Adapter for amplifying the wifi signal. Wi-Fi - wireless network optimization: increase the range of a wi-fi router, increase the strength of the wireless network signal

Usability wireless technologies led to the spread of gadgets in which WiFi is integrated. Of course, traditional LAN ports do not lose their relevance, but already as a secondary means of accessing the network. Especially since on the street or in public place given port and not required at all. However, the use of wireless Internet access tools has its drawbacks in the form of interference or insufficient coverage. Therefore, the question arises of the means by which it is possible to strengthen the WiFi antenna for its more efficient operation.

First of all, users turn to equipment manufacturers, who note the dependence of reception quality on factors such as radius networking, type of access point, as well as the characteristics of the antennas themselves. Of course, the listed factors directly affect the signal quality, but if they do not allow you to achieve the required communication quality, then do not despair - there are many ways to solve this problem.

Correct device location

Before you interfere with the settings and experiment with upgrading devices, it is worth analyzing the location of the device itself in terms of optimal reception. First of all, it must be taken into account that the access point should provide the maximum possible coverage of the potentially used area - for example, in an office or apartment.

Also in response to the question of how to strengthen the antenna, the signal of the WiFi router and the overall reception quality, the importance of free space for the passage of radio waves. That is, interior partitions act as a rather serious barrier and can impede signal transmission. Moreover, this also applies to modern cellular concrete walls with plasterboard finish, and even more so brick reinforced structures. You can solve the problem by choosing a point for the location of the router so that it can be easily accessed.

Coincidence of channel frequencies - what to do?

Software methods of amplifying the signal, unfortunately, are the least popular among users, while a lot depends on the settings. To start improving the operation of wireless devices at the software level, one should analyze the frequencies at which the equipment operates. For example, if there are 10-15 networks in the house, then it is obvious that you will have to forget about good quality, since with more likely signals intersect and interfere with each other.

If you choose the right channel for broadcasting radio waves, then all questions about how to amplify WiFi antenna-router, will disappear by themselves. But to select a channel, you need special program- for example, you can use the InSSIDer system. This software must be used in parallel with the WiFi adapter. The InSSIDer program installed on the computer will display data on all available channels, identifying employed and free. In accordance with the information received, it remains only to reconfigure the adapter's operating mode to a suitable frequency.

Increasing the power of the router

An unsatisfactory reception signal of the device may be due to the fact that the settings themselves impose restrictions on it. Actually, this is an elementary way to improve the quality of the network. To understand how to increase the power of the WiFi router antenna, you need to understand the settings specific model devices. Usually, power adjustment is present in the "Advanced Settings", on which the network operation parameters depend.

In one of the tabs there should be an inscription mentioning the transmission power. For example, on English language it could be the string Wireless Transmit Power. The adjustment indicator itself can be represented in different ways, in percentage or levels such as "Low", "High", etc. Thus, in order to obtain high power router and strengthen the WiFi antenna, you should install maximum value this setting. True, in modifications of the SOHO level, such settings may be absent, and then only special firmware will help, for the integration of which it is advisable to turn to professionals.

Tuning by standard and range

Again, many users are not familiar with the standard their device is running on. At the same time, there are currently two network standard: 802.11ac and 802.11n. The first is not yet available to a wide range of consumers, and the second is considered one of the most powerful. If you plan to strengthen the WiFi antenna due to the fact that the device does not perceive the signal at all, then it is possible that the equipment simply works on a different standard.

Transferring a gadget to the 802.11n format is usually done in the main settings - in essence, this is a choice of operating mode parameters. Here it is worth mentioning at 5 GHz, with which devices that support the 802.11n standard work. Unlike the more common 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz channels are still more or less free and not cluttered, so the quality of work in this format is an order of magnitude higher.

Disabling Power Saving Mode

During operation modern computers food savings issues have become especially relevant. This mainly applies to portable devices, which should long time work without charge. Unfortunately, only under the condition of increasing productivity can one strengthen WiFi reception on a tablet.

The antenna will work with minimum settings power when the device is switched to power saving mode. This does not mean that it is necessary to set the maximum performance format for the computer, but it is better to avoid the minimum level of power supply. The best option- use a balanced mode that will not interfere full-fledged work WiFi.

Antenna refinement

This is a favorite way to improve reception quality. different antennas from craftsmen. Its essence lies in the fact that the working element of the reception is additionally equipped with metal devices in the form of pieces of foil, tin elements and cans. Since it is possible to amplify according to this scheme without harm to the device itself, it makes sense to experiment with different designs. Although some users point out good effect from such improvements, a serious result should not be expected. By at least, this method of solving the problem significantly loses to the elementary replacement of the antenna with a more powerful model. However, the coverage area should be increased when using metal add-ons.

Repeater application

The installation of a WiFi repeater also leads to a direct increase in signal strength. The principle of operation of this device is that it is connected to the network as a regular client, but later plays the role of a distributor of the received signal, expanding coverage in accordance with the capabilities of its own antenna. The repeater is identical in size to a standard power supply, so it won't take up much space. Also, its acquisition is beneficial in terms of simple settings and service in general.

With the help of a repeater, you can not only amplify the signal of the WiFi antenna, but also expand the coverage using WDS technology. That is, the device will allow you to combine different points access without the need for wired contacts. Price budget models repeaters varies on average from 700 to 1000 rubles. More productive and reliable devices with advanced functionality can cost 2000-3000 rubles.

Adapter extensions

To save yourself from problems with signal reception via WiFi, it is recommended to initially purchase powerful adapters and, most importantly, with an external antenna. In this regard, receiver models integrated into tablets and laptops are less efficient. Nevertheless, for such devices it will not be superfluous to provide an extension cord. With it, you can move the modem in search of the optimal place for reception. If the question is how to strengthen the WiFi antenna on a laptop, then this option will be even more advantageous, since the mobility of the device itself will expand the possibilities for searching best point location. By the way, the length of cables for USB devices can be up to 3 m.

Conclusion

Rarely is it possible to significantly improve the quality of WiFi signal reception by using one or even two methods. The fact is that the implementation of all recommendations can be nullified if, for example, in the device settings it is indicated minimum level power. Conversely, if all program parameters are oriented to optimal mode operation of the equipment, then interference in the form of an interior partition will also spoil the potentially high quality of reception. Therefore, a WiFi antenna can be significantly strengthened only with an integrated approach to analyzing its settings and estimating its location. As practice shows, the most effective solution in terms of strengthening the reception power, it is still the purchase of a more technologically advanced modern equipment. In particular, the latest models open up the possibility of working in new ones providing high and stable data transfer.

To enjoy such a boon of civilization as wireless Internet people are used to. But they are not always satisfied with how well their devices receive or distribute Wi-Fi. Can something be done about it? Of course, there are options. Depending on what exactly you want to get, there are several different ways.

Strengthen the distribution

There are some universal ways which help to improve the signal quality. All of them, by the way, are spelled out in the instructions for devices (routers), but it would be useful to repeat them. So, how to strengthen the WiFi signal for distribution.

Location

Pay attention to where your router is located. The radius of devices is usually 25-30 meters. Mobile (those that are issued by cellular operators to work with their SIM cards and tariffs) are somewhat smaller - 10-12 meters. However, all this will not be enough if the router is installed incorrectly. In order for the signal to be heard equally everywhere, it is advisable to place it in the center of the room. It is very important that metal objects are kept away from it. They significantly degrade the signal quality. For example, it is better not to have a router in the kitchen at all. Stove, refrigerator and Appliances can really ruin your networking experience.

Interference

To others common reasons bad signal include various types of interference. For example, mobile phone signals. The closer the router is to the mobile phone, the worse it distributes the Internet. How to deal with it? Someone just sits away from the router with the phone, but there are those who have radically solved the problem. Some resourceful users simply wrap the equipment in food foil. Why her? It does not transmit microwaves emitted by a mobile phone. That is, it does not affect the receive signal and transmission in the end.

Antenna

If your router is equipped with an antenna, then using it you can significantly improve Internet distribution. For example, your device is located on a closet in the room, and you most often sit in the corner at the table. Just turn the antenna in the direction you normally are. So the signal will not go to the side. If the standard antenna is too short, with a small radius of action, then you can replace it. A special WiFi signal amplifier is not suitable for every model, but some still support this option. It will be useful to consult with experts before buying.

Another router is a hindrance

In apartment buildings, many people use Wi-Fi technologies. And, of course, almost everyone has their own router. This often causes problems. The signals overlap each other, do not allow the devices to work normally. How to deal with it? First, you can try rearranging your router. Secondly, rotate the antenna, giving a directional signal. Which is not always convenient. Thirdly, you can use reflectors. How to strengthen the WiFi signal with them? Look for such devices in specialized stores. They are usually attached to the antenna, preventing the signal from propagating beyond the foil. Yes, reflectors are made from it. Can be made by yourself desired shape device. In this case, the signal from the neighbor's router simply will not reach you. This means that the distribution of the Internet on your device will increase significantly.

How to improve reception on a smartphone?

Modern mobile phones not bad and quite smartly catch various wireless networks. But the signal is not always well kept. Especially when it does not come from your router, but, for example, from a neighbor's. Can this be fought? How to strengthen the WiFi signal for reception?

Special applications

If your phone is on Android platform, then there should be no problems with amplification. Play market contains enough various applications to help improve Wi-Fi reception. After testing several, you can stop at one that perfectly meets your requirements. Wi-Fi Overview 360, by the way, has earned a lot of flattering reviews from grateful users. The application allows not only to enhance signal reception, but also to significantly increase the reception radius. You may even catch hands that are quite far away from you.

For Apple products

The developers of devices from a well-known company made sure that their customers do not suffer from poor signal quality. However, additional amplifiers have appeared in the iTunes catalog. Some on paid basis, some free of charge. For example, a WiFi signal booster for Apple WiFi Boost is in particular demand because it has both Beta and PRO versions. This application allows you not only to catch good signal but also hold it securely. According to the principle "once caught - I will not let go." Of course, within reasonable limits of your movement from the location of the router.

Frequency

Typically, Wi-Fi signal tuners set all devices to the same standard frequency. And this is what plays a significant role in the distribution and reception. Especially if there are several such devices in an apartment building. How to deal with it? How to strengthen the WiFi signal in this case? Change frequency! Of course, if it is supported by your router. Read the user manual for your device carefully. Perhaps all actions are performed manually. But the owners mobile routers it is useless to fight with the frequency and distribution channel. Bye cellular operators do not provide such an opportunity. It is possible that over time this shortcoming will be corrected.

Special utilities

Is your computer or laptop not picking up a signal well? Or did he not take it very well initially? There are some utilities, the installation of which will help strengthen WiFi reception. It is advisable to download them from the websites of the program developers, since many files on the network have been uploaded by scammers and hackers.

speedtest.net

In general, initially it was an application for mobile devices. And on this moment the developers have also created a computer utility that significantly improves the performance of both the PC itself and Wi-Fi signal reception. The program interface is simple and clear, all settings are in Russian.

Drivers

Often the problem of signal reception lies in the fact that they are simply outdated system drivers. How to deal with it? First, update all drivers on your computer or laptop. You can do this on the official website of your device or software. Secondly, you need to update your router drivers. This also requires an official website. If you already have such an option as automatic software updates, then you can use it. In the end, if this does not affect the quality of the signal, then at least it will not hurt.

Instead of output

Before going to extremes and downloading a lot of applications and programs, first determine the location of the router. It is on this that in most cases the quality of the signal depends both on distribution and reception by devices. Try to remove all interference from the router on maximum distance. Remember that the higher the device is located, the less it will interfere with the signals of other household appliances. For example, a microwave oven, even on remote distance, can significantly worsen distribution of Wi-Fi. If you rearrange the router to a height that does not intersect with it, then the quality will increase. It is not recommended to place the device on the floor, as the floor covering may adversely affect the Wi-Fi signal.

You bought a WiFi router, installed it and used it for a while. As a result, you were not completely satisfied with his work. wireless network: low speed data transfer, poor Wi-Fi reception in the apartment, unstable signal and constant disconnections. What to do? Is it really only a replacement for a more powerful one that will help and you will have to spend a lot of money again ?!
Do not rush to run to the store for a new one. In most cases, this problem can be solved independently! Moreover, the tips and tricks below will help to strengthen the WiFi router signal even for beginners.

The first step is firmware updates.

Despite the fact that manufacturers of network gadgets are improving and trying to ensure the good quality of their products, out of the box, most routers come with semi-working software, on which some of the functions work crookedly. For example, Wi-Fi may be unstable. That is why software updates are the first thing to start setting up. network device. Fortunately, this is done very quickly and simply. We go to the official website of the manufacturer, in the "Support" section, download latest version firmware for your device model.
After that, open the web interface of the router and find the menu section Software Update(Firmware update).

Everything is simple here: first you need to click on the "Browse" button and select the file with the firmware. And then click the "Update" button and wait until the process is completed. Usually this takes a few minutes.

Note: on the latest models routers from Zyxel, D-Link and a number of other manufacturers have already integrated the function automatic update firmware.

The user only needs to click on one button to check for updates on the site, and then another to install the update on the device.

The second step is to properly configure the WiFi hotspot.

Most users, after buying a Wi-Fi router, do not really think about the settings and leave most of the parameters at the default value.
In some cases this is sufficient. But if you want high speed and the largest WiFi coverage area, then you need to set some parameters correctly.

The first is the mode being used. Top speed and the best quality in the normal 2.4 GHz band can only be provided by the 802.11n. We force it.

The second is the channel width. On most Wi-Fi access points, the default width is set to 20 MHz. High speed will only be at 40 MHz.

The third is WiFi Multi-Media - WMM. This parameter is responsible for quality control for different types traffic and without turning it on, it will not be possible to develop top speed data transfer to WiFi networks.

The fourth important parameter is responsible for the strength of the signal emitted by the router Transmit Power.

On some models, the power is initially underestimated by up to 40%. This is enough for one room, but not enough for the whole apartment. To maximize the Wi-Fi signal of the router, set the parameter value to 100%.

Not on all devices, the power of the router is explicitly regulated. For example, on TP-Link routers this is done in the advanced settings of the WiFi network, the "Operating mode" parameter:

There are three settings available - high, medium and low power. First, set the average value and check the result. There is not enough Wi-Fi coverage - set the power to high and check again.

The third step is the correct location of the access point

Yes, yes, the quality of the Wi-Fi network directly depends on where the router is located. There are some common mistakes that allow when installing an access point.

The first mistake is when wireless device put under the table system unit. There are even two mistakes here - it should be placed on the contrary higher and a little further from the PC or laptop. If the client is too close to the access point, poor quality WiFi signal.

The second common mistake is to install a router in the outermost rooms of the apartment, while it should be done as close to the center as possible. It's all about spherical wave propagation.

The Wi-Fi coverage area extends in all directions in a circle due to the fact that omnidirectional antennas are installed (narrow-directional antennas are not installed on ordinary home routers). That is why if the device is placed at the neighbor's wall, then a significant part of the coverage area will be wasted on the neighbor's apartment. We don't need this!

The fourth step is the use of additional equipment

In some cases, it is impossible to improve and strengthen the WiFi signal in the apartment without using additional equipment and devices.
In a private house, you can strengthen the Wi-Fi signal by replacing the antennas of the router with more powerful ones, since they are on sale.

If your router has non-removable antennas or you need to expand its coverage area by long distance- you can use the installation of one or more repeaters.

These are special devices that connect to your wireless network and enhance the Wi-Fi coverage area, expanding it with their radio module.

P.S.: I almost forgot to consider one more case - when there are a lot of WiFi routers and neighboring access points in the usual 2.4 GHz band. The point is that the quantity free channels in this case, there are only 13 pieces, of which only 3 do not affect the operation of each other - 1, 6 and 11. All the rest affect the operation of devices in adjacent channels. In large cities and metropolitan areas, when searching for a wireless network, you can observe something like this:

Here already good quality you should not wait for work from a wireless network - the signal will be unstable and the connection will often break. Yes, and the speed will be low and change abruptly. On many Internet forums and blogs, they begin to advise you to play with the radio channels of the access point, change antennas, etc.
Unfortunately, all this will be in vain. The only way out of the situation is to replace the Wi-Fi router with a dual-band one that supports 5 GHz, and then switches to other frequencies. There will be no such problem here - neither you nor the neighbors will influence you!

It is no longer possible to count the number of appliances in which it is built wifi module. Have this technology both smartphones, laptops and desktop PCs, as well as refrigerators, TVs and other household appliances. Many users use routers to connect their devices to the internet, they may have LAN port to connect using a cable, and a Wi-Fi adapter to distribute the Internet to other devices that also have WiFi technology. Unfortunately, the wireless signal propagation area is not very large, and if there are obstacles in the way, then it is generally very small. Of course, there are many standards on which the signal strength depends, and also important parameter is the number of antennas.

If you are using Wi-Fi technology but don't know what you can do to boost your adapter's WiFi signal, then this article is for you. Here I will try to explain the hardware and software ways signal improvement.

But before we start, I want to make one important point.

Pay attention to the location of the router. It would be nice if it was closer to the middle of the room and the whole house, so that the signal spreads evenly and you feel comfortable using the wireless network. Signal degradation can be caused by many factors. At home, these are walls, and if it is also concrete, then it will be much worse to transmit radio waves. Any thing - from a picture, then a drawing or a mirror can degrade signal reception to some extent. Therefore, I want you to try positioning your router in such a way that the signal is available in all areas of the house. If possible, remove things that can interfere.

How to boost WiFi signal reception using programs?

Many users, out of inexperience, leave the default router settings, unless they change the network name and password. This is not entirely correct, and now I will explain why.

Channel frequencies are the same as other Wi-Fi networks

If you live in an apartment building, then there is almost a 100% chance that there is a Wi-Fi network that broadcasts on the same channel as you. This phenomenon often interrupts signal reception. In the router settings, you need to change the channel to a free one or one where there are the least other wireless networks.

You can see who is on which channel with the help of the program inSSIDer. Download it from here and install it on a PC with an outbred adapter.

The found wireless networks will be indicated in the program window, and in the column channel the channels they occupy are exposed. In the Russian Federation, only thirteen channels are usually used, in other countries either more or less.

We figured out the channels, then we will begin to change the settings of our router. This is usually used for following addresses to be entered in address bar browser: http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1. Next, you will be asked to enter a username and password, if you have not changed anything, then by default it is admin (and username and password).

You need to find functions related to wireless WiFi networks, may be written Wireless. There must be a section Channels(Channel), from which you can select a number from 1 to 13.

Change the channel to free and save. After this action, you will suffer much less interference and the signal will be more stable.

Low router transmitter signal

By default, some routers may have a low transmitter power set. But it can be changed. All in the same router settings, find the parameter Transmission power(Transmit Power), and set the value to 100%. Or choose a value high(High).

Of course, this feature is not available on all models. Sometimes special firmware helps similar models, if they are.

802.11n is faster

Wi-Fi has many standards by which a wireless network can operate. Fast is, of course, the 802.11n standard, which still gives larger radius coverage if multiple antennas are used. You also need to take into account the support of this standard by other devices, because if you switch to it, some devices will not detect your network due to the undersupport of the range.

Look in your router settings "Operating mode" or "Wireless Network Mode", or "Wireless Mode" and switch to 802.11n. Reboot your router for the changes to take effect.

Using the 5 GHz band

The use of the 802.11n standard makes it possible in expensive models to use two types of bands - 2.4 GHz (Used by all devices) and 5 GHz(Not used by everyone). The 2.4 GHz band is very busy, it is used by many devices around us, and not only wireless adapters, but even a microwave oven can create problems for us. frequency range 5 GHz is now practically free, so it is advisable to transfer all devices to it.

Signal improvement in Windows

IN this paragraph more attention is focused on laptops. The fact is that when you set “Energy Saving” in the power consumption settings, this can affect the strength of the Wi-Fi signal. Therefore it is better to put "Balanced" mode, or « High performance» . Then you will receive a signal from a greater distance.

Who does not know, the power settings are in the following place: click right click on the battery icon on the taskbar and select "Power Options" and set the desired control scheme.

Signal strength limitation and can it be removed?

I would like to note that all routers have a hard power limit of 100 mW. Of course, in Chinese stores there are adapters that are capable of receiving distances of up to several kilometers, but you will not find this in ordinary electronics stores. Is it possible to increase the signal strength programmatically? Answer: partially possible.

Unfortunately, there is some difficulty - it is necessary to use Linux distribution, for example, Kali Linux, or an analogue - Backtrack 5r3 whose support has ceased.

The fact is that most countries power wireless transmitter limited to 100 mW, but for Bolivia and some other countries there is no such limit, so in the terminal you need to enter a number of commands like this:

IN this example wlan0 is the wireless adapter you are using, and 100 - set power in mW (milliwatt).

How to strengthen the WiFi signal with a hardware method?

All means are good, which means that together with software methods we can achieve a stable and high transmitter signal. Even if the software methods did not work, it may be following methods will help.

Improving the Signal with Antenna Upgrades

I have come across many ways to boost the Wi-Fi signal on the Internet. For example, people make a directional antenna that works in all directions, and for this they use foil or a Pepsi or beer can. Of course, the use of such methods is doubtful, but for whom?

Greater efficiency is represented by more powerful antennas which can be purchased at the store. You need to make sure your antenna is 2-3 dBi so you can replace them with 8 dBi antennas.

Using a repeater to boost the receive signal

These devices are otherwise called repeaters, and they can greatly increase the coverage area. The repeater connects to your wireless network and increases its range.

Buying a more powerful Wi-Fi adapter

You can do this: if you have a laptop that does not have enough signal reception on wireless adapter, replace it with a more powerful one. This also applies to desktop computers. It is best to take an adapter that connects via USB and has an antenna that can possibly be replaced with a more powerful one.

If you have other ways to increase the signal wifi adapter, write about it in the comments, everyone will be interested.

Many users are interested in the question - how far the wireless network signal is transmitted and what is the zone WiFi actions at your home router.
For example, consider the most common standard wireless communication used on most modern routers- 802.11n or the so-called Wireless N150 or N300. Here 150 and 300 are theoretically the maximum achievable data transfer rate that your adapter will never develop =). For this standard, such a coverage area was announced - up to 100 meters indoors and up to 300 meters in open space. In this case, the range will be 50 and 150 meters, respectively. Unfortunately, this is also not real numbers and, as practice has shown, in real life they are much less. Then the question arises - how to determine the coverage area?
The only one the right way- just pick up a laptop, tablet or smartphone and go around the apartment, house or plot and empirically find the boundaries of the signal coverage area.

What affects the Wi-Fi coverage area?!

1 - location of the router or access point

Yes, it is the location of the transmitter in the apartment that is largely responsible for the coverage area of ​​the wireless network. Do not forget that its radiation is omnidirectional, which means that the signal propagates equally in all directions and resembles a circle in shape. That is why it is necessary to have an access point approximately in the center of your home.

By placing the router in the farthest room - do not be surprised that the signal will break off in best case somewhere in the middle of the apartment.

2 - the materials from which the walls and ceilings are made

Radio waves really do not like reinforced concrete structures, claydite and drywall. More than once I have come across the fact that in an apartment finished with drywall, the coverage radius of Wi-Fi is much less.

Here is a table with WiFi signal attenuation in various finishing materials and decorative elements:

3 - presence of interfering devices

Once my friend suffered for a long time and could not understand why in one of the rooms there was a very bad reception, even if you put the router in it, while in other rooms everything works perfectly. As it turned out, the source of the problems was a neighbor radio amateur, who stretched a radio antenna along the entire wall, which gave strong interference.

Microwave ovens, electric motors, large-screen TVs hanging on half the wall, etc. can also have a strong influence.

4 - the neighbors have wireless networks

If you, when connecting to home wifi on the list available networks like this picture:

Then do not be surprised by the low speed or poor reception. The fact is that only 11 to 13 radio channels are used for Wi-Fi, depending on the country. If at least half of them are already occupied by "neighbors", then they will already interfere with each other and create interference. But in apartment buildings this is a common picture. There is only one way out in this case - switching to equipment operating in the 5GHz band.

5 - characteristics of the equipment used

Yes, the Wi-Fi coverage area also largely depends on your router. Specifically, it depends on the power of the transmitter and the antennas used. And if in terms of power all home devices are approximately equal, then with antennas everything is much more interesting. On the simplest and cheapest models type D-Link DIR-300 or DIR-615 uses the weakest antennas with a gain of 2dBi. At the same time, there is no difference - they are external or internal - the signal transmission quality will still not be very good. As practice shows, more or less normally, such a router can cover a one-room apartment. For larger areas, it is better to buy routers with antennas of at least 5dBi.

It should also be taken into account that if the router is labeled Wireless N150, then it uses one antenna and its signal coverage will be worse than that of the Wireless N300 - there are already 2 antennas operating in MIMO mode.

How to increase the range of a WiFi network

There are several ways to improve the quality of work and expand the coverage of your wireless network. The use of one or the other of them strictly depends on the situation. In some cases, you will have to combine several methods.

— Using more powerful or directional antennas
If on your home router antennas are removable, then replacing weak 2-3dBi antennas with more powerful 5-8dBi ones can significantly improve the quality and expand signal coverage in some cases up to 1.5-2 times. And with the help of directional antennas, you can transmit a signal to longer distances in a certain direction.

— Installation wireless repeater . If the special devices are WiFi repeaters or repeaters that connect to existing network and expand it by using their antennas. If there is poor reception in one of the rooms in the apartment, put a repeater there and forget about the problem!

By the way, many modern routers support WDS technology, which means that they can also be used as repeaters if necessary.

— Transition to the 5GHz band.

As I noted above, this output will be optimal for those who suffer from many neighboring Wi-Fis. Replacing the equipment with a new one, operating at a frequency of 5GHz, as a rule, completely solves such problems. Firstly, few people still use it, and secondly, there are much more radio channels available for work.

There is another way to expand the radius of WiFi coverage when it is necessary that this network is available through 100-150 meters, and it is not possible to install a directional antenna .. In this case, you can simply throw up to desired point twisted pair and connect another router with the same name network SSID and password.