Today’s DSL contracts usually include a WLAN-enabled router. This enables wireless internet access within your own four walls. Unfortunately, it can happen that, despite the fast DSL tariff, only a few Mbit / s reach the end device, Internet pages load very slowly as a result and surfing pleasure suffers. Often this is due to a weak incoming WiFi signal. Depending on the built-in WLAN antenna, the distance to be bridged and the number of neighboring wireless networks, this interference can become a real problem. A WLAN repeater helps to solve this.
- A WLAN repeater is a device that improves the range of the WLAN signal and is usually plugged directly into the socket or has its own power supply unit.
- With a repeater, the range of a WLAN network can easily be doubled.
- The uniform WLAN standard makes it possible to combine hardware from different manufacturers.
What is a WLAN repeater?
Defined by abbreviationfinder, a WLAN repeater is a device that improves the range of the WLAN signal and is usually plugged directly into the socket or has its own power supply unit. The repeater receives the WLAN signal arriving from the router by means of a built-in antenna, processes it and sends it on. This forwarding can either be omnidirectional, i.e. equally strong in all directions, or targeted. For the client, i.e. laptop, smartphone or PC, nothing changes except for the better signal: the WiFi repeater only increases the signal strength, the wireless network name and WiFi access remain the same.
Many areas of application for the WLAN repeater
With a repeater, the range of a WLAN network can easily be doubled. This gives users almost unlimited freedom, as they no longer have to be careful not to leave the small area with good WiFi reception. Whether balcony, attic or garden – a WLAN repeater also supplies exposed areas with good signal quality. An additional advantage comes into play when it comes to the installation location of the DSL router: If you had to be meticulous beforehand to ensure that the router was optimally positioned, it could easily be set up in the basement thanks to a WLAN repeater.
WLAN standard allows great freedom with the repeater hardware
The uniform WLAN standard makes it possible to combine hardware from different manufacturers. As a result, consumers could purchase a Fritz! and use an AVM WLAN stick – and also forward the signal through a WLAN repeater from Netgear. As long as all devices use the same standard – for example IEEE 802.11n – compatibility is guaranteed and the greatest possible freedom in terms of hardware selection is made possible. This gives the consumer the advantage of being able to fall back on inexpensive models that are available in stores for as little as 25 euros. Depending on the manufacturer and design, these devices can do much more than just forward signals: Additional functions such as an additional Ethernet connection for the PC or multi-room playback of music are not uncommon.
Select the correct location for the WLAN repeater
Finding the best place to set up a WiFi repeater is not difficult. The rule of thumb is: Halfway between the DSL router and the client. So the signal in the entrance is still strong enough and can bridge the distance to the tablet and Co. with sufficient strength. For additional help, some WLAN repeaters have a digital display that shows the reception at the respective location, which is very helpful when looking for the best installation location. Ideally, there should be a line of sight between the router and the repeater and it should be ensured that no large metallic objects, such as a refrigerator, are in the transmission path.
