WiFi Amplifier
A WiFi amplifier (also called a WiFi repeater, extender or bridge) increases the range of your WiFi network.
You plug this device into a power outlet, connect wirelessly to your existing WiFi emitter and now get a greater range.
In this article, we explain how a WiFi amplifier works, what the pros and cons are, and how you can best use it.
What is a WiFi amplifier?
A WiFi amplifier is a kind of intermediate stop for your device to reach your router.
It connects wirelessly to your router and then resends the same signal.
This provides a much larger WiFi range.
How does a WiFi amplifier work?
A WiFi amplifier connects to your router and then resends its own signal.
So a WiFi amplifier is not a replacement for a router but works together with it.
Because it has to process both the data from the router and your device, only half of the bandwidth is available for your connection.
So you have less bandwidth available than if you connect directly to your router.
However, that is often not a problem with the current WiFi versions.
In practice, you will experience little to no inconvenience from it!
What should you pay attention to when using a WiFi amplifier?
- Location
- It is important that you do not place the WiFi amplifier too far away from the router. WiFi connections weaken with distance, and this is also true for WiFi amplifiers. Of course, you don’t want to place it too close to the router either, the point is to extend the network! Try to place it somewhere relatively far from the router but where there is still good WiFi coverage.
- Less bandwidth
- You will have less bandwidth available than when you connect directly to the router. Unless your device is so far from the router that there is no or barely any connection, of course. However, the amount of available bandwidth is large enough these days that it is less relevant.
- Strength of WiFi signal from the router
- Because a WiFi amplifier uses the router's signal, it is dependent on it. A WiFi amplifier cannot offer much relief with a weak signal. So first make sure there are no problems with your router itself.
- WiFi versions and frequencies
- Newer WiFi versions are much faster and more stable than older versions. A newer or older version than the one on your router works but is not optimal.
- Most WiFi amplifiers only work on 2.4GHz because this provides the best range. However, the speed on this frequency is lower than with other frequencies.
Conclusion
A WiFi amplifier can provide a nice solution for your WiFi network.
Picking a good location for the WiFi amplifier is essential for proper operation.
