In today’s digital age, a strong and reliable Wi-Fi connection has become essential for the workplace and at home. However, many people experience the frustration of a weak Wi-Fi signal in certain areas of their homes or offices. This is where Wi-Fi boosters can be worth their weight in gold.

Also known as a Wi-Fi extender, internet booster, or internet extender, a Wi-Fi booster is a device that enhances the coverage and strength of an existing Wi-Fi signal. It acts as a bridge between your wireless router and devices located further away or in areas with weak signal strength. By amplifying the signal and transmitting it over an extended range, a Wi-Fi extender ensures a more reliable and consistent broadband connection.

In a large house or office with multiple floors, a standard Wi-Fi router may be unable to cover every single room or might struggle to reach every corner of the building. Areas where Wi-Fi can’t reach are called dead zones and a strategically placed Wi-Fi booster can remove them.

Below, we will delve into the world of Wi-Fi boosters, exploring what they are, how they work, and how they can benefit you.

How does a Wi-Fi booster work?

A Wi-Fi booster works by receiving the Wi-Fi signal from your existing router and amplifying it to reach a broader area. The process looks like this:

The Wi-Fi signal booster connects wirelessly to your router, receiving the existing Wi-Fi signal.
Using built-in antennas, it then amplifies the signal and transmits it over an extended range.
Devices within the boosted range can now connect to the Wi-Fi booster, which acts as a middleman between the devices and the original router.
The booster relays the data between the devices and the router, ensuring a seamless and improved Wi-Fi experience.

It’s important to note that while Wi-Fi boosters can enhance your Wi-Fi network coverage, they do have limitations. The boosted signal may not be as strong as the original signal from the router, and the overall internet speed may still be affected by factors such as distance, interference, and the quality of the internet service provider.

However, for most home and small office environments, Wi-Fi boosters can significantly improve Wi-Fi coverage and in doing so, provide a better online experience.

What does a Wi-Fi booster do?

A Wi-Fi booster extends the coverage area and range of an existing Wi-Fi network. It helps eliminate dead zones and ensures a strong, reliable connection in areas that were previously affected by weak or no signal.

Many broadband suppliers offer their customers Wi-Fi extenders as optional extras or as part of certain internet packages. For example, Hyperoptic’s Total Wi-Fi service supercharges our fibre broadband wirelessly, providing the ultimate Wi-Fi reliability and coverage in every room of the house. It can be added to an existing service at any time and gives customers access to the Minihub Wi-Fi booster, which connects to the Hyperoptic router.

Do Wi-Fi boosters increase internet speed?

While a Wi-Fi booster or internet signal booster can improve the coverage and strength of your Wi-Fi signal, it does not directly increase your internet speed. The speed of your internet connection is primarily determined by your internet service provider (ISP) and the plan you subscribe to.

The role of a Wi-Fi signal booster is to ensure that the available Wi-Fi signal reaches a wider area, allowing devices in previously weak signal areas to connect more reliably. However, if the internet speed provided by your ISP is slow, a Wi-Fi booster cannot magically increase it.

What is the difference between a Wi-Fi extender and a Wi-Fi booster?

You might have seen the terms “Wi-Fi extender” and “Wi-Fi booster” used interchangeably. Both devices serve the same purpose of extending the range and coverage of a Wi-Fi network. They capture an existing Wi-Fi signal and retransmit it so that it’s able to reach previously out-of-range areas.

The difference in terminology is mainly due to different manufacturers and marketing strategies. Some companies refer to their products as Wi-Fi extenders, while others use the term Wi-Fi boosters. However, the functionality and purpose of these devices remain the same, making the names synonymous with each other.

Benefits of a Wi-Fi extender

Wi-Fi range extenders, or broadband boosters, offer several benefits to users looking to improve their Wi-Fi coverage and signal strength. The advantages of using a Wi-Fi booster include:

More coverage: A Wi-Fi booster eliminates dead zones and extends the coverage of your Wi-Fi network, ensuring a powerful, reliable connection throughout your home or office.
Improved signal strength: By amplifying the Wi-Fi signal, an extender boosts the signal strength, allowing devices in previously weak signal areas to connect more effectively.
Seamless roaming: A Wi-Fi booster enables seamless movement throughout your home or office, providing uninterrupted connectivity without any disruptions or dropped connections. The booster ensures a consistent and stable Wi-Fi experience as you transition between different areas.
Easy setup: Most Wi-Fi boosters are designed for easy installation and setup. They typically come with user-friendly interfaces and guided setup processes, making it convenient for users to get their boosters up and running quickly.
Cost-effective solution: Investing in a Wi-Fi extender is often more affordable than upgrading your internet plan or installing additional networking infrastructure. It provides an efficient solution to extend Wi-Fi coverage without significant expenses.

When to install a Wi-Fi internet booster for home

There are several situations where installing a Wi-Fi booster for home use can greatly benefit your Wi-Fi network and internet experience. These reasons include:

Large homes: If you live in a large home with multiple floors or a spacious layout, a Wi-Fi booster can help ensure that every corner of your home has a strong and dependable Wi-Fi signal.
Dead zones: Identify areas in your home where the Wi-Fi signal is particularly weak. These dead zones can be frustrating, especially if they coincide with areas where you frequently use your wireless devices. Installing a Wi-Fi booster in these areas can eliminate the dead zones and provide connectivity where it was previously lacking.
Home office: If you work from home or have a home office, a Wi-Fi booster can enhance your productivity by providing a stable internet connection. This is particularly important for tasks that require video conferencing, file sharing, or access to cloud-based applications.
Outdoor spaces: If you have a large garden or outdoor living areas where you want to enjoy Wi-Fi connectivity, a Wi-Fi booster can extend the signal from your router to cover those outside spaces, allowing you to stay connected while enjoying the outdoors.
Streaming and gaming: If you frequently stream high-definition videos or play online games, a Wi-Fi booster can help ensure a smooth, uninterrupted experience by eliminating lag or buffering caused by a weak Wi-Fi signal.

If you’ve found your Wi-Fi signal to be lacking in any of the areas we mentioned above, it might be time to get a booster. Thankfully, Hyperoptic’s Minihub can be added to a new or existing service. You can easily switch to Hyperoptic’s broadband service today if you’re experiencing any signal problems with your current provider. Check out our price plans and supercharge your internet connection.

Where do you put a Wi-Fi extender?

To get the best coverage from your Wi-Fi extender or Wi-Fi booster, it’s important that you put it in the right place.

First, pick a central location for your Wi-Fi extender, in a spot where you need your Wi-Fi to reach (your home office, for example) and no more than two rooms or one floor away from your router.

Choose an open spot in the room (I.e. not hidden away in a cupboard or stuck in the corner) and avoid putting it on the floor.

It’s also best to avoid the kitchen and any high-powered electrical devices (e.g. microwaves, fridges, bluetooth speakers etc.), as well as metal structures or mirrors.

If you’re stuck on where to put your router or think you’d like to move it, check out our tips on the best place to put your router (hint – avoid the kitchen!).

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