In order to improve your Internet connection at home, one of the most popular options is to use a repeater. However, it will not always work as well as we expect. In this article, we are going to talk about some myths that you should know so that you are not disappointed when using this device to boost your wireless network. Sometimes, it could even be a burden on speed and quality.
Keep in mind that not all repeaters are going to be the same. When you go to buy one, you should look carefully at its features. Look at aspects such as the maximum speed it supports, whether or not it is dual band, how much surface it can cover or the number of devices it supports connected at the same time without problems.
What to consider when using a repeater
Whether or not you can use a Wi-Fi repeater will depend on certain factors. Perhaps it will solve connection problems for one person at home, while in another home it will not be possible due to some problem that cannot be solved.
You will have much more speed
One of the misconceptions is that a Wi-Fi repeater can make the speed faster than if you connect to the router or that you can even get much faster speeds. This is not going to be the case, since you will always have limitations. First, you will be limited to the router, which can act as a bottleneck. For example, maybe you have a repeater with Wi-Fi 6, which supports the maximum speed, but an older router.
Also, you should know that the repeater will always lose signal. Even though it connects to the router better than other devices, since it has a greater range, that does not mean that it offers the same speed as if you were connecting right next to the router. Therefore, the speed may be quite limited.
Get anywhere
Another myth is that you can place the repeater anywhere in the house and simply connect to it. This is something you should keep in mind, as it is key to connect the device correctly. Be careful not to place it too far from the router, as the signal may be very weak or you may not even be able to connect.
You should also check your surroundings carefully. Be careful not to put it near potential interference, such as other Bluetooth devices. You should also not put it next to a large wall, as this could block the signal.
They are the best option
You should also not think that installing a Wi-Fi repeater is the best option. There are alternatives that could offer a higher Internet speed, more coverage or take the connection to places further away from the home. You should always analyze what suits you best, in order to have a stable Internet connection.
Some alternatives are, for example, installing a Mesh system or using PLC devices. The first option will be better for covering a large area. The second will allow the connection to be extended further and in a stable manner.
It doesn’t matter how you connect
Finally, another mistake is to think that it doesn’t matter how you connect to the repeater. This is not the case, since you could have a dual-band device and, depending on where you are located or what speed you need, it could be better to connect to the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency. This is something you should always check.
In addition, a repeater will, in many cases, also allow you to connect via network cable. It can be a determining factor to choose whether you connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable, in order to have a good network connection.
In short, keep in mind these myths or mistakes that you might encounter if you are going to connect to the Internet through a repeater. The goal is to achieve a stable connection, with good speed and quality.
