WiFi extenders are a great way to expand your internet coverage and ensure there are no dead spots. While you can have as many as you want in your home, it’s typically better to go with two or three rather than crowding up the space.
I’ve spent most of my life working with and expanding my WiFi network. That personal experience, mixed with my own background with technology, allowed me to gain a deep understanding of how extenders operate.
This article will cover the devices in great detail by looking at their mechanisms, the best way to get an upgraded signal, as well as the amount most users need to cover their house.
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Key Takeaways
- Though you can have as many extenders as you want in one home, it’s best to only have one or two at the most.
- Always keep your extender halfway between your device and router. Make sure to not place it around too much clutter either.
- If you have two extenders, don’t piggyback them. Connect them to the router as opposed to each other.
Using Multiple WiFi Extenders
WiFi extenders are extremely useful devices. Regardless of which one you choose or what model you prefer, they do a solid job of extending your wireless coverage and cutting down on dead zones. However, that doesn’t always mean that more is better.
Ideally, it’s best to have one or two extenders in a household. That should provide you with more than enough coverage for any space. Even if your house is large, it’s unlikely you’ll ever need anything more than that.
Most users assume that the more extenders, the better the internet. It’s not that simple. While you can technically put as many as you want in your house, they have diminishing returns. Having too many clogs up your network rather than expanding it.
How Multiple WiFi Extenders Affect Internet Speed
Strictly speaking, extenders don’t have any impact on your core internet speed. They do, however, impact your bandwidth. And they can impact it a lot. Each one eats up a sizable chunk, which is important to consider when figuring out how many to get.
Even if your speed doesn’t slow down as a result of using multiple extenders, it can affect how well your connected devices run. Too many just create problems. In fact, even using two in a smaller space can lead to less-than-desirable results.
Typically, one extender is all you need.
Where to Place Your WiFi Extenders
WiFi extenders, even the best models, can have issues if not put in the right place. Though many users assume that all they need to do is just buy a high-end device (or a device that just suits their needs) and call it a day, it needs to be set up in a proper area.
There are many household objects, including microwaves, walls, and even mirrors, that can cause some dead zones or weak signals. Keep your extender in an open area without too many items or clutter in order to get the best possible results.
It’s also important to place your extender off of the ground (the higher, the better) in a spot that’s at least the same distance off the floor as your modem. That will give you the best signal and ensure you cut down on dead spots.
How Far Apart Can WiFi Extenders Be?
When setting up WiFi extenders, you need to always be aware of their placement. That refers to, not just the above tips, but to how far they sit from other devices as well.
It’s a general rule to always put your extender roughly halfway between the router and the devices you’re connecting. That ensures you get the best connection possible and don’t have any lasting issues.
However, if you’re planning on using more than one extender it’s best to keep them apart too. Just as how putting two extenders too close to the router causes issues, keeping two extenders in too close of proximity will also lead to problems.
There’s no one best distance, but it’s best to keep them at the opposite ends of your house as a general rule. On top of that, do your best to avoid piggybacking two WiFi extenders.
Every device needs to have its own extension to the router. If you use one to extend another’s range, you’re going to find extreme slowdowns or dropped signals. They should always be set up separately under their own network name.
Do WiFi Extenders Work with Every Router?
For the most part, extenders have wide compatibility. Any model can work with just about any router. In fact, that’s one of the best aspects of a modern extender.
That doesn’t mean all brands are perfect, however. There are a few devices that don’t work with every internet connection. Always check the compatibility before making a final purchase.
Also, avoid mixing and matching extenders if you can avoid it. While using two models from two different brands works, it’s best to get the same ones so there won’t be any issues with updates as time goes on.
If you’re having any trouble setting them up, this video will help with that process.
Final Thoughts
Though you can have as many extenders as you want, stick to one or two whenever possible. While you can go up beyond that, know that doing that (with a few fringe exceptions) will only lead to other problems down the line.
Do you use WiFi extenders? How many do you use, and where do you have them in your house? Let us know in the comments below!
