Router here, router there, moving things around, tweaking settings… sooner or later we reach a point where the usual tricks run out, and that annoying corner of the house still has no WiFi signal. The first thing that comes to the rescue in these cases is the classic WiFi extender, which, despite some natural limitations, should be more than enough to increase signal coverage. Today we present five of them.
Getting a good WiFi signal from a router shouldn't be complicated... but sometimes it simply is. Manufacturers can only anticipate to a certain extent the limitations a router will face in a home, and that includes its construction. Some materials are more tolerant of WiFi signals, while others show no mercy. Then there are simpler issues, like dimensions. If the property is too long or wide, a router located at one end has a pretty tough job if the goal is to cover the entire area. Even so, routers have a powerful ally in the form of WiFi extenders, also known as repeaters. Many users prefer devices that use the electrical wiring to extend an Ethernet signal, but our goal this time is to keep everything under a wireless profile. If you're looking for a WiFi extender, here are five suggestions:
TP-LINK TL-WA854RE
One of the best-selling online thanks to its price, the TP-LINK TL-WA854RE takes on its role as an introductory WiFi extender wonderfully. It has two internal antennas, works with the b, g, and n protocols, and although it is limited to 2.4 GHz, its top speed reaches 300 megabits per second, depending on the original connection. It's very compact, and it goes fairly unnoticed. (19 euros)
D-Link DAP-1320/B
If for some reason the TP-LINK hardware doesn't appeal to you, a very similar option in terms of price and specs is the D-Link DAP-1320/B repeater. It's even more compact than the TP-LINK offering (aesthetics always matter), it can be configured in less than five minutes, and it includes WPS support to make the process simpler (although I don't recommend using WPS in any case). (26 euros)
Netgear WN3000RP-200PES
Let's make room for another competitive alternative, this time from Netgear. The model WN3000RP-200PES (a complicated name if there ever was one) has a very important advantage: it features external directional antennas. This slightly affects its appearance, but anyone who wants a bit more precision when aiming the signal should keep it in mind. (24 euros)
Belkin F9K1015AZ
Now it's Belkin's turn with its WiFi repeater F9K1015AZ. The manufacturer bets on a compact design, almost camouflaged in the power outlet, and still reports that this little device can cover more than 400 additional square meters on its own. If you need to extend the 2.4 GHz band and maintain some 'uniformity' in your power strip, this extender should help. (24 euros)
Linksys RE4100W-EU
Finally, we're going to double the budget with the Linksys RE4100W-EU. The main point to highlight is that it's a dual-band repeater, meaning it works on both 2.4 and 5 GHz, which is critical if the goal is to extend the signal and avoid interference from other networks. It also has an Ethernet port, so it can act as an access point for a desktop system. (45 euros)
As you can see, most of the items on this list focus on extending 2.4 GHz networks, with only one option at 5 GHz. I chose to do this because WiFi extenders can quickly blow your budget (150 euros or more), and whatever your final purchase, it makes sense to start from a good price-to-performance ratio. To wrap up, don't forget that there's the possibility of reusing an old router as a repeater, though that depends on its hardware and the options in the firmware. Good luck!
