If you have a powerful wifi router, but you’re still getting a weak signal, you might need to consider using a wi-fi extender (also referred to as a repeater or a booster) to boost the wifi signals.
As the name suggests, a wifi range extender is a device that boosts the wifi signals so you can seamlessly browse the Internet.
However, there some factors you need to consider before purchasing a range extender. Let’s see.
Why do You Need a Wi-Fi Range Extender?
Sometimes the wireless network does not cover the edges of your home or office.
You may have a high-end wifi router but the weak signals can cause a lot of discomforts. A wi-fi range extender will help you improve the signal strength.
How does Belkin Wi-fi Range Extender Work?
Belkin Wi-fi range extenders help in boosting your Wi-Fi signal through acting as a lightning rod that receives signals from the router and broadcast it.
What is a Belkin Range Extender?
According to Belkin setup website, a Belkin Range Extenders are “devices that act as repeaters for the routers wireless signal.”
Belkin device can be set up without cables and wires. The following steps will guide you on how to setup Belkin extender wirelessly.
Things You’ll Need to Setup Belkin Range Extender
Before you start the process, ensure you have the following:
- A Belkin range extender.
- Existing Wi-Fi network. You must know the wireless password as well as the network name (SSID).
- Wi-Fi capable device like a laptop, smartphone or a tablet.
Note: The troubleshooting steps may vary depending on the wireless device in use.
Belkin Setup Procedure
- Plug in your Belkin range extender into a power outlet. Ensure that it is within the range of your router’s network.
- Using your laptop, tablet or smartphone, locate and connect to the Belkin. Setup network.
Note: If you are not able to see this network (Belkin. Setup), then you will need to reset the range extender. To achieve this, press the extender reset button for about 10 seconds while the range extender is still turned ON. Power the device and then connect to the network again.
Before proceeding to the next step, wait for your capable device to connect to the Belkin. Setup network.
- Launch your browser and enter the following “http://belkin.range” in the address bar and then tap GO.
Alternatively, you can access the extenders web-based setup page by typing the following IP address: http://192.168.206.1.
- From the page that opens, click on Get Started. Wait for some few seconds as it searches your routers SSID.
- Locate and select the network you would want to extend. Once done, click Next. If your network is not on the list, Click Refresh and wait for the setup to connect to the network.
- If prompted, enter your Wi-Fi password and click next.
- In case you have a dual-band network, and you want to extend bot, repeat steps 5 and 6 and then click Next.
- Review all the Extended Network details information. If need be, click on Edit to change the information. Otherwise, click the Create Extended Network button and proceed with the setup.
Your extender should be configured. The network settings will appear on your screen, and you can choose to print the information if you need.
How to Use WPS for Belkin Setup
In case you prefer to use WPS, you can follow the following procedure:
- Plug the device into an outlet and wait for it to power on
- Locate the WPS button and press on the top until the light next to it flashes
- From your router, press the WPS button to initiate the handshake
- Once done, you can complete the setup
- Use your capable device to browse available networks and then select Belkin from the list
- Launch your browser and navigate to http://belkin.range
- From the Belkin Setup web page, click Get Started
- From the list of available networks, select the name of your Wi-Fi
- Enter the wireless network password if prompted and select next
- Select your wireless network once again and then click on Create Extended network
- You can set up your password and username for the range extender as you wish
What to Consider Before Buying Wi-Fi Range Extender?
Here are some additional tips that may help you when you’re buying a wifi range extender.
1. Router Positioning
If your wireless router is not set at an optimal spot within your home, then an extender is not going to help you. Vary the wireless router location to be entirely sure that you need an extender.
2. Standard Support
Ensure your router can offer 802.11ac support since this is the current standard. The 802.11ac provides more than twice the maximum speed offered by 802.11n and the older generations. Thus, no need to buy other wireless routers.
3. Test your Wi-Fi speeds
A number of apps are available that you can use to determine the speed of your wireless network signal. The apps will help you identify the areas where your network is dipping.