A network repeater expands the boundaries of a wired or wireless local area network. A WiFi repeater amplifies the signal from a wireless router to increase the distance and coverage of the WLAN. Compatibility and antenna type should be considered when purchasing a repeater.
A network repeater is a device used to expand the boundaries of a wired or wireless (WiFi®) local area network (LAN). In the past, wired repeaters were used to join segments of Ethernet cable together. They amplify data signals before sending them to the uplinked segment, thus counteracting the signal decay that occurs over long lengths of cable. Modern Ethernet networks use more sophisticated switching devices, leaving the wireless flavor of the network repeater a more popular device for use with wireless local area networks (WLANs) at work and at home.
WLANs offer tremendous convenience, but one drawback of these systems is the limited area covered by wireless signals. Blockages and other common electronic devices interfere and reduce signal strength. This can make it difficult to connect from a basement, back room, or upstairs office, depending on wireless router placement and other variables. A wireless network repeater may be the answer.
A WiFi® repeater will pick up the signal from a wireless router and amplify it, propagating the signal strength to increase the distance and coverage of the WLAN. For example, let’s say an upstairs office gets only a weak signal from a router located in the basement. The building may have steel infrastructure, cordless phones, and other forms of interference. One option is to move the router to another floor to see if the entire building can be covered, but this isn’t always convenient.
Another option is to install a network repeater on the lower floor, halfway between the basement and the upstairs office. The repeater should amplify the signal enough to get good coverage upstairs. If the building is large enough, multiple repeaters can be strategically placed to ‘draw’ the signal where required, although this concept has its limitations. Devices communicating with an intermediate repeater will have lower performance statistics than those communicating directly with the router. This becomes more of a problem as additional repeaters are used online.
When purchasing a wireless device, there are a few things consumers should keep in mind. The first is compatibility: the repeater must be compatible with the router, so buyers should check a list of compatible devices. It should also make sure that the repeater supports the correct type of wireless LAN. If your wireless network is secured with WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) or WPA (WiFi Protected Access), it is important that your device also supports this.
Furthermore, two types of repeaters are available: those with an external antenna and those with an internal antenna. The former plugs into an electrical outlet and is less obvious. The latter sits on a desk or table. In this case, a detachable hybrid antenna is preferred over a fixed antenna, while some models have two antennas. Other repeaters allow you to connect an external antenna, which can be an advantage when trying to cover a large building.
Network repeaters are available wherever computers are sold. Simple to install, they can be a valuable addition to your home or office WLAN.
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