What is a WiFi extender? Does it really work?

While navigating through Amazon I came to know of a technology called WiFi extenders. I never heard of this before. I wonder does it really work and what is its actual purpose? Hope it is the same as a repater in wired environment. As the name denotes I think it will extend the signal to some more area.

Can anybody throw some light on this? If I connect a WiFi connector how far it can extend the signals?

It if really works, it can be very beneficial for people who live in low coverage area.

You can say Wi-Fi exntender is a type of WIFI repaeater, also known as Wi-Fi Range Extender or Expander. It is located between a client and the access point, allowing the client to receive connectivity signals more effectively. Mostly, it is used in places where the client is not close enough to the access point. At that time, Wi-Fi extender receives signals from the access point and then transmit it towards the client.

However, transmission speed is not equivalent to a direct connection through access point. But it proves effective for a client receiving weak signals and is not very useful for one that doesn't receive signals at all.

Originally Posted by rizwanramzan

You can say Wi-Fi exntender is a type of WIFI repaeater, also known as Wi-Fi Range Extender or Expander. It is located between a client and the access point, allowing the client to receive connectivity signals more effectively. Mostly, it is used in places where the client is not close enough to the access point. At that time, Wi-Fi extender receives signals from the access point and then transmit it towards the client.

However, transmission speed is not equivalent to a direct connection through access point. But it proves effective for a client receiving weak signals and is not very useful for one that doesn't receive signals at all.

That was really helpful. So, in short it is some sort of WiFi repeater, right? But my basic doubt is how long it can transmit the signals further? You said it cannot work as efficiently as a direct connect. So can't we expect that kind of signal strength with a WiFi extender?

I think a WiFi extender would be very useful for me. I was searching in Amazon and saw some good brands (may be Huawei) which cost around Rs.1700/- or so. I would only invest in it once I am clear about its true potential. I think if it cannot promise good signal strength than I will just pass it.

Originally Posted by webworld

That was really helpful. So, in short it is some sort of WiFi repeater, right? But my basic doubt is how long it can transmit the signals further? You said it cannot work as efficiently as a direct connect. So can't we expect that kind of signal strength with a WiFi extender?

I think a WiFi extender would be very useful for me. I was searching in Amazon and saw some good brands (maybe Huawei) which cost around Rs.1700/- or so. I would only invest in it once I am clear about its true potential. I think if it cannot promise good signal strength than I will just pass it.

As I have explained earlier that Wi-Fi extender can't work as efficiently as a direct connection. However, It will be of good use to you, If you are receiving low-quality Wi-Fi signals. After using a Wi-Fi extender, you can convert those low-quality signals into good ones. So that you could receive connection related services more easily.

Many different brands are making Wi-Fi extenders, having their own promises of ranges. You can check on Amazon for a good quality extender, having a decent range to extend the signal strength.

These devices are able to send the signal from the router, doubling its range and enabling the coverage is distributed in every corner. It's a good option to improve connectivity in our home but we must take into account some details before going to buy one of these devices.

The installation of a WiFi extender is simple. Just coordinate with the router, for which both devices must be connected by an Ethernet cable. From there each manufacturer software will guide the user through the process until you can unplug the power cord and place the repeater in the corresponding site.