The low speed of the Internet via wifi on a laptop is a misfortune that can really fray your nerves. Of course, if such is provided by the provider itself under the contract, then it will not be possible to increase it (except for connecting a "faster" tariff).
But if you suspect there are still unused resources, then some improvement can be made.
How to improve wifi reception on laptop?
Immediately, we note that almost all options for amplifying the wifi signal relate to the settings of the network, router or external devices. On the laptop itself, in order to improve wifi reception, you should make settings in the "Power supply" mode, namely:
- - Depending on the operating system installed, open the "Control Panel" (for XP / 7) then "Power supply" and set the "High performance" mode.
- - Next, open the section "Configuring the power plan" - "Change advanced power settings". In the list, find the line "Wireless adapter settings" and in the line "Power saving mode" set the value "Maximum performance" when operating both "on battery" and "plugged in".
In addition, do not forget about the importance of updating your wireless adapter driver and keeping the most up-to-date and workable version.
The laptop does not receive a wifi signal: what to do?
Now about the main thing: why the laptop does not catch wifi well, and how to strengthen the reception of the wireless network signal?
- 1. It has a huge impact on the quality and stability of the signal relative to the connected devices. It is logical that the greater the distance and the number of "obstacles" between the router and the device using the resources of the wireless network, the lower the signal received by the laptop and, accordingly, the speed of the Internet connection.
The ideal location of the router is in the center of the network, at the same distance from all devices connected to it (or closer to those devices that consume more traffic).
An example of the correct location of the router is shown in the following figure:
In addition, you can enhance wifi reception on a laptop by installing additional antennas on the router. There are many types of such antennas, and the choice mainly depends on the router model and the required antenna power.
- 2. You can significantly enhance the reception of the wifi signal on the laptop using a "repeater" or / repeater.
This is a great option for those who have an old, unused router lying around.
- 3. Check the signal strength level set in the router settings.
For some models of routers, a parameter such as "Wireless Transmit Power" is provided: if it is not set to 100 percent, then, accordingly, you have an "unused margin" of wifi signal strength.
In the router settings, you just need to find this parameter - usually it is next to the "Standard" and "Channel" parameters - and set the value to 100%.
- 4. It is also worth dwelling on the above-mentioned parameters "Standard" and "Channel": the correct choice of these parameters can significantly enhance the reception of the Wi-Fi signal on the laptop.
To begin with, about "Standards"
Currently / the protocols are 802.11a / 802.11b / 802.11n, which provide a maximum data transfer rate of 54 Mb / s.
Today the leader is the 802.11ac protocol, with a maximum speed of 1.3 Gbps, but devices supporting this protocol are quite rare.
So, in order to improve a weak Wi-Fi signal on a laptop, it is worth experimenting with the protocols and choosing the best one for your devices (or - if possible - setting automatic detection).
Now about the "Channel" parameter
This moment is most relevant for apartment buildings, where most (if not all) networks operate on one data transmission channel. Q (but note that there are devices that do not support channels greater than 10).
There are many utilities () that can "shed light" on such a moment as "Channel busy". After determining the most free channel, you need to set it in the wireless network settings on the router and check the wifi internet speed on the laptop.
Thus, in order to significantly strengthen a weak wifi signal on a laptop, all the methods proposed above should be used "in a comprehensive manner", but if the wi-fi signal is still weak, it may be worth replacing the router with a more modern and powerful one.
You can't count the number of equipment in which the Wi-Fi module is built in. This technology has 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 can have a LAN port to connect using a cable, or a Wi-Fi adapter to distribute the Internet to other devices that also have Wi-Fi technology. Unfortunately, the coverage area of the wireless signal 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 the number of antennas is also an important parameter.
If you are using Wi-Fi technology, but do not know what you can do to strengthen the WiFi signal of your adapter, then this article is for you. Here I will try to explain the hardware and software ways to improve the signal.
But before we start, I would like to note one important point.
Pay attention to the location of the router. It would not be bad if he 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, a drawing or a mirror can to some extent impair signal reception. Therefore, I want you to try to position your router in such a way that the signal is available in all areas of the house. If possible, remove things that might interfere.
How to improve WiFi signal reception using programs?
Many users out of inexperience leave the default settings of the router, unless they change the network name and password. This is not entirely correct, and now I will explain why.
Channel frequencies coincide with 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 over the same channel as you. This phenomenon often interrupts signal reception. In the settings of the router, you need to change the channel to a free one or to the one with the least other wireless networks.
You can see who is sitting on which channel using the program inSSIDer... Download it from here and install it on your PC with a mongrel 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 start changing the settings of our router. Usually the following addresses are used for this, which must be entered into the address bar of the browser: http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1... Next, you will be asked to enter your username and password, if you have not changed anything, then by default it is admin (and username and password).
You need to find the functions related to the wireless network Wi-Fi, it can be written Wireless. There will definitely be a section Channels(Channel), among 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. But it can be changed. Find the parameter in the same router settings Transmission power(Transmit Power), and set the value to 100%. Or you need to select a value High(High).
Of course, this function is not available on all models. Sometimes special firmware for such models helps, if any.
802.11n is faster
In Wi-Fi, there are many standards by which a wireless network can operate. The fast is, of course, 802.11n, which still gives a wider range 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, due to underexposure of the range, will not detect your network.
In the parameters of the router, look for "Mode of operation" or "Wireless network mode", or "Wireless mode" and switch to 802.11n. Restart the router for the changes to take effect.
Using the 5 GHz band
The use of the 802.11n standard makes it possible to use two types of bands in expensive models - 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 these are not only wireless adapters, but even a microwave oven can create problems for us. The 5 GHz frequency range is now practically free, so it is advisable to transfer all devices to it.
Improving Signal in Windows
At this point, more attention is focused on laptops. The fact is that when you set "Energy saving" in the power consumption settings, it can affect the strength of the Wi-Fi signal. Therefore, it is better to expose "Balanced" mode, or "High performance"... Then you will receive the signal from a greater distance.
Who does not know, the power settings are in the following place: right-click on the battery icon on the taskbar and select "Power supply" and set the required control scheme.
Signal strength limiting and can it be removed?
I would like to note that all routers have a hard power limit of 100 mW. Of course, there are adapters in Chinese stores that are capable of taking distances of up to several kilometers, but you will not find this in ordinary electronics stores. Is it possible to increase the signal strength by software? Answer: partially you can.
Unfortunately, there is some difficulty - you need to use a Linux distribution kit, for example, Kali Linux, or an analogue - Backtrack 5r3 whose support has ended.
The fact is that in most countries the power of a wireless transmitter is limited to 100 mW, but for Bolivia and some other countries there is no such limitation, so in the terminal you need to enter a number of such commands:
In this example wlan0 Is the wireless adapter you are using and 100 - exposed power in mW (milliwatts).
How to strengthen WiFi signal by hardware method?
All means are good, which means that together with software methods we will be able to achieve a stable and high transmitter signal. Even if the programmatic methods did not work, the following methods may help.
Signal improvement with antenna upgrades
I have seen many ways to amplify 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 can of Pepsi or beer. Of course, the use of such methods is doubtful, but for whom how.
More powerful antennas, which can be purchased at the store, are more effective. You need to make sure that your antenna has a 2-3 dBi ratio, then they can be replaced with 8 dBi antennas.
Using a repeater to enhance the reception signal
These devices are also 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 has insufficient signal reception on the wireless adapter, replace it with a more powerful one. This also applies to desktop computers. It is best to get an adapter that is connected via USB and has an antenna, which, perhaps, can be replaced with a more powerful one.
If you have other ways to increase the signal of the wi-fi adapter, write about it in the comments, everyone will be interested.
As practice shows, such a parameter as the range of a wifi router plays an important role when choosing a router. After all, the further operation of your wireless network will depend on this.
Imagine it is not very pleasant if the WiFi signal does not reach some point of your home, or the signal is there, but the speed indicators will be weak. Therefore, let's look at what the maximum range of a WiFi network can be, and how it can be increased.
Why increase the range of a wifi router
Usually, for an ordinary city apartment, the most ordinary router is enough, its signal spreads to all corners of the home. But if you want to make a single network with a neighbor, this is where problems may arise.
It so happens that a person lives in a private house and wants the Internet to be present in the garage and summer kitchen. This is where you have to think about how far your router will "penetrate" and how this distance can be increased.
What can be the range
If we draw an analogy, then the operation of a wireless router can be compared to the operation of a mobile operator's tower, with the only difference that the router has a much smaller coverage area, and it communicates via WiFi. The range of a standard router is approximately 100-200 meters, and then this is if there are no obstacles, and if there are reinforced concrete walls or metal structures in its path, then the coverage area can drop to 50 meters.
Factors affecting the range of the network:
- 802.11 protocol type
- Antenna gain
- Transmitter power
- Signal obstacles and interferences
- Length and attenuation in cables for connecting antennas
Radius dependence on 802.11 protocol
There are several ways to extend the range of your wireless network. This parameter is influenced by both the location of the router itself and its settings. Let's figure out what you can do to increase the coverage of your network.
Correct router configuration
Your wireless network's coverage area can be significantly reduced due to interference from nearby WiFi devices, a microwave oven, or even a regular baby monitor.
To avoid this, you should pay attention to which channel your router is operating on. If the channels coincide with a nearby router, then there may be network problems and a significant decrease in the range. So go to your router's settings and see which channel it works on.
Configuring the router's channel
The most ideal option would be if you set the channel selection in automatic mode. Then the router will independently analyze the channel load and choose the optimal one for better network performance.
It will be nice if your router and its receivers can operate at 5 GHz, then you can switch to this frequency range. The reception range will decrease slightly, but there will be less interference and the network will work more stable and faster.
Correct router installation
The router should be placed in the center of the building in an elevated position. In this case, you should take into account where your receiving devices will be located and the number of obstacles to them. After all, if in some distant room there is a laptop with a weak receiver, and there are several reinforced concrete walls and a closet to the router, then the signal may not reach it. Then you can move the router a little closer to this room, the main thing is not to overdo it and not to remove it far from other devices.
It also happens that, as a router, do not move, but the signal does not reach some point, then you can use a wireless repeater (repeater). Place this device so that it can confidently receive the signal from your router. There is one drawback here - if the router operates in repeater mode, then its bandwidth is halved.
Correct repeater location
Using an optional antenna
The stores sell special antennas that can increase the range of the network. They also have one advantage, with the help of a cable, they can be placed higher than the router itself, thereby increasing the coverage area.
Microwave cable for connecting antennas
For owners of country houses, you can use a directional parabolic antenna. Everything is simple here - you install the antenna outside the building, connect it to the router, and direct it to the side where the receiving device will be located. Several such antennas can be installed.
Parabolic antenna
Firmware upgrade
It also happens that the router has outdated firmware. Typically, a firmware update will result in a stronger signal and faster data transfer rates. To download the firmware, visit the manufacturer's official website. It is usually written on a sticker located on the back of the router.
How to strengthen the signal of a Wi-Fi router
I decided to prepare an article with tips for strengthening the Wi-Fi network signal. On the Internet, there are many different articles on this topic, but in almost every article there is a lot of unnecessary information. More precisely, there are many recommendations for some settings that have nothing to do with increasing the range of the Wi-Fi signal and cannot in any way affect the range of the network itself.
If we are talking about strengthening the Wi-Fi signal, then of course we will introduce exactly the coverage radius of the network itself, that is, the range of Wi-Fi. For example: we bought a router, installed, configured, but in the farthest rooms Wi-Fi does not catch at all, or the signal level is too weak. Or, the router is installed on the first floor (where there is a signal), and on the second floor the signal is already very weak, or even absent. A common situation faced by many, but I myself have come across it.
What determines the range of a Wi-Fi network? There are a lot of different factors: from the router itself (number and strength of antennas), from the walls in your house, from the number of neighboring Wi-Fi networks, from the location of the router, some other interference, etc. Many people ask for advice on a router, which, for example, will provide a stable Wi-Fi signal for a three-room apartment, private house, and etc. In such cases, it is impossible to advise anything specific. Everyone has different conditions, different walls, etc. The only thing I can advise is to roughly focus on the area of your house. If you have, for example, a one-room apartment, then even an inexpensive router with one antenna power of 3 dBi will cope with its task without any problems. Well, if you have a house, or a bigger apartment, then take a more expensive device. Although, the price is not always an argument. I have - dear, three antennas, some kind of Asus proprietary function, which increases the network coverage radius. So, under the same conditions, at the same distance, it shows the result not much better than that of the same. Which has internal antennas, and it is several times cheaper.
How to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal in the router settings?
If you have already bought and installed a router at home or in your office, and Wi-Fi does not catch where you need it, then you can try to strengthen the wireless network. We will now consider how to do this. You can amplify the signal both using the settings in the router, and using separate devices and accessories.
1 Search and change the channel on the router. If your devices see many networks of your neighbors available for connection, then all these networks can load the channel on which your network operates, and thereby reduce the range of the network.
You can try, in the router settings, set some kind of static channel, or set Auto. This is where you need to experiment. If you are not lazy, then using the inSSIDer program you can find a freer channel and set it in the settings of your router.
I will not describe in detail, I just give you a link to the article. In it, I talked in detail about the channels, and how to find an unloaded channel. Also, there is an instruction on how to change the channel on routers from different manufacturers.
2 We put our network into 802.11N mode... As a rule, by default on all routers, the wireless network works in mixed mode b / g / n (11bgn mixed). If you force the router to broadcast Wi-Fi in the 802.11N operating mode, then this can increase not only the speed, but also the radius of the Wi-Fi coverage. (if your router has more than one antenna).
The only problem is that if you have older devices that do not support 802.11N, then they simply will not see your network. If you don't have old devices, then no doubt switch your network to n mode. This is very easy to do. We go into the settings of the router, usually at the address 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.0.1 (for detailed instructions on entering the settings, see).
In the settings, open the tab where the wireless network is configured. They are usually called like this: Wi-Fi, Wireless mode, Wireless network, Wireless, etc. Find the item there Wireless network mode(Mode) and set in it N only... That is, the network only operates in N.
For example: changing the wireless network mode on an Asus router
Save the settings and reboot the router. If there are problems with connecting devices, then return the mixed mode back.
3 We check the transmission power in the router settings. On some routers, it is possible to set the power level of the wireless Wi-Fi network. As far as I know, the default is maximum power. But, you can check.
In Asus routers, these settings are changed on the tab Wireless network - Professionally... At the very bottom, there is an item " Tx power control "... There is a scale that can be adjusted as a percentage. It looks like this:
On Tp-Link routers, open the tab Wireless - Wireless advanced... Paragraph Transmit Power allows you to adjust the signal strength. High value means maximum power.
These settings are more useful if you want, on the contrary, to reduce the signal strength of your Wi-Fi router.
How to increase the range of a Wi-Fi network using additional devices?
1 Installing a repeater, or setting up a second router in amplifier mode. Of all the recommendations that you will see here, or even find on the Internet, this method is the most effective and reliable. True, you will have to spend money on a repeater.
Ordinary routers can act as a repeater. Here are the instructions for setting up the ZyXEL and Asus routers in repeater mode:
If your Wi-Fi does not "finish off" in some rooms, then installing a repeater will solve this problem. And if you have a house with several floors, then you can install a router on the first floor, and a repeater on the second. Excellent and working circuit.
2 Changing the antennas of the router to more powerful ones. If your router has detachable antennas, then you can buy more powerful ones, and thereby slightly increase the coverage of your network. Why a little? Because the replacement of antennas, as a rule, does not give a very good result. It is there, but not such that it would increase the radius by several rooms. In any case, you have to spend money on antennas. And it seems to me that it is much better to spend this money on a repeater. Yes, it will cost more, but its benefits are much greater.
If you decide to change antennas, then take powerful ones with a gain of 8 dBi. But, they are expensive, and several of these antennas will cost as a repeater.
I already wrote, you can see the results.
3 Purchase of a new router, transition to 5 GHz. You can buy a more powerful, expensive router. Better yet, a router with support for the 5 GHz band. What is the advantage of the 5 GHz band? It is practically free, now most of all networks and other devices operate in the 2.4 GHz range. Less interference means more speed and more range.
There are places where the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network practically does not work. All the time it bugs, the connection is lost, the speed is low, etc. And all because there are a lot of different networks. In such cases, the transition to 5 GHz solves all problems.
1 Choose the correct location for your router. In fact, this is very good and effective advice. As a rule, everyone installs routers at the entrance, or in some distant rooms. The correct location of the router will allow you to correctly distribute the signal, thereby increasing the Wi-Fi range.
Simply put, you need to install the router as close to the center of the house as possible. Yes, this does not always work, since you need to lay a cable to the router, and pulling it to the middle of the house is not very convenient. But, even minor movements of the router can increase the level of the network in the rooms you need. And also, you need to remember that walls are the enemy of Wi-Fi networks.
2 Homemade amplifiers for Wi-Fi antennas. You can find many instructions that show how to make amplifiers for a router. As a rule, these are ordinary foil and cans. It turns out that if you put a sheet of foil on one side of the antenna, then the signal will be bounced off of it and directed in the direction we need.
I think this is all nonsense. Firstly, a cut beer can, or a piece of foil on the back of the router does not look very nice, and secondly, there is practically no effect from this. You can check.
These are the tips. I think you have found a suitable way for yourself to increase the range of your Wi-Fi network. Share your tips in the comments!
In the first half of 2019, when not all routers have moved to the 5 GHz range, I believe that the repeater (in other words, signal repeater, or, as they say, “Wi-Fi amplifier”) must be dual-band. After 3 weeks of testing, I dare say that the TP-Link Re350 repeater is the best that I have come across from this kind of device. Yes, it is expensive, does not support the total speed of AC1750 (in my opinion, for a repeater this is an overkill), but the price of the device is fully justified.
March 29, 2019 Patch: unfortunately, there is practically no Re350 left on sale, so everything that is described in the text can be said about the next Re360 model. Unlike the Re350, it has a through socket, which allows you not to occupy the socket and connect other devices through it, while it has a blue circular antenna, the appearance of which is not for everybody.
If the price seems overpriced to you, you can save about 1000 rubles by buying the Re305, which is close in performance. It is less convenient, but in terms of speed characteristics it is practically not inferior to the Re350 / 360. And now in more detail.
Who needs a repeater?
If a part of your apartment (house, office) does not receive a Wi-Fi signal or it is very weak and the speed of its operation is unsatisfactory, you cannot do without a repeater. Despite the fact that on the network such devices are often called a WiFi signal booster, in fact this box just repeats it, in fact, passing it further through itself. In other words, it is such a signal extender.
However, buying a Wi-Fi repeater is not always justified. As a rule, it is used as a last resort when all other methods have not worked.
How to strengthen Wi-Fi signal without repeater?
There are some common tips for improving Wifi signal quality. I will describe them very schematically, because otherwise the material will pull into a separate article. The tips are arranged as the implementation becomes more complex from the point of view of an ordinary user.
An example of incorrect router placement taken from the blog of a directional antenna manufacturer. As you can see from the illustration, your neighbors may have better Wifi coverage than you. Simply because the network hardware is not properly placed.
To understand how best to place the router, the easiest way is to track your actions by measuring the signal in a problem area using a special program, for example, WiFi Analyzer. On the Signal Meter tab, you can see how the signal quality changes depending on your manipulations. In other words, we rearranged the router, went to a problem area and measured the signal level.
- If the signal level is more or less normal, but your connection speed is unstable or low, then in the WiFi Analyzer program you can make sure that you are working on a free Wi-Fi channel. If your router is more than 3 years old and inexpensive, it is likely running at 2.4 GHz. There are only 13 channels on this frequency. Since your neighbors have the same router as yours, most likely there are several more routers on your channel. Let me give you just an analogy: each channel is a dedicated lane on the highway. If only you use this channel, then the speed of movement on the lane is limited only by the capacity of your car. In other words, if you can drive 60 km / h, you are driving at that speed. If 120 km / h - go at full speed. However, if someone else is sitting on your channel, then this is tantamount to crossing an intersection - while the red is on (another device on your channel is transmitting packets), you will stand and wait.
So, we look at which channel your router is sitting on. Above is an example of a measurement in my house. If some channel is more or less free, you should switch the router to it, remembering that you should not choose the edge channels (1,2..12,14) - they are not always supported by technology, and the signal itself is weak on them. The easiest way to change the channel is to read the instructions for the router or search the network for an answer according to your specific model. However, as we see above, it may happen that there are no free channels.
- The signal has not improved, the channel is clogged. What to do? Ok, it's time to update the firmware. If you have never done this, most likely the manufacturer's website has had a firmware with bug fixes for a long time, and, what the hell is not kidding, possibly amplifying the signal. As a rule, the manufacturer is in such a hurry to throw devices on the market that the firmware is very crude. Then, after the start of sales, the manufacturer can fix problems and holes for a long time and tastefully. By the way, a number of manufacturers, for example, Zyxel, update their firmware automatically.
- If the first three points didn't help, it's time to move on. It would seem that we are talking about repeaters. However, if your range is clogged, the repeater will not help you much - it will also work on your channel, in fact, adding another device to an already loaded channel. Below I will develop this idea in more detail.
So, specifically to solve the problem of congestion in the 2.4 GHz band, there is a 5 GHz band with
- with channels of a different range;
- a large number of channels.
Typically, good (read expensive) routers can operate in 2 bands, generating two Wi-Fi networks. For devices that are not demanding on speed, the 2.4 GHz band is suitable. It is, moreover, more long-range. But for high-speed devices that are sensitive to the amount of data transfer (video, transfer of large files), the 5 GHz band is more suitable. Most modern devices support this range and are happy to work with it.
Here, by the way, there is one funny nuance - in theory, the 5 GHz range is less long-range than 2.4 GHz, but the coverage of the new router can be much better than that of the old one. For example, an excellent dual-band router Zyxel Giga III, poorly, but finishes to the neighboring office, located at a distance of 50 meters along the corridor. Yes, the connection quality is so-so. But the previous generation router could not. So, by changing the router, you can kill two birds with one stone.
Myths about strengthening the Wi-Fi signal or what not to do
- One of the frequently repeated search queries is the phrase "download WiFi signal booster". It's impossible. The maximum that can be done is to download drivers for the network card of the computer and update the router's firmware. All other tips are harmless at best. At worst, they will end up with a virus infection.
- Another myth is more powerful antennas. As practice shows, replacing the antenna with a longer one (and supposedly more powerful) does not lead to anything. Why: firstly, some of the antennas in modern routers are built into the case. Secondly, they are specially calculated for a specific model and their lengthening and increasing the number does not change anything. A funny moment - the Chinese are very fond of sticking a bunch of antennas, so that the router looks like a spider. As practice shows, there is little sense from these decorations. Third, if you disassemble a specific plastic antenna, it often turns out that the metal core in it reaches well if up to a third of the length.
Everything else is purely a design trick to make the router seem powerful. This is especially the case with the Chinese. By the way, there are special nozzles for converting the omnidirectional antennas of the router into narrowly directional ones. But their installation has many nuances to recommend them to the majority of users.
Ok, nothing helps. What to do?
Back to the idea of an amplifier for a router. There are two types of repeaters: single-band, i.e. operating in the 2.4 GHz band only, and dual-band, also operating in 5 GHz. And the most interesting thing here is that the dual-band does not just "pass" the network of two bands further, but also solve the problem of channel congestion, being able to receive data in one range, and distribute - in the other.
To illustrate this point, and to explain why it is useful, we will compare two WiFi repeaters. The first single-band Wi-Fi repeater, one of the most popular on the market, is the Tp-Link Re850, and the new Tp-Link Re350, which works, as mentioned above, in two networks.
The setting is carried out as standard. We turn on the repeater into an outlet, then we connect to the device either by wire or via Wi-Fi. If possible, it is better to connect with a wire after all, because overlays can happen with a wireless network.
Next, go to tplinkrepeater.net, after which we get into the quick setup wizard. We scan the networks and see many networks in the 2.4 GHz range and one or two in the 5 GHz range. We select the networks we need, write the password and reboot.
That's it, now we have two networks of the required range, which are superimposed on each other and amplify the signal.
Let's start testing. Since my router is set correctly at home and there are no special problems with signal coverage, we decide the issue radically - we go to our neighbor on the floor. As a result, between the router and the laptop on which the speed is measured, there are two thin walls and one capital brick, 40 cm thick. In a normal situation, the router has no chances. The network is caught and immediately falls off. Measurement of speed is impossible in principle. Now let's see how the repeater handles.
What makes the Re350 great is that it has an LED indicator ring that shows the signal strength. If the ring glows blue, the signal from the mother network is strong enough. If it glows red, the signal level is weak and the repeater should be rearranged closer to the router. In our case, we place the repeater just behind the main wall. After measurements in the same place, we connect a regular single-band Re850 repeater. As a result, there is a distance of 5 meters between the router and the repeater, and there are two walls - an ordinary one and a solid one. There is another four meters to the laptop and one regular wall.
The measurements are carried out in two instruments - the iPerf3 program, which determines the maximum speed over the local network, and the standard Internet speed meter Speedtest.net. In the first, we get the "pure" speed within the local network. This way we eliminate the influence of the provider and estimate the net speed. In the second, we use many familiar tools. I deliberately excluded the Download speed, because in some cases my provider cuts it. But the Upload speed is not limited and therefore the values are close to the iPerf measurements.
Measurements are carried out on an HP ProBook G1 laptop. Router - Zyxel Kennetik Giga 3. Iperf3 is running on the main computer in server mode, the computer is connected with a gigabit network card to the router. First, connect to a 5 GHz network next to your router and run a speed test. We have a good indicator of 147 Mbps. Then we go to the starting position behind three walls.
The first test - the Re350 repeater caught both networks from the router and broadcasts them further, in fact, sitting "clogging" its own channel in each band. We have the following figures. Yes, the 5GHz network has quite good speed results. Notice how the regular Re850 behaves. Not only is the speed small, but it also floats (from 9.5 to 19 Mbps), which indicates signal instability. So the Re350 will still be more detailed even in the 2.4 GHz band. It would seem that you can put an end to this.
But, we will try the most interesting thing - to catch a network in one range, and forward it further in another. Update from 02/01/2017: In the comments and in the mail, we have already been asked several times to write in detail how exactly to carry out such a setting. Especially for those who are faced with such a question, we have recorded a video instruction:
Why is this necessary - in fact, work on your own channel, the repeater will clog its own channel, which cannot be called a positive influence. Take a look at the picture below: 
Yes, the signal has increased (green), but the repeater network is operating exactly on the same channel as the parent. Those. the situation is better, but not perfect. We will try to get away from this problem.
So, the first one was measured, we connect to 5 GHz, we forward the network further to 5 and 2.4 GHz. Normal performance, slightly worse than when the repeater "forwards" both networks. And now the most interesting thing - we connect at 2.4 GHz (which has more coverage than 5 GHz) and forward the network to 5 GHz.
Do you see what speed? Those. Reliable reception of a 2.4 GHz signal allows you to maintain a high speed and forward it further to 5 GHz, avoiding interference in the 2.4 band. Thus, the combination of the two ranges allows you to greatly benefit from both the range and the data transfer rate.
Theoretically, it is possible to choose the location of the repeater in such a way that the 5 GHz network can be caught confidently (after all, not all houses have capital brick walls a third of a meter thick) and then a network in the 2.4 GHz band is forwarded. This should give an even greater increase in speed, but in the conditions described, I was not able to achieve such a result. In any case, the measurements shown make it possible to safely assert that a modern repeater should be dual-band, even if the router whose signal is going to be amplified only works in the 2.4 GHz band. The performance gain is obvious.
Separately, it is worth noting the very design of the TP-Link Re350 - thanks to the antennas, the repeater catches and passes the signal much better than its one-band counterpart. On the other hand, you have to pay for this with increased dimensions.
Just as fast, but cheaper
Recently, the younger model Re305 has appeared in the TP-link repeater line, which differs in size and a little less ease of use, however, in terms of characteristics, it is similar to the Re350.
Let's compare both models and see if the savings are justified. At the beginning of testing, we measure the speed in the same room with the router. First by connecting directly to it (in both bands, 2.4 and 5 GHz) and connecting through repeaters.
The first thing that catches your eye: Re350, despite the declared presence of a gigabit port, cuts the speed at the level of 100 megabits. Those. without a repeater, we get a speed of 200 megabits directly from the router, and through a repeater no more than a hundred. On the other hand, the repeater is usually used where maximum speed is not expected. Against this background, the Re305 indicators are inferior only in the 2.4 GHz range, which by definition is unstable - the noise of the range affects.
Second conclusion: this picture clearly shows how the second device on the channel reduces its bandwidth. Without a repeater in the 2.4 GHz band, we had about 100 megabits, by connecting a repeater (read, by hanging one more device per channel), we reduce the speed by 1.5-2 times. This again suggests that when setting up a network, it is imperative to look for a free channel.
Now we go into the dead zone - the place where the net is caught, but extremely unstable. In this case, the router shows 4.6 megabits in the 5GHz range, and slightly better, but still insufficient, 13 megabits in 2.4 GHz.
The first situation: both repeaters catch the networks of both ranges, forwarding them further. The result is that the speed instantly increases to a comfortable 40-50 megabits in both ranges. The results for both repeaters are almost identical.
And now the most interesting thing - we set up the so-called "forwarding" mode - both repeaters catch only one 2.4 GHz network and "forward" them further only to 5 GHz. As you can see, the result becomes 2 times better - both repeaters show their maximums, bringing the network speed to 100 megabits. Those. almost the same speed as if the router was standing right in the room.
As you can see from the test results, the Re305 repeater is not much inferior to its older brother, but it costs less. Nevertheless, I still recommend buying the Re350, as it is more convenient for an inexperienced user. Why:
- The Re350 has a very convenient indicator ring that allows you to easily find a place to place a repeater.
- The Re350 has better antenna placement. What's the matter: as you already read at the beginning of the article, antennas must be placed vertically. No matter how your power outlet is located, with the Re350 you can always place the antennas correctly. In the case of the Re305, if the outlet is sideways (i.e. the plug is inserted vertically), you will not be able to raise the antennas correctly, which will reduce the coverage area of the repeater.
- The Re350 has buttons on the side to turn off the device and turn off the light indication. Sometimes they are really needed.
If none of these points are critical for you, you can safely buy the Re305. In addition to the best price, you also get smaller dimensions.
What is better to use as a repeater, another router or is it a repeater?
Very often in the comments there are advice not to bother with a specialized router, but to buy / get a second router and set it up as a repeater. We decided to check how justified such a decision is. For comparison, the same TP-Link Re350 was taken, and Keenetic Extra II, which is close to it in price, is a dual-band router with very good long-range and high-speed characteristics (see ours for this device).
We configured both gadgets in the mode of simple repetition of networks of both ranges, i.e. The repeater and router in repeater mode "lengthened" the main network in the 2.4 GHz range and the second main network in the 5 Hz range. The reinforced network was measured in a "dead zone" behind one brick wall and another wall with a closed metal door, where the signal reached at a maximum speed of 2 megabits and then only in the 2.4 GHz band.
As you can see, the results of the work of both the router and the repeater are almost the same, despite the fact that both the router and the repeater are among the best in their class. The only option when the repeater gains in speed is when we catch a 5 GHz network and transmit it further to 2.4 GHz (see the last column of the graph). The router could not be configured this way due to the confusion of fine-tuning that most users will not bother with. In addition, the router does not have such a convenient external indication of the network quality as in the Re350. This makes it more difficult for the router to choose the right location.
conclusions: Using a second router as a repeater shows very close speeds. However, on the side of the repeater, there are more convenient settings, the convenience of indicating the quality of the network, and it just has a more convenient form, which allows you to place it more neatly. Therefore, if you buy a new device, it is better to buy a repeater, because it is more convenient with it. But if you already have a good long-range router or have the opportunity to purchase it inexpensively, then, of course, it is better to use it. Because the router can give out the speed no worse.
If the repeater does not help
Repeaters are quite interesting devices, but they are not versatile enough. If you need to transmit the signal through a pair of solid walls, or to a remote location, the wireless signal may not be able to handle it. In this case, transmission of data over conventional electrical wires can help. We made a large such device, describing in detail the pros and cons. In addition, we recorded a short video repeating this text:
WiFi for a country house and a cottage
In the event that you have a large country house or cottage, or you want to "connect" fast Internet to a summer gazebo, a regular repeater, even a very good one, may not help you. In the case of really large areas, I would advise you to take a closer look at the Netgear Orbi. Despite the more than impressive price (about 23 thousand rubles), this is the simplest and most productive in terms of speed of the ways I know to conduct the Internet around a country house.
The set contains two devices, one of which works as a router (a cable from an Internet provider is inserted into it), and the other works as a high-performance repeater. The connection between the devices, according to the manufacturer, is carried out at a speed of 1733 Mbit / s. Even in cases where the real speed is two times lower, the remaining performance is still enough to provide fast Internet for any devices around. Orbi's coverage is enormous.
And yes, if you suddenly do not have enough network coverage (although I hardly imagine such a situation, unless you have some kind of lock, not a house), you can buy another repeater and add it to the system. The only thing is that it will not work out of repeaters to form a chain - the additional device will also cling to the central station.
3This site uses Akismet to combat spam. ...
