Many people use the Internet at home using a Wi-Fi network. Quite often, the router fails to cover the entire area of the apartment, so in some rooms, the signal reception is weak, which leads to poor Internet performance. In such cases, it is recommended to install additional signal amplifiers in the apartment. However, before looking for the best mobile signal booster in the UK, you need to understand what a Wi-Fi repeater is and how to use it correctly.
What Is a Wi-Fi Repeater And Why Is It Needed?
Every person who is going to organise a wireless network in their apartment should know what a Wi-Fi repeater is.
A Wi-Fi repeater is a special device used to organise more stable network operations at long distances from the router.
Most companies that create routers also produce repeaters. The most well-known companies making high-quality devices include:
- Asus;
- Tp-Link;
- Linksys;
- Netis.
It is very easy to purchase such devices. The fact is that these Wi-Fi Repeaters are sold in almost every computer store. At the same time, they can be called differently – boosters, amplifiers, or repeaters.
Repeaters may differ from each other in appearance. Most often these are compact devices that plug into an outlet. However, some models look like a regular router. It is quite difficult to guess that this is a Wi-Fi repeater – especially for people who have not used such devices before.
The Operating Principle Of a Signal Repeater
Before installing a repeater in your apartment, you need to understand the operating features of such a Wi-Fi repeater and what it does. This device receives the signal that comes to it from the main router and transmits it further. The received signal is retransmitted, which increases the network coverage area.
There are several features that you should be familiar with before using the repeater:
- Even if you use several repeaters in your apartment, there will still be only one network. However, to prevent Wi-Fi from being duplicated, you need to configure the repeater correctly. You must name it with the name of the wireless network that the router transmits.
- All gadgets that have access to the Internet will automatically switch to the network, where the signal is more powerful. This is very convenient since a person does not have to manually connect to a router or repeater. The connection is set up within seconds.
- Since all gadgets connected to the repeater will be connected to one device, it will be possible to organise a local network. If desired, people will be able to set up a DLNA server themselves.
In addition to Wi-Fi repeaters, there are also GSM repeaters. These are special devices with which you can receive cellular communications even when you are several hundred kilometres from the tower.
Many people believe that this is also a Wi-Fi repeater. In fact, GSM models have a different operating principle. They do not create new radio waves, but only amplify the ones they have caught. They also differ in design; they use two additional antennas.
How to Set Up a Repeater?
Having understood how a Wi-Fi repeater works and what it is, you can begin installation and configuration. First, you need to decide on the place where this small device will be installed. Determining the most suitable location is carried out as follows:
- Find the place where the signal is weakest. You can check this using a laptop or smartphone.
- Select an area where Wi-Fi reception begins to weaken. It is recommended that the signal be at the level of at least one or two divisions.
- Installation of the repeater in the chosen location. An installed repeater will expand the coverage area.
After the device is connected to the outlet, you can begin to configure it further. Regardless of which repeater model is used, they are configured in approximately the same way. The setup procedure is as follows:
- Enable Wi-Fi on your smartphone or tablet.
- Press the repeater power button. Most often it is located in the central part of the device.
- Open the network settings tab on your smartphone, and select the repeater from the list of networks available to you.
- Connect to the found network. Most often, this is done without additionally entering a password. However, if you still need it, it can be found on the case.
After the smartphone connects to the device, an authorization window will appear on the display. You must enter the standard login and password “admin/admin”. A web interface with device parameters will open. Here you need to select the wireless network to which the repeater should connect. You also need to rename it so that the name is the same as the main Wi-Fi.
However, we recommend that you contact specialists who will help you choose a device and install it correctly. For example, you can contact UCtel, which works with the best mobile signal boosters in the United Kingdom, including for 3G, 4G, and 5G.
Features Of Using a Router As a Repeater
Few people know that there are Wi-Fi routers with a repeater function. Such devices can be used not only as routers but also as signal repeaters. So, you don’t have to purchase a new device designed solely to boost the signal. If you have several routers in your house, then you can use one of them as an amplifier.
It is worth noting that this Wi-Fi repeater mode is very easy to enable. You just need to go to settings and enable repeater mode, which in most router models is called “Amplifier”.
Not all types of routers allow you to use them as repeaters. Before purchasing a router, we recommend that you make sure that it supports the signal booster function.
Wrapping It Up
A repeater is an essential device used to boost a wireless signal. Before using such a device, it is necessary to at least determine the type of signal to be amplified, as well as the location. We recommend contacting UCtel, which provides support in installing mobile signal boosters in the UK.