Although home connections have improved in speed, Coverage continues to be the Achilles heel of many homes. Even in small houses, obstacles such as walls and doors quickly deteriorate the range of the Wi-Fi signal, which is why many users look for alternatives that can extend it and be able to connect their devices from any corner.
It is a common problem that has several solutions that we are going to explain to you in this article: Wifi repeaters and extenders, PLCs and Wifi Mesh systems. They are not the same and it is important to know what each one contributes.
Wifi repeaters or extenders
In practice, both terms are used synonymously. These are devices that capture the existing Wi-Fi signal and re-emit it to extend its range. A wifi repeater take the signal only by wifi and reissues it and can create a network with its own SSID or clone the existing one. A wifi extender It is not limited to receiving the signal via Wi-Fi and can also extend it from a physical connection, Ethernet or PLC.
Are cheap and easy to install (often the WPS button on the router is enough), but its performance depends a lot on where are they placed. If the repeater receives a weak signal, it will also repeat a weak signal. Furthermore, the single band models They usually split the bandwidth between reception and retransmission, which reduces the effective speed. They work well for find a nearby roomnot so much to cover large homes.
PLC (Power Line Communications)
PLC adapters carry the network connection through the house’s electrical installation. They are sold in kits in which one connects by cable to the router and to a socket; the other, in the room to which you want to give better access. Its advantage is that, since it is a physical connection, Physical obstacles and distance to the router are not a problem. Depending on the model, the second adapter offers Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi, or both.
It can be limited by the power grid quality (old frames, multiple differentials or power strips can penalize) and actual performance rarely reaches the theoretical figures on the packaging. Still, they are a solid option when the router and the room to be covered are far away or on different floors.
Mesh Wifi Systems
Mesh devices create a single network with multiple nodes that cooperate with each other. They all operate under the same SSID or network name and when you move around your house, the connection automatically jumps from device to device to always offer you the best coverage. The systems three bands They reserve a channel for the link between nodes (backhaul), which improves speed, and many allow you to use an Ethernet cable as backhaul if you already have network sockets.
Are more expensive than a repeater and demand place the nodes wellbut they offer the more homogeneous coverage and the simplest management from your app. They are the recommended choice for medium and large homes or if you have many connected devices.
Which one is best for you?
If you live in a small apartment with an area with weak coverage, but close to the router, a dual band wifi repeater It is economical and is usually sufficient.
If you do it in a house of more than one plant or with distant rooms, a PLC kit with wifi The second adapter will give you better results.
If you live in a large housewith several plants or you need the most stable coverage possible throughout the house, a Wi-Fi Mesh systembetter triband, is the best option.