Hello! This article will focus on Wi-Fi repeaters. We have already reviewed many specific models on the pages of our mega-cool portal WiFiGid, but there has not yet been a universal article. So, setting up the repeater from all sides - from unboxing to final use in simple words from Botan. Begin!
Attention! This article is universal and suitable for all repeaters, but in order to have fewer questions when setting up, I recommend using a search on our website to find ready-made instructions for your specific model, and if you don’t have one, welcome to the comments!
Introduction
So, are you missing a Wi-Fi signal somewhere in your home? Of course, you went looking for options and came across the opportunity to purchase a repeater. What could be simpler - connect it to an outlet in the right place, pair it with the main router, and the network expands and becomes ready for use in a new place.
Honestly, I use it myself and am very happy (I have an 850RE, but this has nothing to do with the article - you can even use Chinese Xiaomi or nouns like Wall Powered Wireless Signal Repeater). In practice, there was no significant difference when using a branded model at home and a repeater from China - if you doubt the choice.
At first glance, everything is simple, but there are small nuances that will make your life much easier when setting up. If you have any problem, skim through this article, you will most likely find a solution to your problem. And if not, we are ready to discuss.
Let’s once again establish how a repeater can work:
- In access point mode (AP Mode) – we connect to the router via wire and distribute Wi-Fi. Non-main purpose, rarely used. Mainly used when the head router simply does not have a wireless module. Ideally, in this situation, it is better to replace the router.
- In repeater mode (Repeater Mode, Range Extender, Wireless Repeater) – the repeater connects to the main router via Wi-Fi and simply duplicates its network. Scheme of work:
Some routers themselves are capable of operating in repeater mode - in case you have an unnecessary Wi-Fi router lying around. But that is another story…
Until we move on to configuration, I recommend thinking about connecting devices. Of course, most of them should be connected over the air, but many models are also equipped with a LAN port for a regular network cable - from here you can also get the Internet:
Repeaters work in different ways - some completely duplicate the network with the same name and password, some create their own. The former are more common. But if something suddenly doesn’t work, check to see if a network has appeared with a different name - perhaps this is it. It would be more correct that repeaters completely duplicate the network, and access points create a bridge with the head router (possibly even via Wi-Fi) and distribute their network. But in practice there were cases when these two concepts were mixed.
Choosing the best of 7 Wi-Fi signal repeaters
It’s worth thinking about which device is best to purchase to improve the level of wifi indoors. To do this, let's look at the main advantages and disadvantages of the best wifi signal amplifiers.
Netgear Orbi (RBK50) AC3000
Suitable if high power and wide range of action are required. Upon purchase, two devices are provided - a router and a repeater. They are connected via cable. The speed can reach one and a half thousand megabits per second. Wifi extends over long distances. Ideal for large offices and country residences.
Advantages:
- a complete set of equipment is provided (no need to purchase additional parts);
- covers a wide range;
- data is transmitted at high speed;
- nice design and small size.
Flaws:
- high price;
- It will not be possible to connect several repeaters at the same time.
ASUS RP-N12
A good option for performing simple or office tasks. Works in several modes. Connects via socket. The antennas provide great coverage. The best point for placement is determined using an indicator - it lights up in green or red. Advantages:
- easy connection;
- clear setup;
- high speed for home needs.
Flaws:
- The signal is lost, so you have to reboot the equipment.
ASUS RP-AC68U
Allows you to increase your coverage area. Operates in two frequency ranges. Power is provided by four antennas. Several modes are possible, which are selected by pressing buttons.
Advantages:
- misses a lot of signals;
- works in several modes;
- stable speed;
- nice design.
Among the disadvantages, high cost should be highlighted.
TP-Link RE350 AC1200
One of the most popular devices on the market. Operates in two frequency ranges. The connection is simple - you need to synchronize the repeater with the router. The signal level can be determined by the color of the indicator. Work is possible under almost any conditions. Advantages:
- two frequency ranges;
- powerful antennas for transmission;
- indicator allows you to find the optimal location;
- nice appearance.
The cost of the product is high, so not everyone can afford it.
TP-Link AC750 (Archer C2)
A good repeater for working in several bands. Speed reaches 750 Mbit/s. The repeater is easy to connect. To do this, you need to hold down the power button and wait a few minutes. The router address is automatically copied. Pros:
- wide coverage;
- dual frequency support;
- ease of setup and connection;
- nice appearance.
Minuses:
- high cost of goods.
TP-Link N300 (TL-WA850RE)
An excellent solution for a router that allows you to quickly increase its reach. Connection takes a few minutes. To increase the power, click on the repeater and router button. Optimal use in apartments. The speed is enough for watching videos, listening to music or playing online games.
Pros:
- ease of setup;
- Possibility of installation anywhere;
- high signal level throughout the entire space;
- no need to re-configure.
There are no cons. This is the best option for undemanding users.
Xiaomi Mi WiFi Amplifier 2
A compact device that is suitable for travel. It is easy to connect via USB. The area of effect is almost doubled. Speed reaches 300 Mbit per second.
Advantages:
- small, fits in your pocket;
- automatic setting;
- the coverage area doubles.
Flaws:
- automatically works with Xiaomi devices; others require the installation of special software.
Which repeater is better to buy?
To make your choice, consider the following:
- If your budget is small, but you want optimal Internet speed, it is better to choose the TP-Link TL WA850RE model. Amplifies the signal within a specified range.
- If power is important to you, then the TP-Link RE350 is a good option.
- For more space and an unlimited budget, buy the first model reviewed. Its power covers an entire country house without loss of speed.
Installation
Now let's discuss installing the repeater. From the last section, we understood that we need to place it so that it can receive a signal from the main access point - if you place it far away, there will simply be nothing to duplicate, and if you place it on the edge, the speed will decrease noticeably. In total, you need to choose a place for the repeater in the area of reliable Wi-Fi reception from the router. Fortunately, some devices have an indication of the signal strength, but if not, measure the reception with your phone.
What is a repeater
The repeater is designed to strengthen and extend an existing wifi network. The signal becomes stronger, the coverage area increases and “dead zones” disappear. Many router manufacturers also produce repeaters. Externally, they are compact and have a different set of functions.
The repeater is easy to use. It is enough to plug it into an outlet where the signal from the network reaches, but weakly. The settings will have to be adjusted, and the problem with a poor Internet connection will go away.
Depending on the power, repeaters with built-in and external antennas are installed. When choosing a repeater, you should pay attention to the technical characteristics - frequency range (5 and 2.4 GHz), maximum data transfer rate and network standards. It’s worth buying a dual-band one, so the signal quality will be better. The ranking of the best is headed by Xiaomi, TP-LINK, ASUS.
Setup - via WPS
Is everything connected and lit? I suggest setting up a repeater then. The easiest way to duplicate the network is through WPS, since modern repeaters almost always support such a connection.
Still, I strongly recommend that you read the paper instructions for your model or find the right article for you on our website. Something may be different in your model, and you will be wasting your time!
If there is such a button (and some repeaters simply have one large button with the same functionality, but without an inscription), do this:
- We bring the repeater as close to the router as possible and plug it into a power outlet (for a better signal).
- Press the WPS button on the repeater.
- Press the WPS button on the router.
- We wait until the repeater is connected - the indication will tell you.
All! The network is duplicated. This is the easiest method, which is recommended to try at the beginning. If suddenly there is no WPS button on the repeater or router, or it still does not connect for some unknown reason, we try to configure it through the web interface.
How to connect an amplifier?
A modern repeater is a small device that plugs into a power outlet and amplifies the router’s signal. The kit usually includes the WiFi repeater itself, an RJ-45 cable and an adapter. There should also be instructions with instructions on how to properly configure the WiFi repeater. Information is most often provided in English or another language, which creates a number of difficulties for the user.
A repeater increases the coverage area by amplifying the signal, but first you need to install it and “connect” it to the router. Connecting a WiFi repeater does not require special knowledge and takes a few minutes. The algorithm is like this:
- install the device into an outlet near a PC or laptop (horizontally or vertically);
- Please note that when you turn it on for the first time, the indicator lights up indicating that power is supplied;
- wait a while for the device to “warm up”;
- connect the amplifier to the router.
This completes the preliminary steps. In more detail, we will look at how to set up a Wi-Fi repeater in the instructions below for two options - if the WPS button is provided or absent.
Setup - via interface
If for some reason the first method did not suit you, it’s time to go into the repeater settings and manually show Kuzka’s mother... well, in the sense of which network to connect to. There can be many differences between repeaters here - so it’s better to find a manual for your device. But the principle will be the same for everyone. Here's an example, look at the video:
Brief plan:
- We connect to the repeater - it’s easier for me to do this via wire, some repeaters allow you to connect to them directly via Wi-Fi. If the Wi-Fi network was previously changed, amplifiers usually have a factory reset button; as a last resort, reset them to zero. The main thing is to connect correctly. Read your instructions.
- Go to the web configurator. To do this, you need to enter the address in the browser. An example of connection was in the video above. Addresses for repeaters have the format 192.168.0.254, 192.168.1.254, tplinkrepeater.net - there are really many options. So, either look at the instructions, or look at the sticker on the repeater itself - the connection address, login, and password for access are usually indicated there (they will come in handy).
- As a result, you should be taken to the main menu of the customizer:
- Then, usually through a setup wizard, you will be guided through the steps and connected to the network: you will need to select your home Wi-Fi in the list of available networks and enter its password:
As a result, even with manual input everything should work exactly, check it right away without leaving the router, and then take the amplifier to another room. Additionally, the simultaneous operation of two wireless networks with the same SSID (which is usually not visible when connected on devices) can be viewed through different Wi-Fi analyzers, for example, Wi-Fi Analyzer on Android.
I can’t log into the repeater at wifi.wavlink.com
There are situations when it seems like you are doing everything correctly, but you cannot log into the administrator panel of the WavLink repeater. In this case, I recommend checking the connection parameters specified in the network adapter configurations of your computer or laptop.
On Windows 10, you need to open the Network and Sharing Center to do this. You can use regular search to get directly to this setting.
And then look for the link “Change adapter settings”
There will be two icons here - we need “Wireless Network”. First, you need to enable it if it is not active. To do this, right-click on the icon and select the corresponding menu item.
Next, go to the same menu and open “Properties”
Find “Internet Protocol Version 4” and activate all the checkboxes for “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain a DNS server address automatically.”
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If some data was specified in some fields, then it is necessary to rewrite it somewhere. This is information for connecting to the Internet. And you will still need it when setting up your router.
Problems
For advanced users. Possible connection problem - network settings received incorrectly. Ideally, they should be set to automatic connection mode, and the repeater, through its DHCP server, will already give you the correct IP, mask, and gateway. Otherwise, manually adjust to your repeater. For example, like this:
After setting up, don’t forget to set everything back to “Receive automatically” mode.
Another common problem is “No Internet access” when connecting through a repeater. As a rule, the problem lies in incorrectly receiving settings via DHCP. In the screenshot above, in the Gateway field, the address of the central router (for example, 192.168.0.1) should be entered (or obtained automatically). If some glitch occurs or DHCP through the repeater does not work correctly, enter it manually. But it’s even simpler - try rebooting everything (the router, the amplifier, and the connected computer, laptop, phone). It often helps.
Possible errors and their elimination
If, after connecting in one way or another, the repeater does not distribute the Internet, then errors may have been made. Advanced users can quickly detect and fix problems:
- The user forgot to disable the DHCP server, the encryption key or router password was entered incorrectly. This can be resolved by going through the setup procedure again.
- Using devices from different brands. When there is a channel conflict, it is difficult to achieve the desired result. You can try to enter different numbers into the channel designations, but it’s better not to make things worse, but to immediately buy a repeater of the same brand.
When choosing a repeater, you should consider what bands it operates on and what Wi-Fi standards it supports.
Chinese repeaters
Some Xiaomi models have their own unique mechanics for connecting to the head router - such as configuration via a USB port, or via a mobile application, but on average, all allow you to do the same via the web interface. Here is an example on Comfast (a very typical representative).
The connection addresses here are usually non-standard. On this model – 192.168.10.1. But the login and password are the same – admin/admin:
The only possible difficulty in the Chinese is the absence of the Russian language, and in the worst case, the presence of only Chinese. But everything is treated through the Google Chrome translator.
Another difference between their network devices is their colorful configuration interfaces. And the main thing here is not to get lost. For example, the model offers access point mode by default, but you should remember to switch to repeater:
Then everything is the same - searching for a network, entering a password for it and calmly working on long codes. Here is another video instruction on Wireless N WiFi Repeater:
The instructions are universal and a little watery, so I’ll end here. If you have any questions, write in the comments. But it’s best if you clarify your request to a specific model and there you will see specific instructions for your repeater in Russian. Happy setup! Your Nerd from WiFiGid.ru.
Appearance
In appearance, the repeater is a small device. There are usually 3-4 indicator lights on the top panel (which will indicate its readiness for operation and possible failures). On the side you can find an input for a LAN cable and a small “reset” button for resetting to factory settings.
The kit usually comes with instructions in English, an adapter for a Euro socket and a LAN cable.
- Recommended settings for 802.11n wireless connection
