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Wi-Fi - optimization of the wireless network: increasing the range of the wi-fi router, increasing the signal strength of the wireless network. How to strengthen a wi-fi signal: methods

Nowadays it is difficult to find a smartphone, laptop or tablet that does not support wireless networks - Wi-Fi. Not only them, but also many modern household appliances can connect to the network. Even multicookers are connected to Wi-Fi, so it is important to ensure good reception in all corners of the apartment or house. But a significant problem is the excess of wireless networks. In this article we will look at how to strengthen the signal of a Wi-Fi router with your own hands.

Reasons for a bad signal

Before we consider ways to strengthen the signal, we will talk about the reasons for its fading. The main ones include:

  1. Wall material. The most common problem is a significant difference in signal levels in different rooms of an apartment with concrete walls.
  2. Router location. In order for the Wi-Fi signal to be uniform over the entire intended coverage area, you need to place it in a place equidistant from all the far corners of the coverage area. Otherwise, every wall, cabinet, shelf or other piece of furniture will degrade the Wi-Fi signal.
  3. Antenna gain. Cheap wifi routers usually have one 3 dbi antenna installed - this is a rather weak option.
  4. Incorrect router settings.
  5. Bad Wi-Fi receivers.
  6. Many networks running in parallel.

How to strengthen Wi-Fi

Now that we already know what leads to deterioration in the propagation and reception of a Wi-Fi signal, let's look at each problem and its solution separately. To strengthen Wi-Fi you need:

  1. Find perfect place to install the router.
  2. Set its operating mode.
  3. Replace the antennas with more powerful ones.
  4. Install reflectors.
  5. Install repeaters or strengthen the network with another router.

Correct location of the router

If you want to boost your Wi-Fi signal, before you do anything, make sure your router is positioned correctly and minimize sources of interference and reflections. The router must be located so that each room has normal level signal.

If you have chosen the optimal place, but did not get the desired results, pay attention to the recommendations:

  1. Microwave ovens, remote controls remote control and other equipment operating at high frequencies, in particular 2.4 GHz. If such equipment is located nearby, move either it or the router.
  2. Neighborhood Wi-Fi. You can improve the situation slightly if you install the router in a place where the signal level is the lowest. You can determine this if you walk around your apartment with your smartphone and pay attention to the level of signal reception from your neighbors. You need to install the router where all signals will have the lowest level. The Wifi Analyzer program for Android will help you with this.

Configuring the router correctly

Before you run to the store for a new antenna, Wi-Fi receiver or router, let's go to the settings and check what parameters are set there. To do this, you need to enter the address of the router in the address bar of your browser; it is usually indicated on a sheet pasted on its bottom. Most often this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1

First of all, you need to look at the standard in which it operates. IN different models Wi-Fi equipment settings and web interfaces vary significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Therefore, we will try to give general recommendations.

You need to connect to the router via the web interface and find the list of modes. Their names begin with the numbers 802.11, followed by letters, for example, 802.11b/g/n. To strengthen the router’s Wi-Fi signal, you need to select the item with the type name:

802.11n only

You should already see an increase in the Wi-Fi signal.

After this, you can try to increase the transmitter power; to do this, look in the settings for an item called transmit power type. It can be specified either as a percentage or as:

  • High;
  • Medium;

In any case, you need to set the maximum possible meaning as a percentage closer to 100% or High.

We have completed the basic settings for signal amplification. Now let's check the computer. If you have a laptop, check your power mode settings. In power saving mode, the signal gain from the built-in receiver is reduced, which causes problems with unstable connections and reduced speed. Set the mode to "normal" or "high performance".

Duplicate the network

If you need Wi-Fi reception at 100 meters or more, then you won’t achieve this with a regular router. Their coverage range also depends on the number of obstacles, transmitter power and antenna gain. On average you can count on 30-50 meters. The easiest way to strengthen the signal is to install a Wi-Fi repeater. This is a signal repeater that simply plugs into an outlet.

The outlet should be located in an area where the signal is not too bad, but not next to the router. You can amplify the signal with one or two repeaters to obtain larger area coverings. But you need to configure it - select a network and enter a password for it. This reception distance is often required in a private home in order to have a signal in the yard.

The second way is to increase coverage with another router. Some models support operation in repeater mode. This can also be done by connecting the first and second routers with a simple network cable with rj-45 type plugs, just as you would do when connecting a cable to a computer's network card.

Upgrading or changing the antenna

If the router does not have an antenna, then the only way amplification - software, optimal settings we have already considered. The next option to boost your Wi-Fi signal is to experiment with antennas.

Experiments could be as follows:


If you are a fan of constructing something, then a biquad antenna can help to strengthen the signal for Wi-Fi reception at 200 meters; its drawing is shown in the figure below:

And this antenna, a Wi-Fi gun, will help transmit the Internet over 1 km or more (depending on the installation height and the accuracy of the signal direction). Its developer claims that he managed to achieve reception at a distance of up to 10 km.

In this way, it is possible to organize communication between houses remote from each other, or an apartment and a dacha, for example.

Important! It is not correct to talk about the range of the antenna. This figure depends not only on its design, but also on the installation location, the number of obstacles, and, importantly, the antenna of the device that will receive the signal. If in the field a regular router with a standard antenna can transmit a signal over 50-100 meters, then in concrete buildings there are problems with communication when moving to the next room.

We looked at the main available methods, allowing you to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal of the router, as well as increase the coverage area. If you follow all the recommendations, you will achieve an improved signal, but you need to take into account the quality and serviceability of all equipment. For example, if after all the manipulations done, the quality of signal reception on the phone leaves much to be desired, it may be due to a weak Wi-Fi module and built-in antenna.

Materials

There are many various reasons, due to which the tablet or laptop does not receive the Wi-Fi signal well. It is quite possible that the reason lies in the laptop itself, which simply uses a weak antenna, which does not allow using the Internet in full force, but most often the problem lies in the router itself. This is easy to check, because if the phone, tablet, or laptop in the house does not receive a signal well, then the whole problem is in the transmitting device. And in general, cheap routers with weak antennas often cannot “break through” a concrete wall. In this case, there is sometimes no point in being surprised by a weak signal. To correct the situation, you will need a Wi-Fi amplifier. You can do it yourself.

Ready-made Wi-Fi signal amplifiers

At a minimum, there are several ways to make your Wi-Fi signal stronger. The easiest option is to buy a ready-made amplifier. Such a device can transmit a signal through reinforced concrete structures and at a distance of up to 200 meters. IN open space Such amplifiers transmit a signal over a distance of 2 kilometers. In addition, such devices can receive signals over long distances. By installing one at home (on the roof), you can catch up to twenty networks, and some of them may not have passwords at all. As a result, the Wi-Fi signal amplifier will allow you to connect to free internet. This topic is currently being actively discussed. And indeed, some users whose Wi-Fi does not even reach the door remove the password and make their network accessible to such receivers.

We create a Wi-Fi signal amplifier with our own hands

There are many DIYers who have created their own amplifiers. Let's look at the most common and working options. You can make such Wi-Fi signal amplifiers with your own hands in just 10 minutes from scrap materials.

The very first and simplest option is to use a disc box. It has the perfect radius for our purpose. So, take the CD BOX and cut off the pin, but not completely. You need to leave about 18 mm. Now, using a file, we make small cuts on the spire for fastening.

The next stage is the creation of copper squares. We look for a wire 25 centimeters long and make two squares out of it by bending the ends. These copper structures are analogous to an antenna; we attach them to the pin of our disk box and glue them.

The ends of the antenna must be soldered together and soldered to the coaxial cable that leads to our modem. At the bottom of this installation, place a CD, which will serve as a reflector here.

Amplifier connection

Now that we already have the amplifier, we need to connect it correctly. To do this, remove the cover of our router and look for a PCMCIA card with an antenna. Ideally, the old antenna should be unsoldered and the new one soldered. Just keep in mind that when soldering at high temperatures, some thin wires may come off the board. However, the antenna can also be connected via the SMA connector to which the old antenna is connected.

Done, now you can test the full power of the newly created Wi-Fi amplifier.

Beer can amplifier

IN in this case We will talk not so much about the amplifier as about the signal reflector. The principle of the following design is based on concentrating the reception/transmission signal in a specific direction. That is, in order to get a stronger signal, the antenna will need to be directed to the place where the Wi-Fi signal is weak.

So, first, find an iron can of any volume, cut off the bottom and almost completely top part. But do not cut off the top part completely, leave a small fastening on the side of the hole. The router antenna will go into this hole.

This will give us a cylinder that needs to be cut lengthwise, directly opposite the hole in the top of the can. This is how we got a smooth oval surface that perfectly reflects the waves. Place this entire structure on the router antenna and turn it in the direction where you want to strengthen the wi-fi signal.

It is worth noting that the effectiveness of this method is slightly lower compared to the previous one. In this case, we do not amplify the signal in any way, but only concentrate it in one direction. Most likely, it will become weaker in other places in the room.

Which option is better?

If you do not have skills in radio electronics and do not know how to solder correctly and what to connect where in microcircuits, then the idea of ​​​​creating an antenna for a router is not suitable. At the very least you can make an amplifier using a beer can. It will work, but wait high efficiency such a device is not worth it.

The second option is to buy a ready-made Wi-Fi amplifier for a laptop, which is sold in electronics stores. There are also quite a lot of such devices on Aliexpress, where they are not so expensive. In addition, you can get additional benefits from purchasing such equipment. Considering the power of such a Wi-Fi signal amplifier, it can be used to catch many other networks, including networks without a password.

Software methods

Some forums discuss the possibility of creating software Wi-Fi signal amplifiers with your own hands. True, the effectiveness of this method can be safely questioned. After all, if the antenna on the router is weak, then no firmware or program installed on the computer will be able to significantly strengthen the signal. It is quite possible that with the help of new firmware you can achieve a stronger signal, but the difference will be insignificant.

Conclusion

At this point, the question of creating a Wi-Fi amplifier with your own hands can be considered exhausted. Of course, there are many other homemade amplifiers like beer cans, but they are not much different from each other.

More and more modern technical devices have a WiFi module for Internet access. This applies not only to PCs, laptops, smartphones and tablets. Today for optimal performance Access to the World Wide Web is increasingly needed for game consoles, televisions, printers, refrigerators and other equipment. But we don’t always have a good signal from the router. In this article we will look at how to strengthen the signal of a Wi-Fi router with your own hands.

Often, a router cannot cope with its task for reasons that do not depend on its quality, type, model or cost. For example, this depends on the size of the room and the distance of the devices connected to it. The Wi-Fi signal is influenced by many other factors:

  • material and thickness of walls, interior fences;
  • the presence of mirrors, windows, an aquarium;
  • water;
  • furniture;
  • doors and other material obstacles;
  • other wireless communication points located nearby;
  • radiotelephones, microwave ovens, baby monitors, security alarms operating nearby;
  • a large number of people in the room.

Thus, problems with the router signal can be quite understandable.

What to do to speed up the router and, accordingly, increase Internet speed? The signal quality of the access point needs to be improved. This can be done in several ways, which we will discuss below.

Installing it correctly

First, let's select the optimal place in the room to locate the router. Often the user installs the device near the entrance to the apartment, while using the Internet in the farthest part of it. Naturally, low communication speeds and constant signal interruptions are guaranteed.

It is optimal when the router is located in the room where a person most often uses the Internet. If this is not possible, then try to ensure that there is a distance of 5-10 meters between the access point and the main device that receives the wireless signal and that there are no obstacles such as mirrors, thick concrete walls, furniture, etc. Move away various shelving, radiotelephones, microwave ovens.

It makes sense to install the Wi-Fi router as high as possible to minimize the appearance of third-party objects in the signal path. In a small apartment, it is best to place the router in its central part. If we're talking about about a house with two residential levels, then install the device on the ground floor, and at the highest point. For example, on top of a tall cabinet. This will allow the signal to spread evenly and virtually unhindered.

"Locked"

We restrict access for other users. For the most part, this applies to neighbors who can connect to wireless point and use the “free” Internet. Therefore, be sure to set a strong password (numbers, letters, symbols, etc.), which will be very difficult to crack.

In addition, make sure that none of your home or office colleagues abuse the constant time spent in video chats, downloading movies, clips or online games. Otherwise, all methods to improve WiFi signal strength may be in vain.

We improve it programmatically

Let's turn to the settings of the router itself. Not too often, but there are still cases when the transmitter power is normally set to 50-60%. All that remains is to select the “Advanced” subsection in the router settings, then Transmit Power. In this parameter, the possible range of settings can be expressed both in numbers (30%, 50%, 100%) and in words (High-Middle-Low). Naturally, we choose maximum value and check the connection speed.

If the signal quality suddenly deteriorates, then try and also update its firmware. Another important point– change the communication channel. As a rule, modern routers transmit signals over 11-14 channels. Each of them, depending on the situation, can be more or less productive.

It's simple - let's say you and your neighbors have routers that transmit a signal over the same channel. As a result, errors often occur in the operation of WiFi networks, causing low communication speeds, unstable connections and other problems.

Therefore, we go to the router settings and select Wireless. Next, opposite the “Channel” item, set the value to Auto. Don't forget to click "Save" and reboot your device. Now the router itself will select a free channel. To change the communication channel, you can also use the WiFi Stumbler or WiFi Analyzer utilities.

WiFi networks are important for the normal functioning of correct settings not only the router, but also the equipment that receives the signal. For example, when visiting web pages using a laptop, remember that to save battery power, the device may limit power to the network module, which will significantly reduce the range. Therefore, if the signal is weak, check the settings and select power plans: “Balanced” or “High Performance”, avoiding “Energy Saver”.

Working on the antenna

If the previous methods concerned improving the signal without an antenna, then the next popular method of strengthening the WiFi signal is upgrading the antenna.

On some models of wireless routers, you can replace the antenna yourself by installing a more powerful option - an amplifier. True, this technique is effective only for those devices that have an external signal transceiver, and not one built into the case.

Many users independently equip the antenna with a reflector, which can be made from foil, a tin can, a thin metal plate, old CDs, etc. There are a lot of detailed videos on this topic on the Internet. For those who do not want to spend time creating a reflector, we suggest taking regular foil the size of an A4 sheet and attaching it to the router (for example, between the wall and the device) - an increase in speed is guaranteed.

In the photo: antennas made from tin cans to improve the signal of the tp link router

Standard antennas, as a rule, have a gain within 2-3 dBi. If you replace it with a version with 5-8 dBi, you can get a noticeable increase in signal quality. It makes no sense to switch to an antenna with a gain of up to 5 dBi - the Internet speed, of course, will increase, but not much.

Strengthens well WiFi signal- the router has an external remote antenna, since it can be fixed in places where it is difficult to place the router. If the antenna also comes with a long cable, then you can even move it around the room in search of a better signal without touching the router itself.

We use hardware assistants

A repeater, or as it is also called a repeater, can help increase the range of a WiFi router. Essentially, it simply duplicates the signal from the router. Most models are a miniature unit connected to electrical outlet. You need to install it either in the farthest part of the room, where the WiFi signal is weak, or in the middle between the main device, from which you most often access the Internet, and the access point.

The repeater is especially effective when it is necessary to expand the Wi-Fi zone not only horizontally, but also vertically. For example, make the signal cover several floors.

When purchasing a repeater, try to ensure that it is from the same manufacturer as your router. Then you can safely count on increasing the Wi Fi range to 15-20 meters.

You can also boost the signal on the client device. It is easy to find separate amplification modules (adapters) on sale. This device is equipped with a suction cup and a folding antenna. There are both wireless models and those that connect to a PC using a USB cable.

The performance of the adapter largely depends on the length of the antenna and its gain, which should be within 5-8 dBi. We recommend purchasing a wired USB adapter. It is not affected by radio interference, and together with it you can use an extension cord (preferably up to 3 m) to move the amplification module near the PC to find the area of ​​​​best signal reception.

If you want to completely upgrade your network to ensure constant access to it no matter what room in your home or office you are in, then you should definitely think about a Wi-Fi signal booster. You may have one of the best routers, but if the room is very large, having an amplifier for better coverage is the most ideal option.

Typically, network problems occur because the wireless router is not located in a central location or is obscured by objects. Any of these problems will cause your Wi-Fi signal to struggle in remote corners of the room. Therefore, in this article we have compiled a list of the best Wi-Fi signal boosters.

Netgear AC1200 WiFi Range Extender EX6150

For the past few years, Netgear has been a leader in home networking products. She gathered her extensive experience and showed a very simple and reliable Wi-Fi signal amplifier AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender EX6150. This model is a simple device that you can plug into a regular outlet without any problems.

As an advantage, the EX6150 is very easy to install. You don't need any installation programs. Just read the instructions and in just a few minutes you can expand your Wi-Fi signal area to your entire home or office. You can purchase this model for around $40-50.

Peculiarities:

  • 802.11ac 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz
  • 1 × Gigabit Ethernet port
  • Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPS)
  • Extender/Access Point mode switch

Advantages and disadvantages:

  • Very easy installation (+)
  • Small dimensions (+)
  • Price (-)
  • Only one Ethernet port (-)

D-Link Wi-Fi Dual Band Range Extender DAP-1520

The dual-band Wi-Fi amplifier Dual Band Range Extender DAP-1520 from D-Link is very small in size, but quite powerful. Thanks to this, the device can be placed so that no one will notice it. But compactness has its drawbacks.

For example, because of this, this amplifier lacks an Ethernet port for expanding a wired connection. Also, due to the fact that the antennas are located inside the device, the range is slightly less than that of competitors. You can purchase this device for $20-30.

Peculiarities:

  • 802.11ac 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz
  • Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPS)
  • Two built-in antennas

Advantages and disadvantages:

  • Small dimensions (+)
  • Easy to use (+)
  • No Ethernet (-)
  • A bit of function (-)

TP-Link RE350 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender

TP-Link is an international manufacturer of computer and network equipment. The company is based in China. But this shouldn't scare you. Over many years of work in the market, TP-Link has gained a huge reputation. Thanks to the TP-Link RE350 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender amplifier, the main advantages can be highlighted: low price, high-quality assembly, excellent design.

Although this model is not the fastest Wi-Fi signal amplifier, due to two external antennas, the device has a long range, as well as a special indicator light with which you can check the quality of the connection. The price for this model varies from $40 to $50.

Peculiarities:

  • 802.11ac 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz
  • 1 × Ethernet port
  • Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPS)
  • Availability LED indicator communication quality

Advantages and disadvantages:

  • Ethernet connection (+)
  • Availability of LED indicator (+)
  • Large dimensions (-)

Netgear AC1200 Desktop WiFi Range Extender EX6200

If you're really thinking about increasing the range of your Wi-Fi router, then you should pay attention to the Netgear AC1200 Desktop WiFi Range Extender EX6200. Unlike other amplifiers, this model looks like a regular router or modem.

This model can attract with a huge number of useful functions. The amplifier has 5 Ethernet ports for connecting devices via wire. Thanks to his powerful processor, the device will allow you to cover those places that your router previously “didn’t reach”. This model is one of the most expensive on our list. Its cost is about $100.

Peculiarities:

  • 802.11ac 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz
  • 5 × Ethernet port
  • 1 × USB 3.0
  • Quad-core processor
  • Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPS)
  • Beamforming

Advantages and disadvantages:

  • 5 Ethernet ports (+)
  • High performance (+)
  • Big (-)
  • Expensive (-)

Linksys RE6500 AC1200 Dual-Band Wireless Range Extender

The Linksys RE6500 AC1200 is another Wi-Fi signal booster that looks more like a router. Thanks to the large, rugged design, Linksys has built in four Gigabit Ethernet ports. Therefore, you can expand your network by connecting devices to the Internet that cannot be connected via Wi-Fi.

Also interesting feature This amplifier has an audio output that allows you to connect it to a speaker or audio system, allowing you to stream music from your PC to your audio receiver. The Linksys RE6500 AC1200 is slightly cheaper than the Netgear AC1200 amplifier. It can be purchased for $80-90.

Peculiarities:

  • 802.11ac 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz
  • 4 × Ethernet port
  • Linksys Spot Finder Technology
  • Audio output
  • Possibility to play streaming music

Advantages and disadvantages:

  • Ability to play streaming music (+)
  • Power (+)
  • Very massive (-)
  • Expensive (-)

D-Link DAP-1320 Wireless N300 Range Extender

If you're looking for an inexpensive way to enhance your Wi-Fi network and you are ready to put up with some shortcomings and limitations, then the D-Link DAP-1320 Wireless N300 Range Extender would be a good option to buy. This small device doesn't have an Ethernet port and doesn't support dual-band or high-speed 802.11ac.

But, despite all this, this model is well made. It has small dimensions. And this, on this moment, one of the inexpensive ways to increase the range of your Wi-Fi router. You can purchase the device for $20-25.

Peculiarities:

  • 802.11n 2.4 GHz
  • Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPS)
  • Built-in antennas

Advantages and disadvantages:

  • Small dimensions (+)
  • Cost (+)
  • No support for 5 GHz network (-)
  • No Ethernet port (-)

Linksys Velop

If you want to have a powerful Wi-Fi network in your home, then you should definitely take a closer look at the Linksys Velop. This device suitable for big house. You can install one Linksys Velop on each floor, which will combine with your router into one large Wi-Fi network. This model, like many on this list, supports the high-speed 802.11ac standard.

For easy installation there is a special application for iOS and Android devices. If you purchase one copy, its cost will be $200, if two - $350, and if three - $500.

Peculiarities:

  • 802.11ac 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz
  • 2 × Gigabit Ethernet (1 WAN and 1 LAN)
  • Availability of a special application for configuration
  • Dual-stream (2×2)
  • Built-in quad core ARM processor Cortex A7

Advantages and disadvantages:

  • Minimalistic design (+)
  • Performance (+)
  • Cost compared to competitors (-)

Mi WiFi Amplifier 2

It is definitely worth including amplifiers from Xiaomi in this list. Mi WiFi Amplifier 2 is a very small and inexpensive device that can be installed in the USB port of your router or any other device. The amplifier is set up in literally two steps. It can broadcast a signal at speeds up to 300 Mbit/s. Due to its design, the device's antenna can rotate 180 degrees. The main advantage of this simple device is the price, which varies from $12 to $15.

Peculiarities:

  • 802.11n 2.4 GHz
  • Automatic update
  • Light weight (50g)

Advantages and disadvantages:

  • Minimalistic design (+)
  • Small dimensions (+)
  • Great value (+)

Xiaomi Pocket Mi WiFi Adapter

This list is completed by the cheapest and smallest Wi-Fi amplifier Xiaomi Pocket Mi WiFi Adapter. The device is the size of a coin. You can take it with you. The device connects to your computer via USB. The signal distribution speed reaches up to 150 Mbit/s. Well, the cost of this model is generally ridiculous - $4. So if you need to strengthen the signal of your Wi-Fi router, then this model is definitely worth taking.

Peculiarities:

  • 802.11n 2.4 GHz
  • Speed ​​up to 150 Mbit/s
  • Very small dimensions

Advantages and disadvantages:

  • Small dimensions (+)
  • Cost (+)
  • Lack of 802.11ac standard (-)

Using a repeater or other Wi-Fi signal amplifier for the router, you can significantly stabilize the signal and increase the network coverage area.

It is advisable to place the router in the center of the room. The distance from all Internet consumers to the router should be the same, or the smallest to the main user. If necessary, the wire can be extended and the device can be moved to the desired location.

The quality and stability of the network is influenced by a number of different factors:

  • overheating of the hardware or outdated firmware;
  • interference from other devices;
  • poor location of the router indoors;
  • obstacles on the Wi-Fi signal line in the form of walls, furniture, mirrors;
  • availability of wireless networks among neighbors;
  • connection to the network of third-party users;
  • power of standard antennas.

It is advisable to install the router higher (on a cabinet) and not block it with anything. If it is important to distribute the network horizontally, at one level, it is recommended to point the antennas upward.

If you need to cover several floors with a Wi-Fi network, the antennas need to be placed in different directions or horizontally, you should turn to a Wi-Fi signal booster for your router. In addition, the operation of the device may be interfered with by neighboring devices operating at the same frequency. It is recommended to place household appliances further from the router.

These problems can be quickly resolved by moving the router to another location and protecting it from neighboring interference.

Using a repeater

A wi-fi router additionally increases the network coverage by the coverage radius of its antennas. This small and inexpensive device operates from a wall outlet.

In stores you can see wi-fi signal amplifiers for routers that work only as repeaters, and devices that use a wireless distributed system (WDS). This technique allows you to increase the network coverage area by connecting access points into a seamless system without a cable connection between them.

Repeater to strengthen the router signal

WDS makes it possible to create a network both between different wireless devices and between Wi-Fi access points. An example of such a device is the TL-WA850RE universal amplifier.

The device allows you to relay the network to remote and inaccessible places where it is impossible to extend the cable. Small and lightweight Wi-Fi signal amplifiers for routers are easy to move around your home or office. Expanding the coverage area is achieved by pressing the “Range Extender” button.

Availability of Ethernet port allows the router to act as an adapter for connecting various wired devices. Using the indicators you can set the amplifier the best way. It is recommended to place the router in an area where at least three indicators glow blue.

However, installing a Wi-Fi signal amplifier for a router is not always necessary. It is usually used in extreme cases when other methods have not helped. Therefore, let's look at how to improve the quality of reception without installing a router.

Other hardware

Antenna. The most popular method is to upgrade the antennas. Such a replacement will be effective when, instead of an antenna with a power factor of 2 or 3, a similar one is installed, but at 8-10 dBi. Replacing 5 dBi with 8 dBi will not give a noticeable result.

Drink containers, metallized foil, and cans are used as a wi-fi signal amplifier for the router.

To improve the quality of the network, it is worth trying to change its direction by installing a screen on the stock antenna that reflects and sends the signal to the desired location.

We make an amplifier with our own hands from an ordinary beer can:

A router with a built-in or non-removable antenna will help improve the device with a stand and extension cable. Such a device can be moved around the room in search of a place with the highest quality signal, without moving the router itself.

Adapter. You can also improve network quality on the client device by connecting an adapter. This method is suitable for PCs to which the adapter is connected via a USB port or PCI slot.

If you have an extra router, you can always use it to operate as a Wi-Fi signal amplifier. Setting up a device as a repeater usually does not cause difficulties. inSSIDer program

Power. The network may be unstable due to low transmitter power on the router. Many models allow you to adjust the signal strength in the network settings by setting the maximum value. If signal strength adjustment is not available on some devices, DD-WRT firmware will help.

Today the most technologically advanced standard is 802.11n. Therefore, it is worth switching the Wi-Fi router to this operating mode. To do this, you need to set the required value in the wireless network settings and save the changes. More expensive router models that work with the 802.11n standard can operate at a wavelength of 5 GHz.

The 5 GHz band is still completely free and not clogged with interference from other devices or household appliances. When moving into this range, the router will be able to cover the maximum area with the network.

For owners of PCs running Win7 and Win8, there is a suitable way to improve signal reception directly on the computer. If, in order to save battery power, your PC is set to economy mode, you need to change it to high performance mode.

There are many things that can worsen the signal quality. There is no point in trying to fight everyone at once. It is enough to select a few main problems and solve them.