Is it possible to achieve the same speed using Wi-Fi and a repeater
Is it possible to achieve the same speed using Wi-Fi and a repeater
Today's Wi-Fi devices enable us to move more freely within our homes. The issue is that not all locations have strong Wi-Fi reception. This can make using the Wi-Fi equipment in those rooms or rooms a real ordeal. Typically, the issue is caused by a router that is incapable of providing all of the coverage we require. In these cases, the simplest solution is to install a Wi-Fi repeater that amplifies the signal so that we can continue to use our wireless connection. Thus, we have the question of whether we will get the same speed using Wi-Fi and a repeater, which we will determine.
What is the purpose of a Wi-Fi repeater?
A Wi-Fi repeater's primary function is to enable us to easily expand our home's wireless coverage. This occurs as a result of the router's inability to provide Wi-Fi coverage throughout our home. In these cases, Wi-Fi amplifiers become the most cost-effective and efficient way to supplement the router and provide coverage throughout the house.
D-Link, ASUS, NETGEAR, AVM FRITZ!, and TP-Link are just a few of the major manufacturers of Wi-Fi repeaters.
However, if we want to maintain the same speed when using the main router's Wi-Fi, we must purchase a Wi-Fi repeater with the same specifications as the router and, if possible, with simultaneous triple band to dedicate a frequency band to the router-repeater connection. Additionally, another specific method for creating an access point would be to use our Windows computer.
Recognize your router's technical specifications
If you want to get the most out of your home's Wi-Fi, the first thing you should learn about is your router's technical specifications. One of the first things you'll want to determine is whether your router operates on a single frequency band or on simultaneous dual bands. The single-band models are older and operate exclusively on the 2.4 GHz band. Today, the most common type is simultaneous dual-band, which operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands simultaneously.
A straightforward indicator that we have a dual-band router is the presence of two SSIDs or network names, one for 5 GHz Wi-Fi and another for 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. To be certain about everything, the best course of action is to consult the manufacturer's or Internet provider's website for technical specifications. This way, we'll know whether it only supports the 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n standards for Wi-Fi 4 on the 2.4 GHz band, or if it also supports the 802.11ac standard for Wi-Fi 5 on the 5 GHz band. Additionally, the 802.ax standard, also known as Wi-Fi 6, was added recently and can operate in both frequency bands.
As a curiosity, if you have an older router, you can occasionally use it as a repeater to extend coverage. Then, because you can access the same speed via Wi-Fi, it will depend on whether their characteristics are comparable.
How our Wi-Fi repeater must be configured
After determining the specifications of your home router, we must locate a partner with comparable specifications. To begin, we'll examine two details:
- That both adhere to the same standard, such as 802.11ac or WiFi 5.
- They both operate at the same speed. For instance, if our router is an AC1200, we should purchase an AC 1200 Wi-Fi repeater.
Occasionally, if the price does not increase significantly, you may consider upgrading to a higher category, particularly a repeater with simultaneous triple band, to ensure that the interconnection trunk is dedicated and not shared with customers. As a result, if you change your router, you can take advantage of it.
Additionally, we should consider the following:
- Ethernet ports: If this repeater has several Ethernet ports, we can assume they are Gigabit Ethernet and can be used to connect a laptop or desktop PC via network cable. This eliminates the need for us to purchase a Wi-Fi adapter. Additionally, it could be used as an access point when connected to the router.
- The firmware: understand the additional options that it can provide, such as creating a guest network or if you have a Wi-Fi programmer. Additionally, it would be interesting to know the years of support in order to determine how long we will have firmware updates that protect our repeater.
- Supports Mesh WiFi with WiFi roaming: some repeaters allow you to integrate your equipment into the Mesh network, particularly if they are manufactured by the same manufacturer; in this way, we can configure a complete Mesh WiFi network with WiFi roaming in order to avoid a loss of wireless connection.
- Dedicated trunk link: some WiFi repeaters support simultaneous triple band operation. As a result, they can connect to the router via the 5 GHz band, resulting in improved wireless performance.
In summary, to achieve the same speed over Wi-Fi, we must look for a repeater that shares the same characteristics as the router, is of a reputable brand, and offers adequate support.