All you need to know about WiFi boosters

Most of us have an infamous spot(s) in our homes or offices where the internet speed is so slow that it tests our patience every day. This is because that particular location is beyond the range of the source of the internet, i.e. the WiFi router. You can invest in a more expensive package that boasts of a better range, sure, but even then, there will be places where the signal will be weak. If you’re wondering what to do in such a situation, the best solution here is to turn to a WiFi signal booster.

What is a WiFi signal booster and how does it work?

A Wi-Fi signal booster, also referred to as internet boosters or range extenders, basically helps expand the range of your WiFi router. This extension in the coverage area is achieved by boosting and amplifying the existing signal from the router. Meaning, a WiFi signal booster enables all wireless devices within the extended range to connect to the internet. The booster can be of great help to increase the range of your WiFi coverage to reach several floors of the building or every corner of your home, and maybe a short distance outside it too.

Essentially, a WiFi booster works once it has established the connection between the router and your mobile phone or laptop. The booster captures the signal from the router and broadcasts its own signal, and has a range and strength that depends on its specification.

Do you really need an internet booster in your home?

It is crucial that you carefully investigate whether you really need an internet booster in your home. Sometimes, our routers may be poorly placed in a corner of the room, which does not allow its signal to expand to all areas within the home. So, the first thing you need to do is place your WiFi router in the central area so that all rooms are within the range of the network. But, this solution may be ineffective in cases where there are many obstructions in the house, such as furniture or thick walls, which weakens the strength of the signal or entirely prevent it from reaching the entire room. And, also there are conditions when you cannot place the router in the middle of the room as it is wired to your desktop. These are the situations where you should consider utilizing an internet or WiFi signal booster to broaden the network coverage.

When do you need an internet booster?

There are chances that you may not know if they need an internet booster or not. Have a look at these common scenarios wherein people choose to utilize an internet booster to improve internet performance.

• Dead zones in your homes

Dead zones are areas in your home where the signal from the WiFi router does not reach at all. This might be because you are far from the range of the WiFI router, or perhaps the architectural aspect of your home is blocking the signal from reaching your device. If such dead zones or spots exist in your house, an internet booster can help you eliminate them.

• Areas with slow WiFi

Maybe your WiFI router is placed in a room downstairs and you spend most of your time upstairs, where the internet works but is very slow. Additionally, you might also observe that you are unable to stream videos in HD or play games without lags in your room. Instead of enduring the slow internet connection, consider installing an internet booster to improve the speed in every part of your home.

• More perks
  Internet boosters are not only used to cover the dead spots; you can also use boosters to raise your internet speed, and add some new features to your WiFi network. By adding a booster to your existing network, you can not only upgrade to the advanced WiFi features but also bypass the need to buy a new router.
  For example, if your router is outdated and does not support AC, then you’re missing out on enjoying a remarkably fast internet speed. However, if you buy an internet booster that supports AC, you can add exceptional speed to your network. Moreover, some boosters or WiFi extenders feature new technologies that improve your network efficiency and allow it to handle more devices and traffic.
• Large home

It’s generally difficult for a single WiFi router to cover a large house, and especially when there are thick walls blocking signals. One trick you can employ in this situation is to place the router in the central area so that it covers the whole room. If this doesn’t work, you will need to buy an internet booster.

• Internet access just outside your home

As our dependence on the internet is growing, it is natural that we want to enjoy the fast connection everywhere, right from the backyard of our house to the swimming pool, and even our garage. For this, you need to position your booster at a spot in your home that is closest to the outdoor area where you want the connection.

How to choose the right internet booster?

Now that you’ve understood what internet boosters are and how they work, let’s take a look at what factors you should primarily consider while selecting an internet booster.

• Frequency

Typically, internet boosters feature either a single 2.4GHz band or dual 2.4GHz and 5GHz band support. Many budget boosters work on the single 2.4GHz frequency spectrum. But, if you want a high-speed internet connection for streaming high-quality videos smoothly, you will need a dual-band booster. Dual-band boosters also offer you several options for configuring your network for optimal performance. However, don’t forget to ensure if your router supports a dual-band booster or not.

• Speed

It is recommended that you check the WiFi standards or speeds supported by the booster, and especially look for the latest 802.11ac standard support. This new standard delivers a wireless speed that is many times faster than wireless N and is ideal for streaming HD videos and playing heavy games online flawlessly.

Lastly, please note that an internet booster is very easy to install and takes only a few minutes. The important thing to remember here is to place your booster halfway between the area of the dead zone and the router. This way, you can efficiently expand the coverage area of your wifi network and use the internet evenly from every corner of every room.