3/26/2023 0 Comments Stronger wifi signalJust keep in mind that location matters a lot with these things, because they can only put out a network that's as strong as the incoming wireless signal from the router. That's terrific performance for the price, especially if it means the difference between a steady connection and no connection at all. That might not sound like much, but it's fast and steady enough to support video chats, HD video streams, and even basic online gaming if you need it to. When I tested a few of the top value picks out in my home, the RE220's 5GHz band was able to sustain speeds of about 75Mbps throughout my entire test area, with a radius of about two rooms (or roughly forty feet). In fact, most of the cheap, plug-in models that cost $50 or less won't connect much faster than 50Mbps, and they'll only offer enough range to cover a couple of rooms at best. Just double-check that your router has a WPS button (almost all do) and you'll be fine.Įxtenders like these are unlikely to hit your network's max speeds, mind you. Range extenders like these are typically designed to work no matter what kind of router you're using. In my tests, the RE220 was able to boost the speeds in this back bathroom from single digits up to about 80Mbps.Īnd don't worry too much about the brand. In most cases, you'll see it listed as the existing network name with "_EXT" tacked onto the end. It won't boost your existing home network per se - instead, it'll use that connection with your router to broadcast its own network. You'll plug it in, press the WPS button to put it into Wi-Fi Protected Setup mode, and then press the WPS button on your router to pair the two together. Range extenders like these are a cinch to use. If you're willing to spend a little more, go with the TP-Link RE505X, which adds in faster, more robust speeds and support for Wi-Fi 6. You've got a lot of options, but the best value that I've tested is the TP-Link RE220, a plug-in extender that you can find online at various retail outlets for about $35, if not less. If you've just got one or two rooms where the connection isn't usable, then a simple Wi-Fi range extender might be all you need. Wi-Fi range extenders: A good fix for small dead zones It's easy to use, it provides a steady, workable connection with surprisingly good range, and you can get it for less than $30. If you can find it in stock, the TP-Link RE220 is a great range extender value pick. If none of that works, then it's time to start evaluating your hardware needs. You might also be able to eke out small speed improvements by repositioning the antennas. Try moving the router to a different spot (out in the open is best, preferably as high up and as centrally located as possible). If you're seeing speeds that are less than half of what you get when you're close to the router, then that's an area where you might be able to shore things up (and if those close-range speeds aren't close to what your internet plan allows, then you should call your provider).Īt this point, you'll want to run through the basics. When you're done, average those download speed results in each room to get a sense of where your connection is and isn't up to snuff. If you want, you can repeat this process at different times of day. You'll want to move around in your home, running a few speed tests at a time in each room where your Wi-Fi connection matters. If you're using a phone, disable cellular while you run this test. Also, make sure you're connected to your home network while you do this, preferably from whatever device you use online the most. It'll pair you up with one of several nearby servers as soon as you load the page - from there, just click the big "GO" button and wait about a minute to see your current upload and download speeds, as well as the connection's latency. There are lots of free services on the web that'll let you check your speed, but the most popular (and the one I use when I'm testing routers out at home) is the Ookla Speed Test. The Ookla Speed Test is a quick and easy diagnostic tool for your home network's health.
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