Solving WiFi signal strength issue with repeater or extender

[konisaan]

I rent in a building where there are multiple free wifi access points for tenants. The service is fairly reliable however, even from the closest access point, the signal is rather weak and borderline unusable in the bedroom. Surfing is fine but you can forget about watching Youtube on a smartTV.

I have never used them, but I have heard about range extenders (I'm assuming repeaters are the same thing) that you just plug into a powerpoint, set the password and go.

I understand that the main downside is a reduction in bandwidth (can be 50%). I don't know if ping times are significantly affected, although I don't play games so this might not be an issue. The peak service bandwidth here is pretty good (see below) so a 50% reduction probably wouldn't be an issue.

Peak downstream 30 Mbps

Peak upstream 3 Mbps

Ping 35-40ms

access points are 2.5 GHz

signal averages -70dB in living room and -80dB in bedroom

Questions:

1. I've read that ideally you should buy an extender of the same make as the other internet hardware. Should you try and match the make to the modem/router or the access point that you connect to?

2. If I can't get an extender of the same brand, is there a brand/model available in TL that anyone can recommend, that they have had good experience with?

3. Extenders seem to come in a large price range. I don't know if more $$ gets you better performance?

4. Any other advice welcome!

[JaseTheBass]

I use one at work and one at home. They work OK if you make sure you use a different ID from the main router (although the manual says otherwise).

Bandwidth is fine if you put it in the 'sweet spot' but ping times are noticeably slower.

TP Link make some easy to use, readily available ones.

[Chicog]

I would download an app called Wifi Analyzer and look around your place to see where the signal is strongest.

[KittenKong]

Ideally these repeater/extender devices should be positioned about 50-65% of the distance (actual conditions may vary) between the wifi source and where you are using the wifi, in a place where the signal is still strong. If you can do that then they can be very effective, with the caveats that you mention, especially as your root internet connection at the end of it all is fast.

If you position the repeater in an area where the signal is already quite weak you will just be extending that weak signal further, so you would need to find a place in your part of the building that has the best signal, or discuss with the building management about putting the unit in a corridor or somewhere closer to their access point. They may even be prepared to move their access point or add another.

[Langsuan Man]

I can only tell you of a brand and model that has not worked for me in a house: ZyXEL Powerline Wireless Extender N300

But they do sell a line of wireless extenders that may suit your purpose:

http://www.zyxel.com/th/th/products_services/wre2205_v2.shtml?t=p

[KittenKong]

Anyone else care to recommend a brand that has worked for them?

I've had success with these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-WR710N-Wireless-Extender-Set-top/dp/B00APZZ30W/

I rather like the approach of it being a mini-router with wifi extender function, rather than just a wifi extender.

[KittenKong]

I can only tell you of a brand and model that has not worked for me in a house: ZyXEL Powerline Wireless Extender N300

I use a similar model without wifi in my condo without any trouble. Been in constant use for a couple of years with only occasional restarts required. I use it because my phone socket is on the wrong side of the room to where all my equipment is, so it serves as a bridge between my ethernet ADSL modem and my gigabit router.

Edited February 21, 2016 by KittenKong

[lostinisaan]

I would download an app called Wifi Analyzer and look around your place to see where the signal is strongest.

Done that. -80db where the tv is located is quite poor

You could try a TENDA USB antenna, with a maximal 5 meter long USB cable. Once you found the best reception, install the antenna there.

Pretty cheap and good.

[steelepulse]

I'm also looking for a wifi extender, I see a number of tp-link products on lazada. Looking at tp-links website, they all show how easy it is to sync with their router by pushing a wps button, but what about connecting to a non tp-link router? How difficult is it to set these things up?

[JaseTheBass]

It makes no difference if the main router is TPL or not.

[steelepulse]

No wps on my router. By the way, some new and not so cheap better tech is coming out. This one is out, not cheap at $499 for 3, or $199 for 1 https://www.eero.com

This one still in preorder for $249 for 3, or $99 for 1 https://getluma.com

[ThaiKneeTim]

I carry a TP Link range extender with me when I travel as the WiFi in many hostels and budget hotels is limited to reception or the communal area, with a faint signal in my room. Also, as the OP has experienced, there are often blind spots that a range extender can overcome.

Not so much a problem these days, but I've stayed in hotels that didn't have WiFi, but a neighbouring restaurant has, so I've used the range extender to boost the signal for those.

Edited February 25, 2016 by ThaiKneeTim

[PT4]

I've used two WiFi repeaters/extenders, in similar situations as "konissan" describes in the OP. They were the only way to get a decent signal in those locations. Photos below. One is size of a router (3 antennas to boost the signal). The other is travel size -- similar size to mobile phone. Both are "TP-Link" brand -- widely available in Thailand. But in my condo now I have wired connection so I don't need these -- will sell if anyone wants to buy, used, but in good condition (send me PM).

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1. I've read that ideally you should buy an extender of the same make as the other internet hardware. Should you try and match the make to the modem/router or the access point that you connect to?

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​... I didn't. There is a standard for WiFi signals. Every device follows the standard.

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2. If I can't get an extender of the same brand, is there a brand/model available in TL that anyone can recommend, that they have had good experience with?

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... I bought TP-Link simply because widely available in Thailand.

3. Extenders seem to come in a large price range. I don't know if more $$ gets you better performance?

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​... I don't know, but I don't think so. I avoid cheap-cheap anything in Thailand, of course. But above middle price, I think more $$ only buys more "features", not more power.

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4. Any other advice welcome!

Set up can be very frustrating. So I went to TP-Link service/repair shop near where I live (in Bangkok). They don't sell anything there, but I asked for a technician who would come to my condo after regular working hours and set up the extender. One did, and I learned a lot while watching him. Paid 500 baht, and he was pleased. I was very pleased with the good signal.

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​For sale:

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​​For sale:

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Edited February 25, 2016 by PT4

[Kiana]

I would recommend to buy both Alfa AWUS036H + Alfa Alfa R36 802.11 b/g/N Repeater and Range Extender : the first one will search for far away access points and improve the signal and the second will spread the signal inside the house as WiFi Router.