How To Buy The Best WiFi Extender For Your Home Needs- Welcome to MERCUSYS

Do you have a certain area in your home where WiFi doesn’t work very well? Is your internet connection intermittent during video chats or gaming sessions? WiFi extender is the quickest solution! It’s essential for eliminating dead zones and improving internet connectivity throughout your home.

There are a lot of WiFi extenders available today, so choosing the right one can feel rather difficult. This guide will help you identify the essential factors to consider so you can select the best WiFi extender for your home.

What Is a WiFi Range Extender?

A Wi-Fi range extender, also known as a Wi-Fi booster or repeater, is a device designed to amplify and extend the coverage of your existing wireless network. It receives the signal from your main Wi-Fi router, boosts it, and then rebroadcasts the signal to areas where Wi-Fi coverage is weak or doesn’t exist at all.

How Does WiFi Extender Work?

Typically, one places a WiFi extender between the router and areas with poor connectivity, within the router's signal's range. Once it receives the signal, the extender strengthens it and sends it to devices located in areas that were previously out of range.

Some extenders create a new extended network, while others integrate seamlessly with the existing one. Although Wi-Fi extenders improve coverage, they can reduce overall network speed because they use bandwidth to communicate with the router.

The Benefits of a WiFi Extender?

Before purchasing a WiFi extender, first, you need to figure out whether you genuinely need one. A WiFi extender can improve your network’s performance in various scenarios:

Dead Zones: If certain areas of your home receive weak or no WiFi signal, an extender can bridge the gap.
Large Homes: In homes with multiple floors or expansive layouts, extenders help cover areas beyond the router’s range.
Outdoor Coverage: A WiFi extender can enhance coverage to outdoor spaces like gardens or patios.
Device Overload: In homes with many connected devices, a WiFi extender can help distribute the load to ensure better performance for all devices.

How to Choose The Best WiFi Extender

When choosing a WiFi extender, keep these important considerations in mind:

Compatibility: Ensure the extender is compatible with your router. Most modern extenders support a wide range of routers, but checking specifications can save you from compatibility issues.
WiFi Standards: Look for extenders that support the latest WiFi standards, such as 802.11ac or WiFi 6 (802.11ax). These standards ensure faster speeds and improved performance.
Frequency Bands: Dual-band extenders offer both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, providing flexibility for speed and range. Some high-performance models even include tri-band support for better management of multiple devices.
Speed and Throughput: Evaluate the extender’s speed ratings (measured in Mbps) to match your internet plan and usage needs. Opt for higher speeds if you frequently stream 4K videos, play online games, or conduct video conferencing.

Placement and Coverage

Proper placement of your WiFi extender is crucial for optimal performance. Consider these factors when selecting and setting up your device:

Proximity to the Router: Place the extender halfway between your router and the dead zone for the best results. Ensure it’s within a strong signal range from your router.
Coverage Area: Choose an extender designed to cover the size of your home. Some models specify their coverage range in square feet
Physical Obstacles: Walls, furniture, and appliances can weaken WiFi signals. Look for extenders with stronger signal strength to overcome such obstacles.
Multiple Extenders: For huge homes, using more than one extender may be necessary to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Features to Look For

Different extenders offer various features to enhance usability and performance. Here are the must-have features to consider:

Mesh Compatibility: Mesh-enabled extenders work seamlessly with your router to create a unified network and ensure consistent speeds as you move around your home.
Ethernet Ports: Extenders with Ethernet ports allow you to connect wired devices, such as gaming consoles or smart TVs, for a stable connection.
App-Based Management: Many extenders come with companion apps that let you monitor and control your network settings remotely.
Smart Indicators: Signal strength indicators help you find the ideal placement for your extender.
Guest Networks: Some extenders allow you to create guest networks and keep your main network secure.

Budget and Brand Considerations

Price plays a significant role when selecting a WiFi extender. Here’s how to find the best value for your budget:

Budget-Friendly Options: For basic internet needs, such as browsing and social media, affordable extenders can provide satisfactory performance.
Mid-Range Models: If you require faster speeds or dual-band support, mid-range options offer a balance of performance and cost.
High-End Extenders: For gaming, 4K streaming, or smart homes with multiple connected devices, investing in a high-performance extender is totally worth it.
Brand Reputation: Reputable brands are more likely to provide reliable products, regular firmware updates, and better customer support.
Warranty and Support: Look for brands that offer extended warranties and responsive customer service for added peace of mind.

Installation and Setup

The ease of installation and setup is another important factor. Most WiFi extenders today are designed for quick and user-friendly setup.

Plug-and-Play Models: These extenders are simple to set up and only require plugging into a power outlet and connecting to your router.
WPS Compatibility: WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) allows for simple pairing with your router by pressing a button on both devices.
Manual Configuration: Some extenders offer manual setup options and provide more control over network settings.
Firmware Updates: Regularly update the extender’s firmware for optimal performance and security.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Even the best WiFi extenders may need occasional troubleshooting. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

Slow Speeds: Check for interference from other devices, ensure proper placement, and confirm your extender is using the correct frequency band.
Connection Drops: Update the extender’s firmware and verify its compatibility with your router.
Limited Range: Consider upgrading to a higher-performance extender or adding another extender for larger spaces.
Interference: Keep the extender away from devices like microwaves and cordless phones, which can interfere with WiFi signals.

Advanced Options for Power Users

For users with more demanding needs, certain advanced features can make a difference:

Beamforming Technology: This focuses the WiFi signal directly on devices and improves connection strength and speed.
QoS (Quality of Service): This allows prioritization of specific devices or activities and ensures smoother performance for tasks like gaming or video streaming.
Cloud Management: Some extenders enable remote management via cloud-based platforms, ideal for frequent travelers or tech-savvy users.
Expandable Mesh Systems: High-end extenders may integrate with mesh systems for seamless, whole-home coverage.

When choosing the best WiFi extender for your home, you should also consider compatibility, coverage, speed, and features. Whether you need to eliminate dead zones or improve overall connectivity, understanding your specific needs will guide you to the right choice.

For an efficient solution, explore Mercusys’ range of WiFi extenders. Known for their high performance, user-friendly setup, and innovative features, Mercusys extenders cater to various budgets and needs, so your home network is always at its best.

Here are our recommended WiFi extenders from Mercusys:

MW300RE N300 WiFi Range Extender: The MW300RE is a budget-friendly option for extending Wi-Fi coverage, ideal for homes with light to moderate internet use. It’s excellent for basic tasks like browsing and streaming.

ME70X AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6: The ME70X is excellent for extending Wi-Fi 6 networks throughout the home for fast, dependable connections. Ideal for 4K streaming, online gaming, and smart home setups.

ME200 AC750 Dual-Band WiFi Range Extender: The ME200 offers reliable dual-band performance at an affordable price, making it a fantastic option for improving network coverage in small to medium-sized homes.

FAQs on WiFi Range Extender

1. Do I need a dual-band extender?

A dual-band extender offers better performance by supporting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, which provides faster speeds and better handling of multiple devices. We recommend it for those seeking optimal performance and minimal speed loss.

2. Do Wi-Fi extenders work with any router?

Most WiFi extenders are compatible with any router, regardless of the brand. However, for optimal performance, make sure the extender supports the same Wi-Fi standards (e.g., Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6) as your router.

3. What is the difference between a Wi-Fi extender and a Wi-Fi booster?

A Wi-Fi extender and Wi-Fi booster are essentially the same thing—both extend the coverage of your wireless network. The terms are often used interchangeably.