How to Extend Your WiFi Range Without Losing Speed or Connecting To an Extension for your Network

You’re trying to connect to Wi-Fi at home or work, but you can’t seem to get a strong enough signal. Even when you do connect, the signal is often too weak for streaming or gaming.

Did you know that there are ways to extend your WiFi range without losing speed or connecting to an extension for your network? By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to connect to widespread devices and improve your signal quality for streaming and gaming.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to extend your WiFi range without losing speed or connecting to an extension for your network. By following the tips in this article, you’ll be able to connect to widespread devices and improve your signal quality for streaming and gaming.

What is a WIFI range extender and how does it work?

A WiFi range extender is a device that is used to expand the range of an existing wireless network. It works by wirelessly connecting to your router and repeating its signal, making it stronger and able to reach further. Most range extenders are easy to install, as they are typically plug-and-play.

Many even come with Ethernet ports built-in, allowing you to connect devices that are not WiFi enabled to your network. Range extenders have the advantage of using different frequencies to send and receive data, which prevents the signals from clashing and reduces the negative impact on performance.

The location of your WiFi range extender is important, as this can determine whether or not it’ll be able to provide coverage outdoors.

Why Would You Need to Extend the WiFi Range?

The primary reason for extending the range of a wireless network is to ensure that all users have access to a strong signal and that the network operates successfully. Poor planning of the WiFi network can lead to poor coverage, while additional space being used to house new users might require an extended WiFi range to accommodate them.

Inadequate signal or difficulty connecting to the WiFi from certain locations can also necessitate the need to extend the range of a wireless network. There are a number of options available, including making general recommendations to get the most out of an existing router, using a second router or WiFi booster, or employing a mesh network.

Utilizing a WiFi tool like NetSpot can also be very helpful in predicting and optimizing the range of your WiFi network.

Some Use cases when extending the range of a wireless network are necessary

Use case 1: Poor Planning – If a WiFi network is created without adequate planning, it can lead to poor coverage and negatively impact users. To resolve this issue, a WiFi tool like NetSpot can be used to analyze and optimize the network.

Use case 2: New Requirements – If an additional workspace is needed to accommodate new users, the WiFi range needs to be extended in order to provide adequate coverage.

Use case 3: Inadequate Signal – If a WiFi connection is weak in certain rooms or areas, it may be necessary to extend the range in order to provide reliable access.

Use case 4: Home/Business Use – Extending the range of a WiFi network is important for both home and business use. In a home setting, this can help with providing coverage for all rooms of the house. In a business setting, it can help ensure customers have reliable access to the free WiFi offered.

What is the Best Way to Extend the WiFi Range Without Losing Speed?

The best way to extend your WiFi range without losing speed is to employ a few simple steps. First, find a better place for your router, as this is often the most effective way to increase the reach of your signal. Try to find a spot higher up and not obstructed by walls or furniture.

Next, update your router’s firmware to the latest version available. This can help improve the performance of your network and thus extend your range. After that, you can switch to the 5GHz band, which has a shorter range but provides faster speeds. You can also change your WiFi channel in order to avoid interference from other networks.

Finally, get a better antenna or consider using a WiFi extender. These devices can boost your signal and help you extend your WiFi range. If you have multiple floors in your home, you may want to consider using a mesh network. This network connects multiple access points to create a single wireless network with wide coverage.

Will a better router improve wifi range?

Yes, a better router can improve the WiFi range. Modern routers have higher maximum speeds and better range than older models, so investing in a newer, better router can help ensure that your WiFi connection reaches farther and is more reliable. With a better router, you can also add access points or a wireless range extender to create a wireless mesh network and extend your signal even further.

How to Extend WiFi Range with Another Router with Cable?

To extend the range of your WiFi network with another router with a cable, you’ll need to connect the two routers together using an Ethernet cable. Start by powering both routers and connecting your computer to one of them using an Ethernet cable.

Then, turn off the DHCP server on the secondary router and connect it to the main router using an Ethernet cable. Next, configure the main router’s wireless settings to match the secondary router’s wireless settings. Lastly, reboot both routers and test the connection to make sure it is working.

How to Extend WiFi Range with Another Router without Cable?

The process of physically connecting two routers with an Ethernet wire can be time-consuming and expensive. With the second router acting as a wireless repeater, you may increase the WiFi’s reach without running an additional cable, but at the expense of the new device’s performance.

A wireless repeater’s function is straightforward: it merely amplifies the signal from an existing router. Not all WiFi routers have the capability to act as repeaters, so it’s important to do your homework before purchasing a new router. You can also switch to DD-WRT, an alternate firmware for routers that is packed with additional functionality and can be installed in place of the original firmware.

How do I extend my WiFi signal to another building 400 feet away?

Extending WiFi to another building 400 feet away can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually not difficult or expensive to achieve with the right advice. A wireless bridge is the best solution for extending a WiFi signal to another building in this situation. A wireless bridge uses either a microwave or infrared transmission to span a single Internet connection across two or more buildings.

In order to make a wireless bridgework, you’ll need to mount a piece of equipment on each building. Both pieces of equipment must be able to “see” one another with no obstruction. This type of setup is significantly cheaper than running fiber optic cable and can cover distances of similar sizes with a very large throughput.

Before you purchase any additional equipment, it is important to test your range first. See how far your signal reaches to determine the best solution for you. Relocate your router (if possible), and remove any metallic obstacles and fish tanks or water features (as these can also block your signals).

Once you have determined that a wireless bridge is necessary, you’ll need to purchase a piece of equipment for each building. Install the equipment, configure it to work with your router and you should see a marked improvement in your WiFi coverage, extending all the way to the other building.

Other ways to extend your wifi range without losing speed or connecting to an extension for your network

Upgrade Your Router to 802.11ac or 802.11ax

Upgrading your router to the 802.11ac or 802.11ax standards can greatly improve the range of your wifi network. This is because these later standards are significantly faster than their predecessors, with 802.11ac capable of broadcasting at around 1.13Gbps (around 166.25MB/s) over a maximum range of 300 feet outdoors and approximately 150 feet indoors, while 802.11ax can increase throughput, as well as range and the number of devices that a single router can simultaneously communicate with.

Additionally, 802.11ax introduces 256 sub-channels to ease network congestion. As such, upgrading to one of these standards can offer a significant boost to the wifi range.

Move Your Router to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal

Moving your router to a better position in your home can have a major effect on boosting your Wi-Fi signal. By placing your router in an open, central location in the home, free from obstructions, the Wi-Fi signal will be able to travel further and reach more areas of your home.

If your router has movable antennas, adjusting them to different angles can provide wider coverage. These simple changes can have a great impact on your Wi-Fi signal, so it’s worth giving them a try before investing in other solutions.

Switch to Wireless Mesh for Greater Wi-Fi Coverage

Switching to a wireless mesh network can drastically improve Wi-Fi coverage in your home. Mesh networks use two or more routers working together to extend the range of Wi-Fi, allowing for a wide and consistent coverage area. This ensures that you will have the same signal strength in the upstairs hallway as you do in the downstairs bathroom, no matter where you are.

Mesh networks are also faster than regular routers, and they provide a more reliable connection when you’re using mobile devices. Additionally, the hardware is smaller and more aesthetically pleasing than traditional network hardware.

Upgrade Your Wi-Fi Antennas and Receivers

Upgrading your Wi-Fi antennas and receivers can help extend your Wi-Fi range in several ways. By upgrading to a router with 802.11ac or 802.11ax, you can increase the broadcast range of the signal. Moving your router to a better location can also optimize signal strength.

Switching to a wireless mesh system may provide better coverage across the home. With better antennas and receivers, you can gain more precise control over your broadcast direction, as well as a potential boost to your overall throughput for better efficiency.

Using a Wi-Fi extender or repeater can help boost the signal in hard-to-reach areas. Finally, updating your router firmware and changing your Wi-Fi channel may also help extend your Wi-Fi range.

Use a Wi-Fi Extender (AKA Repeaters)

Using a Wi-Fi extender can help extend your wifi range by capturing and rebroadcasting the signal from your router. This allows the signal to reach farther than it previously could, making it ideal for larger homes or areas with weak reception.

These devices are generally easy to install and come with features such as dual radios or dual routers, which minimize the speed loss these devices can typically experience. With intelligent roaming capabilities, you can further extend the range of your wireless signal as the extender essentially turns the router into a wireless repeater.

Ultimately, using a Wi-Fi extender can provide an effective and easy solution to improving your Wi-Fi signal and range.

Upgrade Your Router Firmware

Upgrading router firmware can help extend the wifi range of a user’s home by improving the performance of their router, as well as providing security updates and new features. Router manufacturers are constantly improving their software to increase performance and reliability, and updating a router’s firmware can take advantage of these improvements.

Some routers can be configured to automatically update their firmware, keeping the user’s device up to date with the latest security and bug fixes. In addition to improving the performance of a router, updating a router’s firmware may also have additional Wi-Fi enhancements, such as improved range and better coverage.

Finally, some routers offer companion apps that allow users to easily update the firmware on their devices. All of these options make updating a router’s firmware a great way to improve the wifi range in a user’s home.

Change Your Wi-Fi Channel

Changing your Wi-Fi channel can help extend your wifi range by reducing interference from other wireless networks and electronic devices. This can be achieved by downloading a WiFi Analyzer application, scanning your surroundings to see which frequency has more traffic and which has less traffic, and then switching to the latter frequency by going to Wireless > Basic Settings.

In addition, you may want to stick to channels 1, 6, and 11 for the 2.4GHz range since they are the only ones that don’t overlap with other channels. The 5GHz range generally uses non-overlapping channels, making selecting the right one much easier. Ultimately, this will ensure a better signal and faster speeds.

Use Powerline adapters

Powerline adapters can help extend your wifi range without losing speed or having to connect to an extension for your network. By utilizing the existing wiring of your home’s electrical system, powerline adapters allow you to transmit a wired ethernet connection through your standard power outlets.

This provides a high-speed connection to the internet anywhere you have an outlet, making it an excellent solution for providing quality internet access to hard-to-reach rooms. Additionally, newer devices may feature built-in access points that can also provide this functionality.

While powerline adapters cannot boost your existing wireless network on their own, pairing them with a wireless extender can give you the range and speed you need to get coverage throughout your home.

Get a Mesh Wi-Fi kit or network

You can use a mesh Wi-Fi kit or network to extend your Wi-Fi range by setting up a mesh network in your home. To do this, simply buy a mesh system that can cover your entire house, connect the main mesh node to your existing router or modem using an Ethernet cable, place additional nodes around your home and connect them to AC wall outlets, and use a companion smartphone app or web interface to set up the mesh system.

Finally, you can use a signal heat map analysis tool like NetSpot to optimize the placement of the individual nodes. This will ensure that you have a unified Wi-Fi signal throughout your home, providing a consistent connection wherever you are.

Upgrade to a better router: look for WiFi6

A WiFi 6 router is a wireless router that meets the 802.11ax standard, the latest Wi-Fi standard. It can provide greater signal range, efficiency, and connections faster than older wireless standards. It can also communicate simultaneously with more devices more efficiently, making it ideal for busy wireless environments.

WiFi 6E routers utilize a third band—6GHz—to allow even greater efficiency and increased security. Upgrading to a WiFi 6 router can help ensure that your network is running at peak performance and is able to handle more devices and more bandwidth-hungry applications.

If you live in a multi-user environment or if you use a lot of bandwidth-intensive applications, you’ll definitely want to consider upgrading to a WiFi 6 router.

Buy a wireless booster

A wireless booster, also known as a Wi-Fi extender, is a device used to extend the range of a wireless network. It captures and amplifies the signal from your router, allowing it to reach farther than it previously could. This can be especially helpful if you have a large home and notice your Wi-Fi connection suffering in specific areas.

Some models have features such as dual-band support and added security features, making them more beneficial than just extending your signal. Placing the booster in the areas of your home or office that have weak Wi-Fi signals, can improve your speed and coverage.

Use 2.4GHz instead of 5GHz Wi-Fi

Using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi instead of 5GHz Wi-Fi can extend your wifi range because the 2.4GHz frequency has a longer wavelength, allowing it to penetrate walls, ceilings, desks, and people more easily than the higher frequency of 5GHz. As a result, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signals can be delivered over a greater distance at slower speeds. However, due to the lower frequency, the speeds are not as fast as 5GHz.

What are the benefits of extending your wifi range?

1. Improved Signal Strength and Connectivity

Extending your wifi range can significantly improve signal strength and connectivity. By upgrading your router to the latest 802.11ac standard, which offers up to 1.13Gbps of throughput, you can drastically increase the data transmission rate over more distance than the older 802.11n standard.

In addition, adding access points to create a wireless mesh around your house, as well as using a wireless range extender to boost the signal into dead spots, can also be beneficial. Increasing the channel width of your wireless router with options of 20, 40, 80, and even 160 MHz can also help to increase Wi-Fi connection speed and extend range.

Finally, upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 router can provide improved responsiveness and Gigabit speeds. All of these steps can lead to improved signal strength and connectivity.

2. Ability to Connect to Widespread Devices

Extending your wifi range enables you to connect to more devices that are located farther away from the router. This is made possible by using the wireless repeater feature, which allows the router to amplify its signal to reach a wider area.

By doing this, users can access hard drives and USB disks, share files and printers, control bandwidth allocation, and improve the quality of wireless connections for streaming videos, and music, or chatting with friends, even when devices are located in distant parts of the property.

Commercial WiFi and residential WiFi may also benefit from this feature, as it can allow for larger areas and more connected devices.

3. Improved Home Network Performance

Extending your wifi range can improve home network performance in several ways. First, it increases the available bandwidth and allows for more devices to be connected simultaneously. This can lead to faster speeds, better connection stability, and less interference.

A mesh network is less prone to performance issues compared to traditional WiFi extenders, since it transmits the signal from multiple nodes, providing a more reliable connection. Lastly, it increases the coverage area, allowing more users to access the network from farther away.

4. Ability to Extend Your Wi-Fi Network without Replacing Your Router

Extending your WiFi range can be a great way to replace your router without having to buy a new one. The process is fairly simple and does not require a lot of technical know-how. Here are the steps you need to take to extend your WiFi range:

1. Research and purchase a Wi-Fi-extending device. Make sure it has the desired range you need to provide adequate coverage.
2. Connect the extender to your existing router. This can be done by wirelessly connecting them, or by using an Ethernet cable.
3. Place the extender in an area of your home or office where the signal is weak. Take care to ensure that it is in range of both your existing router and your desired area of coverage.
4. Wait for the extender to detect your router and connect to it.
5. That’s it! You now have extended your WiFi range and replaced your router without replacing it. Enjoy the stronger and more reliable signal!

5. Improved Signal Quality for Streaming and Gaming

Extending the range of your wifi can dramatically improve the signal quality for streaming and gaming. The range of your wifi can be extended by using higher-end equipment, configuring it for optimal performance, and placing the router or gateway in an open area in the middle of your house.

Using a repeater or range extender can boost the signal even further. This is especially beneficial when using 802.11 AC wave 2 access points and broadcasting solely on 5 GHz. This band has a higher frequency and is largely unused, meaning less interference and higher throughput.

With the latest Intel® Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) technology, users can take advantage of the newest Wi-Fi 6 technology with a dual frequency router, offering both 5.0 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. While the 5 GHz band has a shorter range, it can provide superior speeds and better signal strength in densely populated areas with a lot of WiFi networks broadcasting on 2.4 GHz.

Ultimately, extending your wifi range can significantly improve the signal strength and quality for streaming and gaming.

6. Convenience of Increased Coverage With One-Click Setup

Extending your wifi range with One-Click Setup can increase convenience by greatly simplifying the entire process. Instead of having to manually configure each access point or router, One-Click Setup allows you to easily and quickly set up your entire network with a few clicks.

Not only does this save time, but it also reduces the risk of misconfiguring the network, leading to a much smoother setup process. Additionally, with a unified management system, you can manage all of your access points from one central location, ensuring that all of your devices are connected to the same network and simplifying the process of sharing files, printers, and media between devices.

By using One-Click Setup to extend your wifi range, you can easily manage your network and get connected quickly without the hassle of manual configuration.

7. Enhanced Security Through Expanded Network Perimeter

Extending your WiFi range can enhance your security in several ways. By using a Wi-Fi extender or setting up a mesh Wi-Fi network, users can create a more secure network with more coverage. This allows users to control bandwidth allocation, split traffic between networks, and allocate a dedicated bandwidth for specific devices and software.

With a larger range, users can attach printers that can be accessed by anyone within the network, helping to protect their security. Finally, by positioning a reflector shield of aluminum foil behind the router, users can help shape the flow of indoor wireless signals, further enhancing their security.

8. Ability to Utilize Mesh Systems for Increased Coverage

Extending your wifi range can help you take advantage of mesh systems for increased coverage. Mesh systems create a more reliable and consistent signal by using multiple strategically placed hardware devices that take your router’s wifi signal and spread it over a larger area.

This makes it easy to roam around with your devices without facing connection drops or slowdowns, as well as providing faster network speeds. Furthermore, mesh networks have more aesthetically pleasing hardware than traditional networking devices, making them more attractive and inconspicuous.

9. Cost Savings in Comparison to Professional Installation

Extending your wifi range can save you money in the long run by allowing you to access the internet more efficiently. By using a mesh system, you can ensure that your wifi signal reaches all the corners of your home, eliminating the need for range extenders, which can become costly.

Powerline adapters can be a cheaper alternative to extending your wifi range – they can be plugged in directly to power sockets near your router and another in the room you need the signal in, providing a quicker and more reliable connection than a range extender.

Additionally, many routers can be set up in a way that decreases their power usage, which can help to bring down your energy bill. Ultimately, taking the time to set up and properly configure a wireless network offers savings that you can enjoy for years to come.

Here is a customer’s experience using a wifi range extender to save money

John, who had been working from home for the past two years, had been dealing with a weak, spotty WiFi connection for most of that time. He had looked into getting a range extender to improve coverage, but the prices were too high for his budget, so he decided to look for a cheaper option.

That’s when he found the TP-Link RE220 Wi-Fi Range Extender, which cost less than $25. After plugging it in near the edge of his router’s wireless range, he was amazed at how much of a difference it made. He was now able to access a strong, reliable signal throughout his home, with average download speeds of 75Mbps on the 5GHz band in every room he tested.

Not only did he have a strong connection, but he was also able to do so without spending a lot of money. John was so pleased with his purchase that he highly recommends it to anyone looking to extend their WiFi range without spending a lot of money.

10. Improved Home Connectivity and Efficiency

Extending your wifi range can improve home connectivity and efficiency by allowing devices and connections to work more reliably in larger areas of the home. By using a range extender or booster, the signal can reach farther than the network’s original coverage and enable devices to connect and work properly in areas that were previously out of range.

This can also help to reduce the lag time, which can slow down streaming videos, music, or chatting with friends. In addition, extenders can also improve signal strength, meaning that users in certain areas of the home can have a more reliable and faster internet connection than before.

All these benefits can add up to improved efficiency, as users can access the internet and get more done faster with fewer interruptions.

FAQ

Are there any software updates I can install to improve my WiFi range?

Yes, there are software updates you can install to improve your WiFi range. Routers, gateways, and devices can all be updated to the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard for better speed and responsiveness. Additionally, you can tweak your router’s settings to increase your channel width and improve your Wi-Fi connection speed and range. Furthermore, NetSpot is a useful and efficient tool that can help you check your WiFi coverage before making any changes.

Do WiFi extenders decrease speed?

The answer is yes, using WiFi extenders can decrease speed due to several factors. One major factor is the distance between the WiFi device and the WiFi access point/router. By using WiFi extenders around the home, shortens the distance and increases each device’s speed, however, this can also cause a decrease in speed.

This is because the device must first connect to the extender, and then the extender must connect to the modem/router, which then connects to the internet. This causes a slower connection than directly connecting to the router.

Furthermore, the WiFi extender may not have the same features as the router, so the speed may be reduced due to this. Finally, when multiple hops are used to connect the device to the router (using multiple extenders), the bandwidth can be reduced to a point of becoming unusable.

Will a range extender increase WiFi speed?

Yes, a range extender can increase WiFi speed. Range extenders are best suited for situations where you have one or two rooms where you need a slightly faster connection. Range extenders work by expanding the range of your wireless network, however, their effectiveness is limited by a variety of factors, including the speed of the internet connection coming into your home, the distance from your router, the areas in your home in need of WiFi coverage, and the WiFi demands of your family.

Range extenders can also shorten the distance between your WiFi devices and the WiFi signal, thus increasing each device’s speed and performance.

Can I use a second router to extend the wireless range?

Yes, you can use a second router to extend the wireless range. There are a few different ways to do this, such as setting up the second router as a wireless repeater, using a mesh network system, or simply connecting the two routers with an Ethernet cable.

With the latter option, you can place the new router anywhere within 100 meters of the main router. Alternatively, you can use a WiFi booster or extender, which is better suited for situations where you just need speeds to be slightly higher in one or two rooms.

Can I extend the range of my wireless routers?

Yes, you can extend the range of your wireless routers. There are several ways to do this without spending a dime, such as using a Wi-Fi extender or adding an antenna to your router. You can also try general recommendations to get the most range out of your existing WiFi router. Another option is to purchase a new router with higher maximum speeds and ranges.

What are the wireless routers extend range?

Wireless routers extend the range by using WiFi extenders or repeaters, which increase the strength and reach of the signal, allowing it to be picked up from farther away. They work by wirelessly connecting to your router and repeating the signal, although this may slow the signal down slightly.

You can extend the range of your WiFi router without purchasing any additional equipment by adding an antenna to your router, using a Wi-Fi extender, or following some general recommendations such as moving the router to a more central location and reducing interference.

How to increase the range of a router?

Try moving the router to a different location. To help increase the Wi-Fi range, place the router in an open area and toward the center of your home. Avoid placing the router in a cabinet or behind other objects which could be blocking its reach.

Consider adding an external antenna. Before purchasing an external antenna, check your router’s manual to see if it supports it. In many cases, the router manufacturer will sell external antennas separately.

Use a wireless range extender. Range extenders can boost the signal into the dead spots of your house or office.

Add access points to create a wireless mesh. Access points transmit internet signals to each other to create a wireless network, they are created for large spaces with multiple floors.

Tweak your router’s settings. Increase your channel width with options of 20, 40, 80, and even 160 MHz to improve the Wi-Fi connection speed and extend range.

Upgrade to a new router. Depending on your internet needs, select one that has higher maximum speeds and ranges.

Utilize the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard. Experience Gigabit speeds and improved responsiveness with PCs and routers featuring best-in-class 5 Intel® Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) technology.

Check your WiFi coverage using NetSpot. You can use the data from NetSpot to determine whether the changes you have made produced a desirable result.

Are WiFi mesh systems just glorified WiFi extenders?

No, WiFi mesh systems are more than just glorified WiFi extenders. Mesh networks use more than one network device to cover a larger area with a consistent Wi-Fi signal, as opposed to a single Wi-Fi extender that would only extend the range of a single router.

Mesh networks are also faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi extenders, as they provide a consistent connection when using mobile devices. Many mesh systems have an attractive, modern look that is less conspicuous than traditional network hardware like Wi-Fi extenders and routers.

Is a Wi-Fi extender better than a mesh router?

The short answer to the question “Is a Wi-Fi extender better than a mesh router?” is usually no. While Wi-Fi extenders are great for extending the signal in a single room or two, they won’t reliably provide speeds faster than 100Mbps at range. For larger homes and faster speeds, a mesh router with its own range-extending satellite devices may be a better choice.

Mesh networks are becoming increasingly popular for their aesthetics and performance benefits. They create a single unified wireless network, rather than a second extended network like a WiFi extender. Mesh networks are also easier to extend, connecting almost instantaneously to the existing network.

A WiFi repeater is another option for extending your Wi-Fi, but it works differently than a WiFi extender. A WiFi repeater connects to your network wirelessly and rebroadcasts your existing network signal, whereas a WiFi extender connects directly to your router and creates a new WiFi network.

In conclusion, it really depends on your specific requirements and preferences. If you only need to extend your Wi-Fi to a single room or two, then a Wi-Fi extender may be the better choice. Whereas if you need to cover a larger home or require faster speeds, then a mesh router may be the better option.