Repeaters & Extenders
Wi-Fi Repeaters and Extenders
47 extenders from TP-Link, Mercusys and Tenda. The quick coverage fix when you cannot run a cable — with an honest warning about what you give up.
- TP-Link 20 · Mercusys 5 · Tenda 5 and others
- 30 products with a 36-month and 15 with a 24-month warranty
- They plug straight into a socket, with no tools and no cabling
- Setup in minutes, usually with a single button press
What they do and what it costs
A repeater listens to the router’s Wi-Fi and rebroadcasts it further away. It is the easiest solution there is: plug it into a socket, press a button, done.
The cost is real and you should know it: the same radio receives and transmits alternately, so the available airtime is split in two. In practice, speed at the far end is noticeably lower than beside the router.
For browsing, email and video it is perfectly fine. For large file transfers, low-latency gaming or many devices at once, the right answer is an access point on a cable.
Where to put it
The most common mistake: people put it where there is no signal. But a repeater does not create signal — it rebroadcasts what it receives. If it receives a weak signal, it rebroadcasts a weak signal.
The right position is halfway along: where the router signal is still good, but close enough to the area you want to cover. Most repeaters have a reception quality indicator for exactly this reason.
When not to buy a repeater
If the problem is a floor above with a concrete slab between, or if you want serious speed at the far end, a repeater will disappoint you. There the right solutions are an access point on a cable or powerline, which sends the network through the electrical wiring.
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Frequently asked questions
- Where exactly should I place it?
- Halfway between the router and the area with no coverage — not at the furthest point. It rebroadcasts whatever it receives.
- Will I get the same speed?
- No. Rebroadcasting splits the airtime, so speed drops noticeably at the far end.
- Will I have to switch networks?
- Many models keep the same name and password so devices roam automatically. It is stated in the specifications.
- Is setup difficult?
- No. On most, one button press on the router and the repeater is enough. Alternatively, setup through an app takes a few minutes.
It is the easiest solution and often enough. But if you want speed rather than merely signal, see the access points.