A wireless range expander, also known as a wireless range extender or wireless repeater enhances the range of a WiFi network. It needs an already existing wireless network. With a repeater, the same SSID for the network is kept (setting up a new router would create another wireless network). All this device does is refresh the signals it receives from the main access point. In this way it can relay the signals to areas of a home or workplace that get little or no signal from the main access point. This is all done wirelessly, with the device only needing a power source and a decent location to work.
Usually, a single wireless device has a variety of modes - wireless repeater being only one of them. These modes tend to be wireless access point, wireless bridge or wireless repeater. There are, however, a decent number of good devices on the market that are committed repeaters. These are often very simple to set up (in comparison with a multi-mode device that may require more detailed configuration). They are also usually much smaller than the multi-mode devices, and can be directly plugged into a power source (with no wires required).
Are some computers in your house or office way too far away from your main access point to access the internet? You might find a wireless repeater helpful. It is common for there to be poor WiFi availability in a basement or on a patio in a household with one wireless router located in the office, for instance. This all varies with distances and building materials, of course - sometimes the signal can have difficulty covering any more than one floor. In such a situation a wireless repeater provides a straightforward solution. The low-signal zone can be connected to the network by positioning a repeater somewhere in between the main access point and the area where coverage is needed.
Some crucial features you would want to keep in mind when searching for a wireless repeater are compatibility, range and ease of setup. The latest technology in high-speed wireless connection is Wireless-N. This technology has the range and capacity to support the high bandwidth usage of game consoles and streaming high-definition video. Not all wireless-capable devices are Wireless-N compatible, however; especially older devices will need a repeater compatible with the older B and G bands. It's a good idea, then to buy backwards-compatible repeater devices to cover all bases (almost all of them are, but just in case).
While shopping for a repeater, knowing the extent of the boost necessary is important. If the signal just needs a small bump (for example, in cases where the signal reaches the area in question but is a little frail) this will not play much of a role, but for more demanding signal increases being necessary a good quality repeater with a high maximum reach is required. The best measure for this is likely to be looking over user reviews to get an idea what other owners of the device have managed to do with a given device.
And last, it's best to find a repeater with fairly simple set-up instructions if you can. Often the write-up in the box can be severely lacking, and if you're not too technical minded you might run into trouble. Again this is a place where customer reviews are a valuable place to look; additionally, sometimes looking for help on the internet will get you a useful detailed outline to initialize your device if you're having difficulties.
Usually, a single wireless device has a variety of modes - wireless repeater being only one of them. These modes tend to be wireless access point, wireless bridge or wireless repeater. There are, however, a decent number of good devices on the market that are committed repeaters. These are often very simple to set up (in comparison with a multi-mode device that may require more detailed configuration). They are also usually much smaller than the multi-mode devices, and can be directly plugged into a power source (with no wires required).
Are some computers in your house or office way too far away from your main access point to access the internet? You might find a wireless repeater helpful. It is common for there to be poor WiFi availability in a basement or on a patio in a household with one wireless router located in the office, for instance. This all varies with distances and building materials, of course - sometimes the signal can have difficulty covering any more than one floor. In such a situation a wireless repeater provides a straightforward solution. The low-signal zone can be connected to the network by positioning a repeater somewhere in between the main access point and the area where coverage is needed.
Some crucial features you would want to keep in mind when searching for a wireless repeater are compatibility, range and ease of setup. The latest technology in high-speed wireless connection is Wireless-N. This technology has the range and capacity to support the high bandwidth usage of game consoles and streaming high-definition video. Not all wireless-capable devices are Wireless-N compatible, however; especially older devices will need a repeater compatible with the older B and G bands. It's a good idea, then to buy backwards-compatible repeater devices to cover all bases (almost all of them are, but just in case).
While shopping for a repeater, knowing the extent of the boost necessary is important. If the signal just needs a small bump (for example, in cases where the signal reaches the area in question but is a little frail) this will not play much of a role, but for more demanding signal increases being necessary a good quality repeater with a high maximum reach is required. The best measure for this is likely to be looking over user reviews to get an idea what other owners of the device have managed to do with a given device.
And last, it's best to find a repeater with fairly simple set-up instructions if you can. Often the write-up in the box can be severely lacking, and if you're not too technical minded you might run into trouble. Again this is a place where customer reviews are a valuable place to look; additionally, sometimes looking for help on the internet will get you a useful detailed outline to initialize your device if you're having difficulties.
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