Anyone know about WiFi extenders?

fr0sty · 24 Nov 2016 at 15:31

I'm after one of these but the last one I had (it's lost now) just made a new network rather than "extending" the current network. Is there something that actually extends my current WiFi range or do they all create new networks?

In an ideal world I'd just move the router to the middle of the house but I can't put if anywhere else as the kids will get at it.

The last one I had was a tp link and I didn't think much of it really. I have an Asus router and I'm on Plusnet.

neodude · 24 Nov 2016 at 15:40

Get a Ubiquiti AP and mount it on the ceiling.

fr0sty · 30 Nov 2016 at 14:18

Yep that looks the job alright tho I'll have to get a bit of help installing it I reckon

Thanks

BigT · 30 Nov 2016 at 15:28

Mounting a Ubiquiti in a central location is the best solution. In terms of physical installation you're looking at nothing more complicated than running a single cat5 cable to the mounting point and drilling a couple of screws through a mounting plate so well within DIYabiity

If you want to go down an extender route then you have to plug one of those in halfway between your existing router (assuming that's providing your current wifi) and the dead spot. This is so it can receive the router's wifi and extend it on. Normally they are configurable to use the same SSID and so appear as one network. Be aware you only get half the throughput though.

Another option is to use powerline to extend it via your existing mains wiring and the powerline adapter in your deadspot can be one that provides wifi access. You'd need to manually set it to be the same SSID but on a different channel. This will definitely be slower compared to a modern pure wifi solution in all likelihood and some people find them temperamental.

joeyjojo · 30 Nov 2016 at 17:28

neodude said:
Get a Ubiquiti AP and mount it on the ceiling.

This, though other devices are available OP.

Usually anything that has WiFi (an "access point" or AP) and ethernet sockets (e.g. integrated switch) will do.

Doesn't have to be ceiling mounted either obviously, this is just quite tidy.

Cabling in an AP is the best solution, better than repeaters (AKA extenders) or powerline for the reasons above.