I'm fairly experienced with networking but I need help setting up a WiFi extender for my parents' large ranch house. They have a decent router but it doesn't cover the area well, so I tried using a WiFi extender that claims to provide speeds up to 300mb on 2.4 GHz with a range of about 3000 sq ft. After installing it in the same room as the router, I'm only getting around 7mb speeds on speed tests, and it drops to less than 1mb just a couple of rooms away. Additionally, the original WiFi network keeps disconnecting until I unplug the extender. Am I doing something wrong, or could the extender be defective?
5 Answers
Is your original router mesh-enabled? If not, it's worth thinking about upgrading to a mesh system, especially if you can run wired connections between the nodes. They work much better than extenders and help avoid interference. Just make sure to place them where they still get a good signal!
Honestly, you're experiencing typical extender issues. They rarely deliver promised results and can complicate things even more. Switching to a mesh network will solve your speed issues and disconnects. Plus, they adapt better to your setup.
One common solution I’ve found effective is to run an Ethernet cable from your main router to a second router on the other side of the house. Just set it up with the same SSID and password for seamless device transitions. This usually results in a much more stable connection,
Remember that the bandwidth from your router is divided by the extender, so you won't get the full speed advertised. Most likely, your original router is providing 15-20mb when directly connected. The extender is creating more interference rather than improving connectivity—sometimes it’s better to just use additional routers set up correctly.
Exactly! Adding more access points can give you better coverage without the headaches that come with extenders.
WiFi extenders often don't work as well as you'd hope, and it sounds like this one might be particularly faulty. I'd recommend returning it and considering a mesh networking system instead, which is usually a more reliable solution for larger spaces.
So you're saying it's better to skip the extender altogether?