Wi-Fi Range Extender for iPad

MITM on 13/07/2017 - 18:19
Last edited 13/07/2017 - 19:07

Hi all.
So we've bought my Dad an iPad for his care home room so we can FaceTime. The WiFi signal in his room is weak and there's not much we can do about it (apart from complaining).
Is there simply a gadget which can receive the weak signal (because it has better antennae) and then re-transmit the signal stronger so the iPad can pick it up ? (Not a PoE because obviously we can't connect one end directly to the router - wherever that is anyway)

I'm imagining it would plug into a wall socket for 24hr power rather than a USB powered device (not that the iPad has a USB) - perhaps like a hotspot.

I saw the Xiaomi here https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/318171, but this needs to be paired with the device via USB first.

Thanks

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • outlander on 13/07/2017 - 18:23
    +1

    Yes, and its called a range extender. You can also use a router if it has bride mode capability
    The way they work is similar to a MITM

    • MITM on 13/07/2017 - 18:25

      Similar to a …what ?

      • outlander on 13/07/2017 - 19:41
        +1

        Man in the middle

  • scrimshaw on 13/07/2017 - 18:31
    +2

    the TP LINK TL-WPA4220KIT that I posted yesterday night is a much more stable solution, and if you want something that also does ethernet, the kit is able to do both ethernet and wifi connections at the same time.

    It is many times more expensive than the Xiaomi, but it guarantees you much better speeds because it's not a repeater, its an access point connected via powerline.

    You can also achieve the same thing by buying a cheap router and a regular powerline adapter.

    For repeaters to work, they have to be placed in an area that has good wifi connection to begin with. If placed wrongly, all you will do is just push the weak signals around, so good placement is key.

    • MITM on 13/07/2017 - 19:07

      Thanks SS but the problem is the WiFi signal is broadcast around the whole complex from elsewhere so there's no possibility of a physical connection to the router, and because of some of the fire rated walls etc, the signal in Dads room is weak. But it seems a range extender is what I'm looking for (I called it a signal booster above). Any suggestions ?

      • scrimshaw on 13/07/2017 - 21:25

        most wireless routers can be reconfigured as a wireless repeater. see Lifehacker

        Perhaps you have one sitting around unused..

        Just buy something cheap that can run DD-WRT. TL-WR940N maybe?

  • RM on 14/07/2017 - 08:03

    Bought this last year - http://www.harveynorman.com.au/netgear-wn3000rp-universal-wi…

    Never had an issue

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