS, Assisted Setup
- In The Box: 3 Deco M5 Units, 1 RJ45 Ethernet Cable, & 3 Power Adapters
SILVER MEDAL WINNER
#2. AmpliFi WiFi Access Point System
Model: None ASIN: B07YNX7WJN Ratings: 97 Score: 4.6
Awards: Amazon’s Choice
This WiFi router extender has a coverage area up to 6,000 square feet. It has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and coverage can be expanded with additional routers or mesh points.
PROS
- Coverage area up to 6,000 sq. ft.
- Parental controls
- Guest access
- Remote access
- Connect up to 40+ devices
CONS
- Price
- Beware of issues setting up devices on different bands
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Brand: AmpliFi
- Color: White
- Weight:64 lbs.
- Dimensions:4 x 6.3 x 6.3 inches
- Supports:11ac a/b/g/n
- Ethernet Ports: 4
- USB Ports: 1 2.0
- WiFi Speeds:4 GHz 450Mbps, 5 GHz 1300Mbps Total 1750Mbps
- MIMO Chains: 6
- Networking Interface: Wi-Fi/Gigabit Ethernet (1) WAN (4) LAN
- Wireless Security: WPA2-PSK AES/TKP
- Warranty: 1-Year Limited
BRONZE MEDAL WINNER
#3. Facamword WiFi Booster & Range Extender
Model: None ASIN: B088D92QY8 Ratings: 97 Score: 4.6
This model extender provides up to 1200Mbps WiFi and is a dual-band unit. You can choose your transmission 2.4 or 5.0 GHz. The 4 adjustable external antennas allow 360 degree coverage. This extender is compatible with any standard router with WiFi.
PROS
- Setup is easy using the WPS button
- Transmission speed up to 1200Mbps
- 4 high gain adjustable antennas
- Dual Bands 2.4 & 5GHz
- Memory function in case of a power outage
- Safe and secure
- Connect up to 15 devices
CONS
- Price
- Some has issues with installation
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Manufacture: Facamword
- Color: Black
- Weight:8 ounces
- Dimensions:56 x 3.66 x 2.17 inches
- Operating Mode: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
- Ports: 2, 1 LAN 1 LAN/WAN
- Security: WEP, WPA/WPA2-PSK
- Universal Extender: Compatible with any standard router with WiFi
- Dual Bands:4GHz & 5GHz
- WiFi Supports:11a/b/g/n/ac
- Upload Speeds:11b: 11Mbps, 802.11a: 54Mbps, 802.11g: 54Mbps, 802.11ac: 867Mbps, 802.11n: 300Mbps
- Maximum Range: 180 Sq. Ft.
- Warranty: 18-Month Replacement, 30-Day Money Back
- In The Box: Range Extender, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet Cable, User Manual
Note: Do not place wireless range extender near Bluetooth devices or electrical equipment such as a microwave or refrigerator.
HONORABLE MENTION
#4. MEDIALINK AC1200 Wireless Router
Model: MLWR-AC1200R ASIN: B01MS84IIF Ratings: 1,658 Score: 4.4
This model extender has WiFi speeds up to 1200Mbps and can connect up to 20 devices. It’s dual-band with 300Mbps 2.4GHz and 867Mbps 5GHz bands. It comes with 4 1Gigabit LAN ports, 1 Gigabit WAN port, 1 USB 2.0 port (NTSF support only) and 1 A/C outlet.
PROS
- Connect up to 20 WiFi devices
- Dual-band 2.4GHz & 5Ghz
- Beamforming directly to WiFi devices
- WiFi coverage area 2,000 sq. ft.
- Guest network
- Parental controls
- Works with any modem & internet service provider
CONS
- Price
- Made in China
- Some customers reported the 2.4 WiFi is disconnecting
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Brand: MEDIALINK
- Color: Black
- Weight: 0.93 lbs.
- Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.07 x 3.02 inches
- Ethernet Ports: 4 1Gibabit
- LAN Ports: 4
- WAN Ports: 1
- Data Transfer Rate: 1200 Mb per second
- Wireless Communication Standard:11ac
- VPN Support: Yes
- Operating System: Mac / Windows / iOS / Android
- Online Gaming & 4K Streaming: Yes
- Beamforming: Yes
- CPU Processor: Broadcom ARM Cortex-A7 CPU
- Operating Modes: WiFi Router, Access Point, Wireless Range Extender
- Combined WiFi Speeds: 1200Mbps (300Mbps 2.4GHz, 867Mbps 5GHz)
#5. TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Router
Model: Archer A6 ASIN: B07N1L5HX1 Ratings: 3,965 Score: 4.3
Awards: Amazon’s Choice & JD Power Award
This model extender provides 300Mbps for 2.4GHz and 867Mbps for 5GHz bands. It also has 1 Gigabit router, 4 Gigabit LAN ports, and uses MU-MIMO technology. It is powered by 802.11ac WiFi technology. It has a coverage area of 1,500 Sq. Ft, and you can connect up to 32 devices.
PROS
- Supports beamforming
- Supports Guest WiFi and parental control
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports
- 4 antennas
- Ideal for 4K streaming
- Uses the MU-MIMO for the 5 GHz band
- Connect up to 32 devices
CONS
- Made in Vietnam
- Users reported the Firmware is not updated and causes errors
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Brand: TP-Link
- Model: Archer A6 (AC1200)
- Color: Black
- Weight: 1.71 lbs.
- Dimensions: 9.05 x 5.68 x 1.45 inches
- Voltage: 120 / 240 V
- Ethernet Ports: 5 (4 @ 1G)
- Frequency Bands Supported:4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Transfer Rate: 1200 Mb per second
- Wireless Communication Standard:11ac, 802.11n, 802.11a, 802.11b, & 802.11g
- Coverage Area: 1,500 Sq. Ft.
#6. TP-Link AC1900 Router Extender
Model: Archer A9 ASIN: B07NF3K74H Ratings: 1,858 Score: 4.3
Awards: Amazon’s Choice
This model router has a total of 1900Mbps that uses MU-MIMO and works with Amazon’s Alexa. The 2.4GHz band has 600Mbps and the 5GHz has 1300Mbps. It also has guest WiFi, parental control, WPA3 and VPN server.
PROS
- Guest network for both bands
- Router works with Alexa
- Connects up to 30 WiFi devices
- Coverage area up to 1,000 sq. ft.
- Mu-MIMO Gigabit router
- Beamforming technology
CONS
- Price
- Made in China
- Some users reported the 2.4GHz dropping the connection
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Brand: TP-Link
- Color: Black
- Weight: 3.53 ounces
- Dimensions: 9.59 x 7.34 x 1.29 inches
- Voltage: 120 / 240 Volts
- Interface: 4 10/100/1000Mbps LAN Ports, 1 10/100/1000Mbps WAN Port, 1 USB 2.0 Port
- Antennas: 3 External & 1 Internal
- Frequency: 2.4GHz & 5GHz
- Data Transfer Rate: 1900 Mb per second
- Signal Rate: 1300 Mbps at 5GHz, 600 Mbps at 2.4 GHz
- Security: Parental Control, Guest Network, Firewall, & Access Control
- Advanced Features: MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Smart Connect, & Airtime Fairness
- Ethernet Ports: 5
- Connectivity Technology: WiFi Built-in, Ethernet, USB
- Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11ac/n/a/g/b
- Certification: FCC, RoHS, RCM
- System Requirements: Microsoft Windows 98SE/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7/8/8/1/10, MAC OS, NetWare, UNIX or Linux, Internet Explorer 11, Firefox 12.0, Chrome 20.0, Safari 4.0, Java-enabled browser, Cable or DSL Modem Internet Service Provider
- In The Box: Archer A9, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, & Quick Installation Guide
#7. TP-Link Delco M3 WiFi Mesh System
Model: Deco M3 ASIN: B07RLHLXLC Ratings: 1,008 Score: 4.3
Awards: Amazon’s Choice
This mesh system has up to 4,500 sq. ft. coverage area. A fast AC1200 dual band WiFi, parental controls, one network name, compatible with Amazon Alexa, and allows you to choose the router or access point. It also has 1200Mbps with 300Mbps 2.4 GHz and 867Mbps 5 GHz.
PROS
- Coverage area up to 4,500 sq. ft.
- Dual band WiFi
- Parental controls for each family member
- Guest access network
- 2 internal dual-band antennas
- Eliminates WiFi dead zones
CONS
- Price
- Reported issues in trying to change the local IP address with this unit
- Unable to keep the internet connection
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Brand: TP-Link (Deco M3)
- Color: White
- Weight: 3.24 lbs.
- Dimensions: 7.48 x 3.57 x 3.57 inches
- Assisted Set-Up: Yes
- Frequency: 2.4 & 5 GHz
- Signal Rate: 300Mbps 2.4 GHz, & 867Mbps 5 GHz
- Ethernet Ports: 2 Dual LAN/WAN Gigabit
- Flush: 8 MB
- SDRAM: 128 MB
- DHCP: Server, Client
- Protocols: iPv4 & iPv6
- Working Modes: Router, Access Point
- Smartphone/Tablet Requirements: iOS 9.0 or Later, Android 4.4 or Later
- Wireless Security: WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
- In The Box: 1 Deco M4R, 2 Wall-Plug Extender Deco M3W, 1 RJ45 Ethernet Cable, 1 Power Adapter, Quick Installation Guide
#8. Google Nest WiFi Router
Model: GA01144-US ASIN: B07YMJ57MB Ratings: 907 Overall Score: 4.3
This model has a coverage range of 4,400 sq. ft. and is perfect for small and medium spaces. Each additional nest adds 2,200 square feet. Get a reliable signal from anywhere in the home. Router is connected to modem via the Ethernet cable.
PROS
- Coverage area up to 4,400 sq. ft.
- Great for small areas
- Walk room to room with uninterrupted signal
- Parental permissions let you set schedules and screen time
CONS
- Price
- Poor customer support
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Brand: Google
- Color: White
- Weight: 13.4 ounces
- Dimensions: 4.33 x 4.33 x 3.56 inches
- Ethernet Ports: 2 (1) LAN & (1) WAN
- Type: Router
- Frequency: 2.4 & 5 GHz
- Dual Band: Yes
- Router: AC2200 MU-MINO Wi-Fi 4×4 (5 GHz) & 2×2 (2.4 GHz)
#9. TP-Link AC1750 Router Extender
Model: Archer A7 ASIN: B07KGH7R5X Ratings: 205 Score: 4.3
This model router works with Alexa and is compatible with all WiFi devices 802.11ac and older. It comes with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, 1750Mbps, 3 antennas, 2,500 sq. ft. WiFi coverage, and is ideal for 4K streaming.
PROS
- Parental controls
- Connect up to 50 devices
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa
- WiFi coverage range area 2,500 Sq. Ft.
- Advanced WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption
- Guest access on both bands
- 3 external antennas
- Compatible with all WiFi devices 802.11ac or older
CONS
- Price
- Poor customer service
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Brand: TP-Link
- Color: Black
- Weight: 0.93 lbs.
- Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches
- Ethernet Ports: 4
- Voltage: 120 / 240 Volts
- Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11ac
- Frequency Bands Supported:2.4GHz & 5GHz
- WiFi Speeds: 1750Mbps (450Mbps 2.4GHz, 1300Mbps 5GHz)
- LAN Ports: 4 Gigabit
- WAN Ports: 1 Gigabit
- Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi Built-in
- Data Transfer Rate: 1750 Mb per second
- WiFi Encryption: WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA-WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x)
- Network Security: SPI Firewall, Access Control, IP & MAC Binding, Application Layer Gateway
- VPN Server: OpenVPN, PPTP
- Protocols: IPv4, IPv6
- WiFi Coverage Area: 2,500 Sq. Ft.
- USB Port: 1 at 2.0
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 98SE, NT, 2000, XP, Vista or Windows 7, Windows 8/8, 1/10, MAC OS, NetWare, UNIX or Linus
- Hardware Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux-based, iOS, Android
- In The Box: Archer A7, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable & Quick Installation Guide
#10. JZORI WiFi Range Extender
Model: None ASIN: B088QYW976 Ratings: 143 Score: 4.3
This dual-band extender provides up to 1200Mbps and has a coverage area up to 1300 square feet. Helps eliminate any dead spots. It also has 4 2dBi high-gain antennas that delivers a stable WiFi signal.
PROS
- Coverage area up to 1300 sq. ft.
- 1 Gigabit Ethernet port
- Easy to setup and install
- Safe and secure using wireless security encryption
- Helps eliminate any dead spots
CONS
- Price
- Some had issues trying to connect to the internet
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Manufacture: JZORI
- Color: Black
- Weight: 6.3 ounces
- Dimensions: 7.64 x 3.7 x 2.36 inches
- Wireless Frequency: 2.4GHz & 5.8GHz
- Communication Standards: IEEE 802.11ac/a/b/g/n
- Supports: 2.4G and 5G network connection
- Wireless Speed: 1200Mbps 900Mbps on 5GHz & 300Mbps on 2.4GHz
- Dual Bands:4GHz & 5.8GHz
- Wireless Security: 64/128 bits WEP; WPA/WPA2
- Ports: 2, 2 x WAN/LAN Port
- Mode Applications: 3 (Repeater Mode, AP Mode & Router Mode)
- In The Box: Range Extender, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet Cable, User Manual
#11. NETGEAR Orbi Tri-Band Mesh WiFi System
Model: RBK50-100NAS ASIN: B01K4CZOBS Ratings: 7,810 Score: 4.2
Awards: Amazon’s Choice
This mesh WiFi system has a coverage area up to 5,000 sq. ft. and up to 25 devices can be connected to it. It comes with 3Gbps speed, parental controls, guest WiFi secure access, and WiFi speed up to 2.2Gbps.
PROS
- Coverage area up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- Up to 3Gbps speed
- Parental Controls
- Guest WiFi network access
- Connect up to 25 devices
- Works with any internet service provider
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant
- Comes with a 30-day free trial of BitDefender
CONS
- Price
- Some users reported system disconnecting from the internet
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Brand: NETGEAR (Orbi AC3000)
- Color: White
- Weight: 3.92 lbs.
- Dimensions: 6.4 x 3.1 x 8 inches
- Batteries Required: Yes, 1 Lithium Polymer
- Ethernet Ports: 4 x 1Gigabit (3 LAN, 1 WAN)
- USB Ports: 1 2.0
- Network Security: NETGEAR Armor, WPA/WPA2-PSK, Guest WiFi Secure Access
- Advanced Technology: Tri-band, Smart Connect, One Wi-Fi Name, Beamforming, MU-MIMO
- Antennas: 6
- Works With: Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant
- Speeds: 400Mbps + 866Mbps + 1733Mbps
- Memory: 4GB Flash & 512MB RAM
- WiFi Technology: Tri-band
- In The Box: 1 Orbi Router, 1 Orbi Satellite, 1 2m Ethernet Cable, 2 12V3.5A Power Adapters, Quick Start Guide
- Warranty: 1-Year Limited
#12. NETGEAR EX8000 Mesh Range Extender
Model: EX8000 ASIN: B074F3M2W8 Ratings: 9,069 Score: 4.1
This Nighthawk X6S range extender provides coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. and you can connect up to 55 devices. It has 4 gigabit Ethernet ports, and tri-band WiFi speeds up to 3000Mbps. Universal compatibility that works with any WiFi router or gateway.
PROS
- Data transfer speed up to 3Gbps
- WiFi coverage area up to 2,500 sq. ft.
- Connect up to 55 devices
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Universal compatibility
- Uses the existing network SSID for smart roaming
- Supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols
CONS
- Price
- Poor customer service
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Brand: NETGEAR
- Color: Black
- Weight: 1.89 lbs.
- Dimensions: 8.08 x 10.01 x 5.2 inches
- Memory: 32MB Flash, 512MB RAM
- Data Transfer Speed: 3Gbps
- Band 1 Speed: 400Mbps
- Band 2 Speed: 867Mbps
- Band 3 Speed: 1733Mbps
- Security: WiFi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2-PSK) and WEP Standards
- Standards: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz, IEEE 802.11 a/n/ac 5GHz, IEEE 802.11k
- USB Ports: 1 at 2.0
- Wireless Type: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Ethernet Ports: 4 LAN 10/100/1000 with Auto-Sensing Technology
- WiFi Technology: 802.11ac
- WiFi Performance: AC3000
- Beamforming: Implicit & Explicit for 2.4 & 5HGz bands
- In The Box: EX8000, Power Adapter, Quick Start Guide
- System Requirements: 2.4 or 5GHz 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac WiFi Router or Gateway, Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0, Firefox 20 or Safari 5.1 or Google Chrome 25.0 Browsers or Higher
#13. NETGEAR EX2800 Range Extender
Model: EX2800 ASIN: B083R3QFHM Ratings: 41,339 Score: 4.0
This model extender provides coverage up to 1,200 square feet. Connect up to 20 devices. Dual-band up to 750Mbps.
PROS
- Easy setup and installation
- Coverage area up to 1,200 sq. ft.
- Connect up to 20 devices
- Provides WiFi speeds up to 750Mbps
- Safe and secure
- Extends existing WiFi coverage
CONS
- Complaints about tech support wanting to sell you a firewall package to make the product work
- Mac users may have problems using this adapter
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Manufacture: Netgear
- Color: White
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Dimensions: 6 x 4.3 x 3.9 inches
- Universally Compatible: Yes
- Design: Plug into wall socket
- Security: WEP, WPA/WPA2 Wireless Security Protocols
- WiFi Speed: 750Mbps
- WiFi Bands: 802.11b/g/n & 802.11ac
- WiFi Performance: AC750
- Dual Band: Yes, 2.4GHz & 5GHz
- FastLane Technology: Yes, for high-speed connections
- Smart LED Light Indicators: Find the best location
- WiFi Standards: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz & IEEE 802.11 a/n/ac 5GHz
- System Requirements: Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0, Firefox 20 or Safari 5.1 or Google Chrome 25 browsers or higher
- In The Box: Adapter, Quick Start Guide
- Warranty: 1-Year & 90-Days Technical Support (After 90 days, a fee is charged for service)
#14. TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Extender
Model: AC1750 ASIN: B010S6SG3S Ratings: 7,895 Score: 3.9
This is a dual-band WiFi coverage extender which boosts the coverage area up to 2,000 square feet. You can connect up to 32 devices to the network. It’s compatible with any router, gateway or access point. WiFi speeds up to 1750Mbps.
PROS
- Coverage area up to 2000 sq. ft.
- Connect up to 32 devices
- Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Easy setup and installation
- Compatible with any router or access point
- Helps in eliminating dead zones
CONS
- Price
- Some users experienced the unit dropping the 5GHz band without notice
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Manufacture: TP-Link
- Color: White
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Dimensions: 3 x 6.4 x 2.6 inches
- Frequency: 2.4GHz & 5GHz(11ac)
- Signal Rate: 5GHz Up to 1300Mbps, 2.4GHz Up to 450Mbps
- Wireless Communication Standard: 802.11n/g/b, 802.11ac
- USB Ports: 1 @ 2.0
- Ethernet Port: 1 Gigabit
- Antennas: 3 Adjustable
- System Requirements: Microsoft Windows 98SE/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7/8/10 Mac OS, NetWare, UNIX or Linux
- Warranty: 2-Years, Free 24/7 Customer Support
- In The Box: Range Extender, RJ-45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide
#15. TP-Link AV1300 WiFi Range Extender
Model: TL-WPA8630 KIT V2 ASIN: B076CYV2XH Ratings: 1,358 Overall Score: 3.9
This model WiFi extender provides guest network and parental controls. Provides speeds up to 1350Mbps with 450 2.4 GHz and 867Mbps for 5 GHz bands.
PROS
- Automatically copies the network name (SSID) and password of your router
- Dual band
- WiFi auto sync
CONS
- Price
- Users complain the speeds don’t measure up
OTHER KEY FACTS
- Brand: TP-Link (WPA8630)
- Color: White
- Weight: 1.6 Ounces
- Dimensions: 9.06 x 3.94 x 7.48 inches
- WiFi Speed: 1350Mbps (450Mbps 2.4 GHz & 867Mbps 5 GHz)
- WiFi Auto Sync: Yes
- Operating System: Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista Windows 7/8/8.1, Mac, Linux
- Voltage: 120 / 240 Volts
Shop Best Rated WiFi Extenders
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WiFi Extender Buying Guide
I think you will agree with me that WiFi will be around with us for a long time. But, it seems that there are issues in getting reliable and fast WiFi around the entire house and this can become challenging. With all sorts of new WiFi devices being created, existing WiFi performance can be affected. Our homes are cluttered with metal appliances, home architectural features can play a powerful role in the router missing some spots where WiFi is critical.
This is where a WiFi extender can help. WiFi network extenders or WiFi range extenders, are not expensive. This is a simple way of expanding your network coverage and getting a WiFi signal in most areas, if not all areas, of the home. This is done without breaking the budget.
Your goal is to boost or improve your WiFi experience using devices anywhere in your home.
Buying Guide Table of Topics
Below are some great topics on providing invaluable information all about WiFi extenders or boosters. Click on a topic of interest. Or, just scroll down to view them all.
- How Does A WiFi Extender Work?
- How Can A WiFi Extender Help Me?
- Can A Booster Help?
- Why Should You Use A WiFi Booster?
- How Does A WiFi Booster Work?
- Difference Between WiFi Repeaters & Extenders
- Booster Features
- WiFi Booster Placement Needs
- Ethernet Ports
- Antennas
- Booster Range Increase
- Security of A WiFi Booster
- How Does Water Play A Role In My Connection?
- WiFi Booster Installation
- Conclusion
How Does A WiFi Extender Work?
This is a really good question. The extender works by receiving the existing WiFi signal from the router, amplifies it and transmits the boosted signal to other locations. A WiFi repeater can double the coverage area of your existing WiFi network to reach those far corners of the home, office, different floors, and even provide coverage to a garage, patio or yard.
How Can A WiFi Extender Help Me?
We will explore this further with the following:
- Are There Places In The Home That Currently Does Not Get A WiFi Signal?
These are known as dead zones, or dead spots. They are areas in your house where the WiFi signal disappears altogether. In some cases, you may have traveled out of reach of the WiFi router, or perhaps an architectural feature in your home is preventing the signal from getting through. If there are places in your house, where you can’t get any WiFi signal, then a WiFi network extender or WiFi booster can help fill in the coverage and eliminate those dead spots.
- Are there some areas in your home that are currently getting slow WiFi?
Maybe your WiFi router is located in the home office, or upstairs, but you spend most of your time downstairs where the signal works, but can be slow and annoying. Some homeowners live with these situations and work around the slow areas. You may be experiencing issues in streaming a video in the kitchen or using Facetime in the living room. Your kids know if they want to use gaming they must go upstairs.
If this is your situation, you should consider a WiFi booster. So, if you want to boost performance in a cost effective way, a WiFi booster will help you use parts of the house with little to no WiFi coverage.
- How Can I Get The Fastest WiFi Possible?
WiFi boosters and WiFi extenders are usually associated with filling in dead spots, but they can also be used to add faster speeds and even new features to your WiFi network. By adding a booster or extender to your existing network, you can upgrade to the latest WiFi technology that includes the 802.11ac speeds, without the trouble of replacing your existing WiFi router.
If you have an older router it may not support AC, then you’re missing out on getting the fastest WiFi speeds possible. However, an 802.11ac WiFi booster will add these blazing fast speeds to your network. In addition, some WiFi boosters/extenders feature advanced WiFi technology to increase the efficiency of your network, allowing it to handle more devices and traffic. Look for features like dual-band WiFi, beamforming, Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO), and companion apps.
- Do You Have A Large Home?
The average size of a U.S. home has nearly doubled since 1970, according to the National Association of Home Builders. It’s hard
for a single wireless router to cover a large home, particularly when other home construction factors like concrete further weaken the signal. If you have a large home, you can try locating your WiFi router in the most central area. However, you most likely will need to add a WiFi booster or network extender to help your signal reach the far ends of your house.
- Do You Need To Have WiFi Outside?
As our dependence on WiFi grows, it’s only natural that we’ll want to start using it in more places. These places like a screened porch in the back of the house, out by the pool, in the front or backyard, basement, and a detached garage. If this is your situation, you can install a WiFi booster in the part of your home that’s closest to the outdoor area where you want coverage. You can save the cost of using up data when you are outside.
Can A Booster Help?
Before going out and buying a WiFi booster you need to know the WiFi coverage in your home. If you should discover areas in your business premises or home have weak wireless signals or the connection doesn’t reach where it’s needed, a WiFi extender may just the solution for need.
This saves you from having to purchase extra cables, networking gear, or switches and hubs.
One thing a booster will not do is increase the signal that’s coming into your router from the internet source. What a booster does is it takes that signal and extends it to the area where this signal can be utilized in spaces where the signal was weak or non-existent. This gives more family members a chance to enjoy gaming on their devices, play online games, or work on internet projects in most or all areas of the house.
In some situations you may experience poor connections or weak signals due to the router being out of range in specific rooms or other areas of the home. Other reasons for this can be due to obstructions brought by various objects or structures in the home such as furniture or thick walls. These objects get in the way and interfere with the WiFi coverage.
A WiFi booster in effect eliminates this problem as the wireless transmission is captured from the access point or router and is transmitted into the wireless device.
Why Should You Use A WiFi Booster?
If you are experiencing any weak connections, or areas in the home that have dead zones, that alone is a good enough reason for considering a WiFi booster. It’s important that you have working WiFi in the home anywhere it’s needed. If you should have a good size family, of 3 or more, dead zones or weak connections of internet WiFi just won’t do. With so many devices using wireless connections, having internet access into all areas of the home is a growing need. A booster can help in these situations.
How Does A WiFi Booster Work?
One of the first things we learn is when there is a new electronic gadget, you need to know how it works. This is true for WiFi boosters. The more you know about them will enhance the experience and provide valuable information if the device will actually help your situation.
A booster starts working once it has established a connection between the router or access point and the wireless device like a laptop or cell phone with WiFi turned on. For example, using the web connection on your cell phone without using a lot of data in your allotted data package, it’s wise to turn the access point or router on.
The transmission is sent by the router immediately. If it doesn’t reach a PC because of a dead zone, the WiFi booster can help in this situation. Remember, the device must have the WiFi feature turned on to receive the transmission from the booster going into the device. The wireless sends booster the information before the router receives the transmission. This information is then sent to the web servers. This completes the cycle and the process starts all over again.
How fast this process works depends on the router and type of WiFi booster you selected and each booster’s standard. The most common standard most WiFi boosters have is the Wireless N or 802.11n. This standard supports a maximum of 300 Mbps network bandwidth.
There are other wireless standards such as 802.11ac. This is the newest generation standards allowing a WiFi booster to support both the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. This is also known as a dual-band.
What’s good about this is it provides a 450 Mbps bandwidth for the 2.4 GHz band and 1300 Mbps for the 5 GHz band. However, these standards can be interfered with which will lower their bandwidth. Another factor is the internet provider. They can also limit the speed which in turn prevents the standards from hitting their top speeds as advertised at the time of purchase.
Difference Between WiFi Repeaters and Extenders
On the face of it, both the WiFi extender and WiFi repeater are similar. The main difference is in their behavior. The WiFi extender behavior is pulling the reception from the router before relaying it to a device. In this mode, the extender is not transmitting the coverage using the same type of network name as the initial wireless network (home or office). For example, the original network name is WiFiNet1 the booster will produce a new network name like WiFiNet2. For devices to connect to the internet, it must connect to WiFiNet2.
The WiFi repeater will work in a different manner. A repeater works by repeating the signal received even as the transmission is relayed to a wireless device. This means you will be using a similar wireless network SSID as you originally setup.
Some boosters come with the option of using a WiFi extender as a WiFi repeater. This means it allows you to use a single SSID or network name during setup. Some WiFi extenders allow for multiple SSIDs or network names.
When selecting your extender determine beforehand if this feature is important to you.
Booster Features
Each WiFi booster will be unique in what types of features they offer. Some of these should be considered like the WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) button. The WPS button makes it easy to connect to a router and the booster by just pushing a button. This makes a complicated installation very easy and simple. For this feature to work, both the router and extender must be in the same room.
Other features to consider are: power buttons, reset buttons, multiple ports for Ethernet, status lights and USB ports. If you decide that some of these are important to you, look for them when you are selecting an extender. Each extender will offer some or all of these features.
WiFi Booster Placement Needs
A reception booster is generally plugged into wall outlets, placed on flat surfaces, or can be mounted on walls. Those that are plugged into walls blend in with the surrounding, like an office or home. The advantage of this is they don’t require any cables. They can be placed virtually anywhere there is an outlet. The downside to this is that the outlet must be within the distance of the router before the signal drops off.
Flat surface WiFi boosters as the name implies requires a flat surface. This makes them limited as they will require a wall outlet to be close by.
Wall-mounted WiFi booster can easily be placed on a wall and placement can be anywhere you like.
Ethernet Ports
Another important feature of WiFi boosters are the Ethernet ports they have. The number of Ethernet ports will vary from unit to unit. Some come with one while others with 4 or more. The bottom line here is the more the better.
As we mentioned earlier a WiFi booster produces a wireless coverage beyond the typical range of the router. The additional Ethernet ports will come in handy when using devices such as gaming consoles that are stationary but beyond the router’s range. You can also connect other devices to the booster for the most reliable throughput rate of data.
Antennas
You may notice that some of these boosters come with antennas that are adjustable. These antennas help rebroadcast and capture the reception that the router produces. All WiFi boosters come with two antennas. Some may be external while others are internal.
The function of the antennas are one transmits and the other broadcasts the signal. Boosters with three or more antennas one captures the wireless transmission while the other two or more antennas are used to broadcast the captured reception further from the WiFi booster. The result is the range is increased. Which is helpful when trying to eliminate any dead zones in the house or office.
Antennas are critical in helping to boost performance such as counterbalancing interferences from other sources.
Booster Range Increase
The range increase or area of coverage in a WiFi booster determines the reach of the wireless transmission. For example, the living room and kitchen are 300 feet apart and the wireless coverage is 150 feet.
A WiFi booster can assist in bridging this difference. In some instances, the WiFi booster may not completely cover the distance. This is known as a dead zone. This is created where no wireless devices can be used to connect to the internet.
When purchasing a WiFi booster it’s important to know the range it covers. The distances will vary starting from 300 feet increase while others offer thousands of feet range increase. Some boosters only have 100 feet. Beware that the range increase comes with a price.
Security Of A Wi-Fi Booster
With so many WiFi range extenders on the market it is important that they have sufficient security to prevent any outside hacking into your network. It’s important that your wireless extender supports WPA2 or WPA encryptions. These technologies encrypt transferred data so that it becomes indecipherable for anyone trying to sneak into your network traffic. It also prevents them from placing malware on your network. Be sure on the model range extender you purchase some type of security technology.
How Does Water Play A Role In My Connection?
You may not even think of this but, water does play a role with WiFi connections. Wireless transmissions are highly impacted by water. Any source of water at home or office can bring a poor wireless connection. Because water is a dense matter it diminishes wireless coverage transmissions. For example, an individual that is standing between a wireless device and a WiFi booster can make the transmission to drop. Why? Because the human body has lots of water.
So, what this means is you need to remove or switch things around that could interfere with the reception of the router. Some of these are flower pots, fountains, aquariums, and furniture where people sit and could become an interference if they are in the way of the WiFi amplifier or other WiFi devices.
If you are experiencing some connection issues, look over the area at the office or home and remove or move these obstacles to a new location so they don’t block the WiFi signal.
Wi-Fi Booster Installation
A Wi-Fi booster is not difficult to install. Just find a location that receives the WiFi network that’s already present and connect the power supply.
Most of these apps work with your laptop, log into the WiFi booster and add the login details, including the password of your present WiFi network. This allows the WiFi booster to extend after connecting.
If a laptop is not available, you can use your iPhone or Tablet. Be sure the booster supports your operating system.
Conclusion
As you can see, a WiFi booster does provide some additional range for the existing WiFi network. Here are some final tips to remember:
- Installation just takes a few minutes to give your home or office WiFi better range coverage.
- Place the WiFi extender halfway between the area where the WiFi disappears, also known as a dead zone, and the router. You may have to experiment to find the best location.
- The bandwidth and signal strength boosting should be immediate and pointed to the spot that was not getting reliable WiFi.
- Lastly, the booster will expand the network coverage to allow other devices to remain connected with little interference.
These WiFi boosters are not limited to home or office use. They can be used on a yacht or boat that has wireless internet. Also, they are great for extending the wireless internet like a camp ground. Remember, if you have access to the internet, the range can be increased using a WiFi extender or booster.
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