Wi-Fi range extenders

WI-FI IS VERY CONVENIENT, BUT LOADS OF FACTORS CAN DEGRADE THE SIGNAL AND GIVE POOR BANDWIDTH, OR AN UNRELIABLE, HIGH PING CONNECTION.

Many houses end up with an annoying black spot, and maintaining a link into a backyard or garage can be a frustrating experience. Wi-Fi range extenders step in to help by picking up an existing signal, and re-broadcasting it, to increase the overall range. For a device connecting to the network, the switch between the two complementary networks is automatic and seamless. Some models also have a LAN port, and can extend a wired network, over Wi-Fi. Others can be configured as media bridge, to bring wireless connectivity to wired only devices such as a gaming console.

It is important to match the range extender to your existing Wi-Fi. The spec is usually given as the Wi-Fi standard supported (N or AC), and the total throughput in megabits per second (Mbps) — for example, AC1900 means 802.11ac spec, with a theoretical total of 1,900Mbps throughput split across both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. (Specifically, 600Mbps on the former and 1,300Mbps on the latter.)

HOW WE TESTED

Wi-Fi range extenders were connected to our test network, using a Linksys EA9500 or compatible router. Each was positioned for the best signal strength, around halfway to the ‘edge’ of the main network. Throughput was tested at a further 10m range, beyond a useful connection to the original Wi-Fi. Speeds were measured with LAN Speed Test. The extenders were configured to just repeat the signal on both frequencies, and not link back to the router on the other band. This reduces overall bandwidth, but ensures both 2.4GHz and 5GHz devices can connect.