How can I extend my home's Wi-Fi signal?

If your Wi-Fi signal decreases as you move away from your u-mee fibre router, there are many factors that can lead to this. We suggest reading this article for some of those factors: Wi-Fi Signal Loss

Before proceeding, it is best to understand what your requirements are. Do you need to simply have better coverage, or are you reliant on a high-speed Wi-Fi connection? A decent Access Point will increase your coverage and give your Wi-Fi a speed boost. A Range Extender will increase the range of your Wi-Fi but not necessarily your speed at the same time.

Range Extender/Repeater/Booster:

• A Wi-Fi booster's primary job is to expand the existing routers signal coverage over a larger area. 


• The downside is that the booster has to send signals in both directions, effectively doing twice the work i.e. take the router signal and then throw it out for client devices to pick up.


• This effectively halves any available signal at the client end, meaning you could see up to 50% loss of performance and speed.


• For example, you may have a download speed of 20mbps next to your router but as you go to the extended signal room you may have only 10mbps, so each repeater/extender needs careful placement in order to maximise WiFi reception and speeds. 


• Also placing your repeater/extender too far away from your router may cause it to lose signal intermittently, causing loss of network and/or internet connectivity. Unfortunately, the user does not see this as the repeater is still providing a wireless signal but without internet/network.


• Also, with the two wireless network names, it has been known for wireless devices to keep dropping out as it tries to select the best performing network.

Wireless Access Point

• A Wireless Access Point device attaches to your router (or a switch) with an Ethernet cable and transmits/receives its own signal.


• The Access Point is receiving the full bandwidth from the router and then sending out the Wi-Fi signal. 


• WiFi devices (clients) such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops etc. can connect up directly to it (as a hotspot), and depending on the size of the premises or area needing coverage several WAPs may be required, but can work simultaneously allowing a seamless wireless network (Single Wireless name - SSID).


• Wireless Access Points, however, do have a disadvantage as these need to be hardwired into the router using a network cable.

Conclusion:

Wireless repeaters/extenders are a great quick-fix solution to a lot of smaller households with low WIFI usage/devices but, considering the loss of performance and potential speed drops

Wireless Access Points are the go to if you have the ability to route cables and willing to spend a little more. With the Wireless Access Points being able to outperform the wireless repeaters in many ways, especially if you want to watch Netflix or use it for gaming. Also, being able to have a single wireless name across the entire wireless range allows for a cleaner and more user-friendly environment.