To surf the internet, work from home, or play games with friends, most people use a WiFi connection. However, this technology has a large number of natural enemies: from walls and ceilings, some electronic devices, as well as mirrors and metal surfaces. In many cases we can use the WiFi repeater, but there are also other (and better) alternatives.
The WiFi repeater is not everything
In most cases, performance degradation occurs because the router reaches its limits . In other words, the connection comes from a point that is often far from the areas where it is needed.
However, the first step is to perform two speed tests on your WiFi: first using a wireless connection and then connecting your computer to the router with an Ethernet cable. In this way you will be able to control what WiFi signal you have at all times and if you really need to use something more than a WiFi repeater .
Because, as such, this repeater is a very simple and straightforward device, but it is also worth mentioning a reality that is even more accessible, and for which it is also worth enjoying other gadgets that will expand our connection wireless at home.
Other alternatives you should use
For those who have a larger house and want a more comfortable and easy-to-use system, the best solution is a mesh system made up of several nodes that communicate with each other. In this way you will always be connected to the point with the strongest signal, which is that we can have a better opportunity beyond the WiFi repeater.
The reason for this is the connection speed offered by your router , since it is shared by all the devices that are connected to the device in the same space or address.
mesh Wi-Fi
A more complete system than the WiFi repeater is a mesh pack that comes with three connection points, with which you can connect an area of 460 square meters. If your house is much smaller, a single point will be enough to strengthen the signal and reach up to 140 meters.
It also unifies the 2.4 Ghz and 5Ghz bands into a single signal , so you don’t have to go around connecting each device to a different one. It has True Mesh technology that ‘balances’ the flow of the signal towards one point or another to detect where more bandwidth is needed and thus avoid ‘buffering’ and other inconveniences.
Powerline PLC Adapters
The WiFi repeater is limited and is no longer suitable when the distance is very far. However, there is also a more expensive but simpler and more effective technical solution. These are the powerline adapters .
These devices take advantage of the electrical circuit of the house like a long data cable. The advantage is that reinforced concrete walls, ceilings and even underfloor heating systems are no longer an obstacle. These adapters create a quick access point at any outlet. Installation is extremely easy. Just plug one near the modem, another in the place where you want to take the signal and synchronize them using a button.
Mesh systems
To solve these problems, it is best to opt for WiFi Mesh systems with which connectivity can be greatly improved and you will avoid any problem and setback.
Unlike repeaters, this is made up of several devices or satellites that connect to each other . Instead of each one connecting to the router, in this case they will connect to each other, which will do to connect to the satellites depending on which one is better at each moment.
Ethernet cable
With the arrival of fiber optic connections and the high speeds that they offer us, the best thing we can do to take full advantage of them is to connect our devices directly by network cable to the router.
Thanks to this cable, you can take advantage of the total internet bandwidth that you have contracted. This network cable can be connected directly to compatible equipment, but also to a second router or access point that will distribute the signal wirelessly. Currently, the most advanced types of Ethernet cable are very cheap and the result is very worthwhile. Although possible, it is best to opt for Cat 5e or higher Ethernet cables .
- Cat 5 Ethernet: Speed 100 Mbps / Frequency 100 MHz / Download speed 15.5 MB/s
- Ethernet Cat 5e: Speed 1,000 Mbps / Frequency 100 MHz / Download speed 150.5 MB/s
- Cat 6 Ethernet: Speed 1,000 Mbps / Frequency 250 MHz / Download speed 150.5 MB/s
- Cat 6A Ethernet: Speed 10,000 Mbps / Frequency 500 MHz / Download speed 1.25 GB/s
- Cat 7 Ethernet: Speed 10,000 Mbps / Frequency 600 MHz / Download speed 1.25 GB/s
- Cat 7A Ethernet: Speed 10,000 Mbps / Frequency 1,000 MHz / Download speed 1.25 GB/s
- Cat 8 Ethernet: Speed 40,000 Mbps / Frequency 2,000 MHz / Download speed 5 GB/s