Place Wi-Fi extenders where they can maintain a strong router signal
Wi-Fi extenders work best when placed where they can still receive a strong router signal while reaching a weak-coverage area. Getting this balance right matters because an extender rebroadcasts the signal it receives, so a poor connection to the router can leave the extended Wi-Fi weak too.
In ideal conditions, the suggested distance is about 25 to 40 feet for extenders with external antennas, or 20 to 35 feet for models with internal antennas. Walls, floors, metal and household devices can reduce signal strength, so the article recommends moving the extender gradually and using its signal light to find a suitable spot. It also suggests placing it around four feet off the ground; in larger homes, a wired access point or mesh system may work better.
- Place the extender where it gets a strong router signal and reaches the dead zone.
- Ideal distances are 25 to 40 feet with external antennas, 20 to 35 with internal ones.
- Obstacles may require a wired access point or mesh system.
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A Wi-Fi extender is a device that catches your existing router's wireless signal and rebroadcasts it to reach parts of your home where the signal is weak. Many people use them when they need stronger coverage in distant rooms or areas blocked by walls.
The key to getting good results is placing your extender carefully. Extenders work by receiving the signal from your router and amplifying it, so if the extender itself sits in a weak signal area, the Wi-Fi it spreads will be weak too. Finding the right spot means balancing two things: staying close enough to your router to receive a strong signal, whilst still reaching the area where you need better coverage.
Several factors affect where an extender performs best. Extenders with external antennas typically work best placed 25 to 40 feet from your router, while those with internal antennas work better at 20 to 35 feet away. Walls, floors, metal objects and household appliances all weaken radio signals, so positioning your extender a few feet off the ground and testing different locations will help you find the ideal spot for your home.
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Originally published by Engadget as “How far away can a Wi-Fi extender be from your router?”.