Best Wifi Extender 2016 Top Wifi Extender Reviews & Comparisons Technology is everywhere. From our phones to our cars, devices are becoming sophisticated pieces of equipment. Our reliance on gadgets is also growing. Which means we expect more from them. Phones need to be able to do more than call and watches had better tell us more than just the time. Of course, all the changes in technology work together with the maturing internet. Without a constant connection to the web, our favorite devices would be useless.
WiFi has been the saving grace of businesses, institutions, and households for years. The technology that transmits these wireless signals helps us connect with the internet. But how has the technology
But how has the technology improved over the years? Are signals getting stronger? Is security improving? And what should consumers be looking out for when buying a wireless router or accessory?
Top 6 Best Wifi Extender Comparisons Show 10
entries
Search: WIFI EXTENDERS STRENGTH FEATURES SIMPLE
Belkin N300
SECURITY
Belkin N600
- Won't Block Outlet - Easy Installation - Up-to-date security - Excellent Security - Fast 600 Mbps Data - Two external antennas
COMPACT
- Two Antennas - Compact Design - Backwards compatibility
UNIVERSAL
- Compact Design - Impressive Range - Universal compatibility
Netgear N300
Linksys AC750 FASTEST
- Dual Antennas - 802.11ac support - Fast 1200 Mbps Data
OUR RATING (4.5 / 5)
(4.8 / 5)
(5 / 5)
(4.0 / 5)
(4.0 / 5)
Netgear AC1200 OUTLET+
- Built-In Audio Jack
(4.5 / 5)
Linksys AC1200 Showing 1 to 6 of 6 entries ď “ Previous Next ď ”
These are all good questions to ask. A good router is the cornerstone of any house or business interested in getting online. A common complaint people have about WiFi is that they can't get a strong signal. There are few things more annoying than losing a wireless signal while working online. Productivity grinds to a halt when people can't access the internet. Wireless technology may be improving but it has a way to go. Obstructed views and other competing signals can still affect your WiFi network. While not every family and business are going to need a wireless booster, there are a lot that will. Rural homes that can't get a strong connection rely on extenders to improve their signal. Extenders work by receiving your signal, amplifying it and then transmitting the boosted signal. With the best WiFi extender, you can double the coverage area of your network. WiFi boosters work best in central locations where a strong signal is present. The technology is sharing the signal in the area. So, if its place in a spot that has a weak signal it will push around that same signal. The best location for an extender is halfway between your devices and router. An open space works well because there are fewer obstructions surrounding the extender. You should also make sure the area is free of devices such as microwaves and cordless
Audio Jack - Ethernet Connector - Three step setup
5)
as microwaves and cordless phones. Appliances and technology that sends out a signal could interfere with the extender.
How You can Find the Best WiFi Extender So, what are some of the features you should be looking for in an extender? How can you find the best WiFi range extender for your house? We're going to break that down now. 1
) Signal
strength indicator. Finding
out
where to put your for
extender the
best
signal
is
important. Too far
and
boosting
it's a
weak signal. If it's too close it could interfere with
your
router. That's
why
having
an
indicator your is
so
Try
on
extender useful.
and
one
find that
provides
a
reading
of
signal strength so you can find just the right spot. 2) Two-button s e t u p . WiFi Protected Setup
is
the
easiest way to pair
your
extender your
with router.
Just press the WPS
buttons
on both your WiFi box and extender at the same This
time. lets
the
systems talk to each other and take
care
of
the setup. Try and avoid extenders that come with an installation CD or
software.
The
setup
process
for
these is more complicated than
WPS
models.
You
should also try and stay away from extenders that
need
configuring through a web browser. 3)
Dual
Channel S u p p o r t . The biggest problem
with
extenders has always the
been
loss
of
bandwidth they cause. In 2011, networking expert
Tim
Higgins explained that extenders start out with 50% loss.
The
reason is that it receives
then
retransmits
each
packet
using the same radio
on
the
same channel. If the extender is
efficient,
then your loss will be close to 50%. But if it's not, throughput loss
can
be
higher. Luckily, the technology has
gotten
better.
You
should
make
sure
the
extender
you
buy has a dualband radio to bypass the hit to bandwidth. 4
) The
Amount
of
Ethernet P o r t s . Having more than one ethernet
port
on
your
extender useful.
is When
you're using a device out
that's
of
your
wireless range, you
can
connect
them
to
your
booster. This is great
for
gaming consoles
or
media boxes. Providing
a
wired connection also gives the best throughput data
rate.
Ethernet ports on
extenders
are useful for
are useful for non-mobile devices.
If
there
aren't
enough
ports,
getting
a
connection with some
devices
can be difficult. 5) Design. Extenders come in different sizes and styles. The design can determine where you place the extender, how obtrusive it is, and how simple it is to move. There are three basic designs of extenders:

Needs a flat surface for placement

Wallmounted devices

Plug-in models
Desktop extenders need a flat surface that's close to a wall outlet, which can be limiting. This creates a hazard if there's a large distance between the outlet and extender. Moving furniture to accommodate the extender could be a pain as well. Those plugged into the wall blend into a home or office. They don't need any cables
and can fit almost anywhere an outlet is free. This includes areas where there might not be extra space, like hallways and kitchens. Plug-in models take up valuable outlet space. This can be a problem if it's located in a room where there aren't a lot of outlets. Also, the size of extenders may prevent access to both outlets. Wall-mounted extenders are a good choice because they don't need a flat-space to operate. They also give consumers the option of running cords down the wall to the device after setup. 6) Warranty. Electronics can be temperamental. Software glitches and hardware malfunctions plague a lot of users. That’s why it’s so important that you understand what your warranty covers and for how long. Most companies will cover against defects that occur during manufacturing for one year. If you’re worried about the extender you buy, check to see if your retailer offers a longer warranty for you to purchase. Customer service is also important. There can be some pretty confusing problems that come up during installation. Even after you have the extender running, glitches can happen. That’s why you should make sure that the company you’re buying from has helpful customer service. This mean a friendly and knowledgeable staff with convenient hours.
These are some of the features to look for in a wireless extender. Of course, consumers should also double check the installation information and compatibility.
Should You Buy a Network Extender? If you’re getting a weak signal, there are steps you can take to fix it. Just because a WiFi extender works well for some people doesn’t mean it’s right for you. We’re going to break down some popular alternatives for users interested in getting the best signal they can. Your first move is to see how old your router is. Older technology connected using the 802.11g wireless standard. Look for brands that support 802.11n and dual band 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
Another option is connecting two wireless routers with ethernet cables. Routers either have 100 megabit or gigabit Ethernet ports. Turning an extra router into a second access point is almost as easy as plugging a cable into each one. There are a couple extra sets you’ll need to perform to get the two routers working together. But once you have the settings figured out, you’ll notice an improved signal across your house.
If your house is wired for cable, you can use the MoCA (Coaxial) to Ethernet conversion method. This lets you take wired Ethernet data and transfer it over a coaxial cable. The downside to using MoCA is that it doesn’t play well with satellite TV or work backwards through amplifiers. That means you might need to upgrade old low-bandwidth splitters. Our final suggestion is a powerline Ethernet adapter. These work by plugging the adapter into an outlet and running an Ethernet cable to the port. An important note about powerline adapters is that the wiring in your house can have an impact on performance. The distance between outlets also factors into how well data will transfer. The more circuits a powerline connection has to cross, the weaker it gets. Wired connections deliver a stronger signal than wireless ones. If you can’t work with a weaker wireless signal and prefer plugging in, then these solutions are for you.
Wireless Extender Reviews: The Best Network Booster for You You should now understand more about how a network booster works. But, how do you find the best WiFi extender for you? The most productive way to begin is to find out what you need. Here are some questions you should ask:
How large is the area I want to cover?
cover?
Is there interference around?
Where will I put the network booster?
What data transfer rate do I need to have?
This is just a small sample of the questions you need to consider before purchasing a network booster. To help you research some brands, we're going to review models that work well. In these wifi extender reviews, we're highlighting the features as well as the pros and cons. We'll also talk about who we think the product is best suited for. While reading, you might find a model below that you love. This is also a great way to learn more about WiFi boosters.
1. Belkin N600 Dual Band WiFi Range Extender Specs at a glance: Features - The N600 includes dual band speeds of up to 300Mbps. It uses 2.4GHz with 5.0GHz to counter the throughput loss associated with extenders. This booster also uses external antennas for improved range. Features - The N600 includes dual band speeds of up to 300Mbps. It uses 2.4GHz with 5.0GHz to counter the throughput loss associated with extenders. This
associated with extenders. This booster also uses external antennas for improved range. This WiFi extender has a compact design and includes an ethernet port. The plug-in design is great for reducing tripping hazards. The N600 is compatible with G and N equipment. It also uses crossband technology to switch between bands for greater speed. Recommended For - If you’re in the market for a reliable product that doesn’t cost too much then this is the best WiFi extender for you. The ethernet port is great for hardwiring a device. Also, the slimmer design reduces wires while providing optimal coverage. This is a good choice for first-time users because the installation is straightforward.
P r o s
Great, slim design Strong signal Dual band technonogy Cons Instructions aren’t clear Signal indicator would be helpful
Wrap Up - The N600 uses dual band with crossband technology to deliver strong signals across large areas. The design is slim and eliminates the need for a lot of wires. Our biggest problem was
wires. Our biggest problem was installation, which was tricky without clear instructions. Also, the inclusion of a signal indicator would be helpful when finding the best spot for the booster.
Our Rating 4.5/5
READ THE FULL REVIEW
2. Netgear N300 WiFi Range Extender, Essentials Edition Specs at a glance: Features - The N300 includes external antennas for data transfer speeds of up to 300Mbps. The compact design is attractive and fits into any outlet. This booster is compatible with any router. It also includes one ethernet port, an important inclusion for stationary devices to use a wired connection. Recommended For - This WiFi booster is ideal for video streaming and gaming. We also recommend it for iPads, smartphones, smart TVs, and computers.
Pros
Easy setup Bridging function Compact design
Cons Customer service Packaging is poor
Wrap Up -The speed and performance of the N300 makes it a great device for smaller homes. The range isn’t as large as other extenders, but it will serve well for most people. The setup is very easy and takes a couple minutes. We also tested it against different routers and found it worked with each. The customer service could have been more helpful when we called about the poor packaging. Overall, this is a great product for smaller homes that want to increase the range of this signal.
Our Rating 4.0/5
READ THE FULL REVIEW
3. Netgear AC1200 WiFi Range Extender Dual Band Gigabit Specs at a glance: Features - The AC1200 includes dual band data transfer speeds of up to 1200Mbps. It supports new 802.11 ac & b/g/n WiFi devices. This booster also has external antennas for better performance.
antennas for better performance. It includes a Gigabit ethernet port for connecting wired devices like Bluray players, gaming consoles, or smart TVS. The AC1200 also uses FastLane technology that uses both bands to establish one high-speed connection. Recommended For - This WiFi extender is best for users that need a strong signal in a large area. The range is great and transfers consistent speeds to multiple devices. The addition of the analytics app is perfect for monitoring signal strength, getting a status overview, and measuring interference.
Pros Useful app Strong signal across large range External antennas really help
Cons Setup takes some time The model is expensive
Wrap Up - This is a great WiFi extender for power users that are willing to invest some money into the product. The quality supports
the cost with a large range and strong signal. It can take some work getting the model working, so set some time aside for the project.
Our Rating 4.0/5
READ THE FULL REVIEW
4. Linksys AC750 Boost Dual Band WiFi Range Extender Specs at a glance: Features - The AC750 includes cross band technology that maximizes the use of dual bands at once. It also has a beam forcing feature that focuses and strengthens the WiFi signal. It uses a simple setup with Push Button Connect and Spot Finder technology for optimal placement and performance. The WiFi speeds for the AC750 are 300N + AC433 Mbps.
This extender also includes a gigabit ethernet port and is compatible with all router brands. According to Linksys, the signal coverage is up to 6,500 square feet. Recommended For - This model is perfect for people who need coverage across large areas. The AC750 has a larger range than any model we’ve tested. The extra features are great for users that monitor the performance of their booster. First-time buyers will appreciate how easy it is to install this model. The Push Button Connect works well and made setup a breeze.
Pros Useful features Great customer service Connecting made easy Large range
Cons Changing the SSD name can be difficult Relies on up-to-date firmware to shine
Wrap Up - The AC750 is easy to setup and use. The Push Button Connect and Spot Finder technology are helpful additions that make this unit stand out.
make this unit stand out. You can’t go wrong with a product supported by excellent customer service. We found the representatives we spoke to very helpful and friendly.
Our Rating 4.5/5
READ THE FULL REVIEW
5. Linksys AC1200 Amplify Dual Band High Power WiFi Range Extender Specs at a glance: Features - The AC1200 uses Spot Finder Technology to show users where to place the extender. The technology relies on a smartphone to find the best location for the booster to deliver optimal performance. The wireless coverage for this booster is up to 10,000 square feet. The AC1200 produces speed of up to N300 + AC867 Mbps. It also uses Crossband Technology to maximize the use of both bands at once. The design includes a pass-through function. This means you can use the built-in outlet to get back the spot taken by the extender. Recommended For - The AC1200 is perfect for people who want the best. It includes a ton of useful features and is easy to setup. The range was excellent and carried a strong signal through walls and rooms.
rooms. The inclusion of the WiFi Audio feature lets music lovers stream their favorite songs anywhere in the house. Also, the pass-through technology is great for freeing up the outlet used by the booster.
Pros WiFi Audio Huge range Pass-through design
Cons The price Instructions were vague
Wrap Up - If you’re willing to invest the money, you can’t go wrong with the AC1200. It includes useful features and a smart design choice. The range was strong, even when it had to travel through rooms and floors to reach us. The only problem we came across was when we used technology that relied on the same signal as the booster. This issue went away when we removed the conflicting devices. The instructions are a little vague but once you’re up and running, it’s one of the best WiFi extenders you can find.
Our Rating 4.5/5
READ THE FULL REVIEW
Purchasing a great wireless booster isn't easy. But, when you find one that works for your environment, it'll get rid of a lot of frustration. Weak signals are especially maddening because the point of wireless is to improve connections. Some important features to keep an eye out for include; dual band technology, easy installation, signal indicator, and a slim design. Plug-in models work well because they are easily movable but don’t need wires to function. Wallmounted extenders can be a hinderance if you relocate your router. Also, desktop brands need valuable space to sit. A strong WiFi signal makes everything easier. Homework becomes less of a chore with improved connections. Getting that big project finished is easier when you can work from anywhere. After you're able to take your laptop anywhere in the house, you'll wonder how you lived without it.
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