A wireless repeater is an electrical device that picks an existing signal from a wireless router or access point and rebroadcasts it to form a second network. It is also known as a wireless range extender or WiFi extender. When two or more hosts fail to connect over the IEEE 802.11 protocol to establish a direct connection, you must use a wireless repeater to bridge the gap. But will a WiFi extender help with cell phone reception?
You will learn whether you can use a WiFi extender to boost cellular cell signals shortly. Cellular cell boosters usually peak weak signals from the nearest cellular tower and then amplify them before rebroadcasting on the surrounding area. Now our question is, can we save money by buying a WiFi extender to serve us for cellular signal and WiFi boosting? Just stay around and find out if it is possible.
Usually, WiFi repeaters help those outside the primary network to connect through the “repeated” network. There are usually security concerns about repeating a network connection because only the repeater MAC is connected. Users’ data might be in danger if it does not offer secure connections. You can use a wireless repeater to improve signal range and strength in homes and small offices.
How does a WiFi extender work
Usually, a WiFi extender picks up the weak signals of the existing WiFi connection. It makes them stronger, thus eliminating the dead spots. You must connect your WiFi router with your WiFi extender using an app or over the web to enable it to function. When the extender receives weak signals from the connected router, it increases the strength of the network and then rebroadcasts it to the surrounding areas.
Generally, the device almost operates like a cellular signal booster. A cellular signal booster has an external antenna to receive cellular signals, an amplifier to increase signal strength, and the external antenna to increase signal strength.
Will a WiFi extender help with cell phone reception
Most people usually wonder whether you can use a WiFi extender to increase signal strength. However, it is impossible because the signal frequencies for WiFi and cellular networks are different. Currently, no antennas on the market can boost both types of networks.
Moreover, WiFi booster designers make the devices for indoor use. In contrast, cellular boosters need an outdoor antenna to capture the existing signals. If your place has poor network connections, you will need to buy a cellular booster to use for your connection.
How to install a WiFi extender
It is easy to install a WiFi booster by following the simple instructions that come with the device. First, you need to find a location that receives a WiFi network. After that, connect the device to the power supply and switch it on. Next, use your laptop to log into the WiFi booster network setting and add the login details, i.e., the password of your current WiFi network. After that, link the router to your WiFi booster. Doing so will allow the WiFi booster to extend your router’s signals after connecting.
To give your place perfect WiFi coverage, WiFi booster installation takes a short time to complete. The best place to place the WiFi extender is halfway between the area where WiFi is needed and the router. The area where there are poor WiFi signals is called the dead zone. The WiFi repeater or booster only expands the network coverage, allowing your tablets, computers, and smartphones to remain linked with decreased interference.
Generally, the WiFi booster is suitable for:
- Home use: Extending WiFi inside your house or backyard.
- Mariners: The device allows users to connect to the on-shore wireless internet, thus remaining connected to the internet and communicating with those on the shores.
- Office: Availing internet connection to all the workers in different rooms.
- Outdoor application: This allows users to extend the wireless internet while at camps and picnic sites.
Is a WiFi extender necessary
A WiFi extender is necessary for increasing the coverage of your internet. However, you might not need it since you might be experiencing poor network coverage due to settings in your WiFi router. Usually, WiFi routers run on two main frequencies. These include 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 2.4GHz usually covers a limited place, while the 5GHz covers a wide area. Therefore, if you set the device to run on 5GHz frequency, you might be able to cover the dead spots.
However, 5GHz connections are not as strong as the 2.4GHz. However, suppose you are using your WiFi for only light online duties. In that case, you might find it helpful and save a lot of money that you could have used to buy a new WiFi booster.
What interferes with WiFi signals
Various factors interfere with WiFi signal transmission. They include the following.
- Interference by other types of waves. Suppose you are using WiFi in a place where there are emissions such as X-Rays, Microwave radiation, and so on. In that case, you are likely going to experience poor connections. Even when receiving signals from your radio or television, you might experience reduced signal strengths.
- Barriers. Thick walls can interfere with WiFi signal transmission. Some materials, such as cement walls, metallic walls, etc., affect signal transmission.
- Bad weather. You might experience poor WiFi connection with heavy rainfall if the router is on the neighboring house. That is because the falling water from the atmosphere interferes with signal transmission. Even when submerged in a submarine, you might find it difficult to receive signals.
Can you use multiple repeaters
You can connect two WiFi repeaters to your router. That helps to increase coverage in different areas surrounding the router. However, you should not connect two repeaters because the second device will have reduced performance. You might want to increase the distance covered by your WiFi but lower its capability.
Bottom line
A wireless repeater is an electrical device that picks an existing signal from a wireless router or access point and rebroadcasts it to form a second network. It is also called a wireless range extender or WiFi extender and helps to eliminate dead spots by extending network coverage to the surrounding areas. You must first link your WiFi repeater to the router and boost your internet. Setting up a WiFi repeater is straightforward.
