Adding wireless access points (APs) or Wi-Fi range extending repeaters are two popular options for boosting connectivity across homes and offices. But what are the key differences, and how do you determine which upgrade fits YOUR situation?
This comprehensive guide examines everything you need to know, including:
- Wi-Fi Extension 101: How Access Points and Repeaters Work
- Speed and Coverage Considerations
- Wired vs. Wireless Setups
- Security: Protecting Your Network
- Budget vs. Premium Models
- Usage Tips for Placement and Configuration
Let‘s get started!
Wi-Fi Extension 101
Getting reliable Wi-Fi to all corners of your home or business is tricky. Appliance interference, building materials, distance from your wireless router – many factors strain signal coverage.
Wireless access points help by adding MORE access capacity and range:
APs plug into your router via ethernet cables (usually through walls/ceilings). This gives them a fast DIRECT LINK to your network without relying solely on Wi-Fi connections.
Access points transmit their own dedicated Wi-Fi network that devices can connect to. So it‘s like adding a second wireless router!
Wi-Fi range extenders, or wireless repeaters, STRETCH your existing network coverage:
Extenders catch the Wi-Fi signal from your router wirelessly and rebroadcast it farther. Sort of like a cell tower. No special cabling required!
The catch? Data throughput can be slower since transmissions go router > repeater > device. Let‘s explore more key differences…
Speed and Coverage: What to Expect
Wireless access points share your primary router‘s bandwidth when linked via ethernet. So speed remains FAST. An AC1200 router + AC1200 AP roughly equals 2400Mbps of available Wi-Fi!
Extenders rebroadcast signals, so speeds may drop by half (or more). Plus walls/floors degrade signal the farther it travels.
However, access points need professional installation of new cabling in many homes. Not everyone can accommodate this. Extenders just plug and play!
Here‘s how possible Wi-Fi coverage shakes out:
| Product | Standard Coverage Estimate |
|---|---|
| AC1200-AC1750 Router | 1500 – 2200 sq. ft |
| AC1200-AC1750 Access Point | 1500 – 2200 sq. ft |
| AC750 – AC1900 Repeater | 800 – 2500 sq. ft |
Of course, your mileage will vary based on interference and building materials. But this provides reasonable expectations.
Additionally, while better Wi-Fi coverage is great, also ensure your internet plan supports faster speeds. Many top out around 100mbps. Investing in a 400mbps router won‘t really benefit!
Wired Access Points vs. Wireless Extenders
We touched on key setup differences earlier, but let‘s dive deeper…
Because access points connect to your router via ethernet cable, PROPER PLACEMENT is important. You never want to just dangle cords along baseboards where they pose trip hazards or look messy.
Professional installations involve neatly running cables through attics, walls or ceilings to mount access points centrally where Wi-Fi is needed most. This allows them to blend seamlessly into any home or office decor.
If you rent an apartment or lack above-ceiling access, exterior-rated ethernet cables can discretely follow baseboards just like TV cords before connecting to the AP.
Repeaters broadcast Wi-Fi WITHOUT cables, so you can freely reposition them anywhere within range of the host network. Outlets are all that‘s needed!
However, keep the following repeater placement tips in mind:
- Choose central locations to maximize extended coverage range
- Avoid tightly cramped spaces which block outward signal propagation
- Maintain line-of-sight between router and repeater where possible
- Try multiple positions and check signal strength if performance seems weak
- For two-story coverage, place on 2nd story for best floor-to-floor broadcasting
AP installation takes more planning, but repeaters offer flexible convenience. Choose what best fits your environment!
Network Security Concerns
With great Wi-Fi range comes greater RISK of intruders accessing your network if protections lag behind.
Thankfully modern routers, access points, extenders and Wi-Fi systems support the latest WPA3 encryption standard. This keeps outsiders from snooping on your web traffic and exploits security flaws in the old WEP and WPA2 protocols.
Additionally, always change default admin passwords to STRONG customized credentials. Don‘t leave backdoors open!
For public hotspots in cafes, hotels, etc. extra wireless intrusion prevention systems help lock things down. But WPA3 works fine for home settings as you expand coverage via access points or repeaters.
Now let‘s move onto product selections and recommendations…
Budget vs. Premium Access Points & Extenders
In your quest for fuller Wi-Fi reach, avoiding wallet over-extension is wise!
Budget access points under $80 work well for smaller homes, providing AC1200 speeds around 1200Mbps. Don‘t expect advanced controls or PoE support standard on pricier commercial APs.
Mid-range home access points offer a sweet spot of quality and performance in the $100-$200 zone. Many support Wi-Fi 6, mesh extensions and external antennas.
Commercial-grade access points start around $500. These feature tons of configuration options like band steering and traffic shaping. Overkill for casual use but great for large offices!
For Wi-Fi range extenders, you can stretch signals on the cheap. AC750 boosters cost just $25-$50 for basic needs. Stepping up to AC1900+ models provides higher bandwidth for 4K media – expect to pay $80-$150.
Here are two of my top recommendations:
EAP245 TP-Link Omada AP – $90 gets commercial-style quality with MU-MIMO streaming and mesh potential. Easy remote access point management!
NETGEAR EX7300 – Feature-packed AC2200 wireless repeater blankents homes in boosted signal. Works with ANY router. Compact wall-plug design.
There are TONS of models from Linksys, ASUS, TP-Link and more. Browse based on your speed needs and budget!
Pro Tips for Wi-Fi Expansion
Before pulling the trigger on upgrades, consider this bonus advice which applies to both access points AND repeaters:
For solid performance:
- Shop matching Wi-Fi standards for your router and extender/AP when possible – both AC1200, both Ax3000 Wi-Fi 6, etc.
- Examine product reviews. Searching Amazon reveals REAL user experiences to learn what shines vs. falls short when upgrading Wi-Fi.
- Look for external removable antennas. These help aim/focus signals in specific directions during testing to find the optimal setup.
- Dual-band 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz support aids connectivity for both newer and legacy devices simultaneously.
To simplify installation/management:
- Try products from the same manufacturer as your EXISTING router. Keeping brands aligned often enables one-touch configuration vs. complex manual tweaking.
- Seek out remote browser-based management if adjusting settings frequently. Beats console logins!
- Enable automatic firmware updates so future security patches install hassle-free.
I hope these Wi-Fi expansion tips for access points and repeaters prove helpful. Please don‘t hesitate to reach out with any additional questions!
