How to Set Up Your Wi-Fi Extender for Better Coverage?

The range of Wi-Fi routers is limited. If the distance is too long, the Wi-Fi signals could be weak or unavailable. And that's where you need a Wi-Fi extender.

In this article, we will discuss all about Wi-Fi extenders in detail and let you know how to set up. You can enhance the Wi-Fi range, optimize the performance, and eliminate network interruptions.

Why You Need to Use Wi-Fi Extender?

If you are facing difficulties in accessing the internet at some spots in your home/office because of the long distance, a Wi-Fi extender can solve the issue. It can extend the Wi-Fi range.

A Wi-Fi extender eliminates the dead zones by providing broader coverage. After receiving from the Wi-Fi router, it re-transmits the Wi-Fi signals to ensure a stable internet connection throughout the area. It is beneficial for large areas, remote places, multi-level buildings, and areas with obstructions. It is considered a cost-effective solution in comparison to buying expensive routers and internet plans.

Where to Install Wi-Fi Extender?

There is not a specified distance to install a Wi-Fi extender. However, a standard practice is to place it halfway between the router and the dead zone. The positioning ensures efficient re-transmission and provides the signals at every point. Moreover, if you have multiple floors in the building, the extender must be placed near the staircase or in the center to evenly distribute the signals.

Also, ensure that the Wi-Fi router and the extender are placed at the same height for better signal transmission between them. Avoid any obstacles between them for higher strength and network stability.

How to Set Up Wi-Fi Extender?

There are two conventional ways to connect a Wi-Fi extender. You can either use the WPS button or the web interface to form the bridge between the router and extender. Let’s see the important steps you must take to establish the connection.

WPS:

1. Place the extender near your router and plugin.
2. Push the WPS button at the back of the router and extender simultaneously.
3. Wait until the connection light blinks on the extender.
4. After a successful connection, place the Wi-Fi extender at your desired place and connect your devices.

Web Interface:

1. Place the Wi-Fi extender near the router and ensure your phone or computer is connected to the same network.
2. Check the manual and find the extender’s IP address (Written as 192.168.).
3. Place the IP address on any web browser.
4. Enter the username and password written in the manual to log in.
5. Follow the instructions and connect the extender to your Wi-Fi router.
6. After a successful connection, place the extender in the desired place.

How to Maximize Wi-Fi Extender Performance?

There are several tips that you can follow to maximize the performance of Wi-Fi extenders. Here are a few.

• Extender Placement: The Wi-Fi extender must be placed in an elevated position to eliminate any obstruction. Moreover, the extender should be in the range of your Wi-Fi router for better retransmission.
• No Obstruction: You must ensure that the extender is not surrounded by any walls or metal objects. It must be free from obstructions to provide wider coverage.
• Reduce Connected Devices: Limit the connected devices to avoid any congestion and network speed losses.
• Firmware Update: You must update the firmware in time to update the extender with the latest security patches.
• Secure Network: Secure the extender and router with high-end encryptions to avoid unauthorized access which may slow down the performance.
• Troubleshoot Periodically: It is a common practice to restart the router and extender once every week. It will clear the cache and temporary speed losses to maximize the performance.

Bonus: Strong Wi-Fi signal Wi-Fi security camera system

Home Hub with Argus PT Ultra

Home Hub with Argus PT Ultra is a standalone camera system for smart 24/7 surveillance. It doesn’t require any wired connection because it's a Wi-Fi camera system, and the setup comes with solar panels to enjoy uninterrupted surveillance.

The cameras have a PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) feature to move 360° and provide wider coverage. The recordings are stored in the microSD card installed in the Hub. The mounted SD card is 64GB, but you can expand it to 512GB 2x. The camera offers 4K color day and night vision for better coverage in low light. You can also install a Reolink Wi-Fi extender to extend the coverage up to 15000 Sq.ft.

Reolink Home Hub with Argus PT Ultra

Wireless Security System With 4K PT Standalone Battery/Solar Wi-Fi Cameras

4K Color Footage Day & Night, 1 Year of Local Storage, Exclusive Anti-Theft Algorithms, 360° All-Around Coverage, Expandable System Up to 8 Reolink Cams.

Learn More about Reolink Home Hub with Argus PT Ultra

Home Hub with Argus Eco Ultra

Home Hub with Argus Eco Ultra is also a standalone camera system with 4K surveillance for crystal-clear footage. The Home Hub has one year of local storage with anti-theft algorithms. You can connect up to eight security cameras and expand the storage up to 512GB 2x microSD cards.

The cameras offer color feeds during the day and night for enhanced security. They are equipped with 2.4/5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi for lightning-fast data transfer. For the cameras outside your house and far spaces, you can install a Reolink Wi-Fi extender. RLA-WE1 is easy to set up and provides extension up to 1500 sq.ft to eliminate dead zones.

Reolink Home Hub with Argus Eco Ultra

Wireless Security System with 4K Wi-Fi Solar/Battery Standalone Camera Without Monthly Fees

4K Color Footage Day & Night, 1 Year of Local Storage, Exclusive Anti-Theft Algorithms, 360° All-Around Coverage, Expandable System Up to 8 Reolink Cams.

Learn More about Reolink Home Hub with Argus Eco Ultra

FAQs

1. Do you just plug in a Wi-Fi extender and it works?

No, you will need to connect the extender to the Wi-Fi router from which it receives the signals and transmits them to wider areas. You must follow the steps we have shared.

2. What is the best way to set up a Wi-Fi extender?

The best and easiest way is to do it through a WPS button which requires no expertise. You can manually set up the extender just by pushing the WPS buttons behind the extender and router.

3. Do Wi-Fi extenders automatically connect?

No, you need to set it up manually either via WPS or web interface. We have discussed both ways in the article, give it a read and connect the extender to the router.

4. How far should a Wi-Fi extender be from a router?

There is no fixed distance for that, but a better and more conventional way is to place the extender halfway between the routers. Also, make sure the elevation of the router and extender must be the same to get maximum signals without any obstacles.

Conclusion

Wi-Fi extenders are quite helpful for extending the Wi-Fi range and are ideal for large homes, offices, and buildings. Setting up a Wi-Fi extender is easy, but you must know the steps before installing it. We have shared the step-by-step process to help you set it up easily. With a properly installed extender, you can enjoy a stable internet connection at every corner of your place.