Regarding WiFi signals, we all want the strongest and most reliable connection. But
sometimes, our router doesn't have the range to cover our entire home or office. That's
where
WiFi extenders come in, providing us with the additional boosted WiFi signal we
need to get a solid connection.
But are WiFi extenders worth it?
This article will comprehensively analyze the reasons why
WiFi extenders are worth buying. In addition,
we'll explore the
pros and cons of WiFi extenders to help you decide.
Do WiFi Extenders Improve the WiFi
Signal?
How?
The principle of a WiFi extender is simple – it works by receiving your existing WiFi
signal, amplifying it, and then transmitting the strengthened signal. Some WiFi
extenders also come with ethernet ports or dual-band support, which can further improve
the performance of your wireless network. There are a few different types of WiFi
extenders available on the market. But they all boost a wireless router's signal and
provide a stronger, more reliable connection for devices within range.
However, their effectiveness is influenced by internet connection speed, distance from
your router, WiFi coverage areas, etc. For example, WiFi extenders would not
significantly boost your WiFi speed if you have a low-quality router. Or if you don't
put them in the perfect place, they won't work best.
Overall, if you have a good internet connection in your home and use WiFi extenders
correctly, they definitely
improve your WiFi signal.
Are WiFi Extenders Worth the Money?
Well... It depends.
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether
WiFi extenders are worth it,
and the price is one of them. The popular WiFi extenders on the market and their prices
and advantages are as follows:
The table above shows that popular WiFi extenders are between $30 and $250. And when
your needs are different, the price of the extender is also different. You must ensure
that the advantages outweigh the expense because certain models can be expensive.
Whether or not a WiFi extender is worth the money depends on your situation. If you
only need a little help in a specific area or are on a budget, other options are
available. If you have a large home with many devices that need to be connected, an
extender is a worthwhile investment.
Are WiFi Extenders Easy to Set Up?
In most cases, yes.
WiFi extenders are designed to be easy to use, and most can be set up and running in
just a few minutes.
However, there are a few things you'll need to do before you start, such as finding a
good location for the extender. The best location for a WiFi extender is close to the
router and has a clear line of sight. Avoid placing the WiFi extender near metal
objects, electrical appliances, or other devices that may cause interference.
Once you have a good location, simply plug in the extender and follow the instructions
in the user manual. In most cases, you just need to connect to the extender's WiFi
network and enter a password. You should be ready to go after that!
Of course, there are always exceptions, and some WiFi extenders might be more difficult
to set up than others. But don't worry; you can always consult the user manual or
contact the manufacturer for support if you need help. So in terms of installation, WiFi
extenders are worth it.
Pros and Cons of Using WiFi Extenders
There are both pros and cons to using WiFi extenders.
Pros:
1. Improved coverage - By amplifying a wireless
WiFi signal, a WiFi extender can help improve the coverage of a wireless network. It can
be particularly helpful if there are dead spots in the coverage area.
2. Enhanced performance - Extenders also help
improve a wireless network's performance by boosting signal strength. They also help to
improve the speed and reliability of the connection.
3. Easy to set up - Most WiFi extenders are
very easy to set up and can be done without technical knowledge.
Cons:
1. Limited range - The range of a WiFi extender
is often limited compared to that of a wireless router. It means it may only be suitable
for a few homes or offices.
2. Interference - WiFi extenders sometimes
cause interference with other wireless devices, such as cordless phones. It can be
frustrating and can result in a poorer signal.
3. Expense - Some WiFi extenders are quite
expensive, especially if you need to purchase more than one to cover a large area.
With a good understanding of the WiFi extender, you need to ask yourself about your needs
and the effect you want to achieve with WiFi extenders. After reading this article,
you'll have a clear answer about whether a WiFi extender is worth it.