A wireless range extender, also known as a wireless repeater enhances the coverage of a wireless network. It requires a pre-existing WiFi network. Using a repeater, the same SSID for the network is maintained (installing a second router would create another wireless network). All this device does is retransmit the signals it gets from the main access point. In this way it is able to relay the signals to areas of a home or workplace that receive low or no signal from the main router. This is all achieved wirelessly, with the device only requiring a power source and a decent location to function.
Normally, one wireless repeater has lots of modes - wireless repeating being just one of them. These modes are often wireless access point, wireless bridge or wireless repeater. There are, however, a good number of good devices available that are dedicated repeaters. These are often very straightforward to configure (in comparison with a multi-mode device that may require more in-depth set-up work). They are also usually a lot more compact than the devices with multiple modes, and can be directly plugged into a power outlet (with no cable required).
Are some computers in your house or office too far away from your wireless router to be able to link up to the network? You might find a wireless repeater helpful. It is usual to have limited network availability on different floors or on a patio in a home with one wireless access point situated in the office, for instance. It all varies with distances and building materials, naturally - in some cases the signal can have a hard time covering any more than one level. In such circumstances a wireless repeater gives a simple solution. The low-signal area can be linked up to the network by placing a repeater at some point in between the main router and the area where coverage is needed.
Some crucial features one may want to look out for when shopping for a wireless repeater are compatibility, range and ease of setup. The next level in high-speed wireless connection is Wireless-N. This technology has the range and capacity to support the high bandwidth usage of game consoles and streaming high-definition video. Not all wireless-capable devices are Wireless-N compatible, however; especially older devices will only work with a repeater compatible with the older B and G bands. It's a good idea, then to buy backwards-compatible repeater devices to cover all bases (most are, but just in case).
While shopping for a wireless repeater, it's helpful to know how much of a boost is needed. If the signal just needs a small bump (in a situation where, for example, the signal reaches the desired area but is a bit frail) this will not matter much, but in the case of more demanding signal increases needed a higher-quality repeater with good maximum reach is required. The best measure for this is likely to be looking over user reviews to get an idea what other people have managed to do with a given device.
Finally, it's recommended to get a device with straightforward configuration instructions if possible. Often the documentation can be somewhat incomprehensible, and if you're not too technical minded you might run into trouble. Once more, this is a place where customer reviews are a valuable place to look; also sometimes searching for help on the internet will lead to a helpful detailed outline to set up your wireless repeater if you're running into problems.
James Shelton writes about wireless technology and reviews a variety of wireless devices. For lots more information on wireless range extender devices and a bunch of reviews of high-selling models currently on the market, visit wirelessrepeaterhq.com.
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