Hi Guys
I am planning to buy a wi-fi extender. I wanted to check what would be a good device to buy.
We have a townhouse and I have a Netgear router upstairs. The signal downstairs is pretty low.
Your recommendations would help me make a choice.
Which Wi-Fi Extender to buy?
searchsid on 17/10/2017 - 14:02
Comments
I would need another router to work as a repeater if I am not wrong?
Plug a wireless access point downstairs via ethernet
We already have a ethernet point, but no phone line. I am pretty new to this. So if its a basic query please excuse me :)
Run a cable from existing router to another access point downstairs.
I've been very happy with a the Unifi AC-Pro that I have. Recommend the AC Lite if you have no need for MIMO 3x3 speeds (or have no compatible devices)
I have the in wall AC pros at my parents house.
Also have two at my place together with the normal ac pro AP.A touch overkill for my place but full strength wifi everywhere.
powerline
If you want to go the Wifi Extender route - I would wait until this KRACK WPA2 issue is resolved and then buy one then https://www.krackattacks.com/ - since a Wifi Extender is a Wifi client they will be vulnerable until patched…
FYI, as Ubiquiti is mentioned in this thread. Ubiquiti have patched their gear overnight.
I know, thanks - I patched mine this morning at 4:30am :), it was more advise to the OP if he/she wants to go the wifi extender route (rather than Unifi APs)
Hell, OP - if your existing Netgear router is not going to be patched you may as well re-do your whole wifi infrastructure
You are better off setting up another wireless network, one for upstairs and another for downstairs. By using a wifi extender, all you are doing is 'amplifying' your existing wifi signals. With enough wireless devices, you will get to the point the wireless spectrum is saturated (ie you reach the max wireless speed)
- Consider moving your existing upstairs router to get better coverage downstairs. Remove away from things include large pools of water, aluminium foil, fridges/microwaves and away from other electrical products.
- Consider hardwiring ethernet cable to another wireless access access point downstairs
- Use powerlineAV to link your upstairs router to another access point downstairs using existing power cables inside the house. (ie no drilling or holes in the walls)
Since you already have an Ethernet point available, you can repurposed an old consumer router as an access point. No need to spend big on an Ubiquiti AP. Here is one of many guides available on the web: https://www.smallnetbuilder.com/basics/wireless-basics/30338…
If you own the place I would get it cabled with ethernet and then get a wireless access point at the end of that.
Wifi extenders are only good as a last resort, they perform poorly compared to a regular access point.