Having fast broadband is one thing, but making sure that speed reaches every corner of your home is another. Even with a high-speed connection from Wildanet, many homes, especially older or larger properties, can suffer from WiFi dead zones, slow speeds upstairs, or poor coverage in home offices or garden rooms.
That’s where WiFi boosters come in – improving coverage by extending the range of your network.
But how do WiFi boosters work? In this guide, we’ll dive into exactly what WiFi boosters do, how they improve your home network, and why you might want to consider adding one to your setup.
What Is a WiFi Booster?
A WiFi booster (sometimes called a WiFi extender or repeater) is a simple device that helps extend the coverage of your wireless network.
It works by:
- Receiving your existing WiFi signal from your router
- Amplifying and rebroadcasting that signal to areas with weak or no coverage
This helps fill in gaps in your WiFi coverage and ensures a stronger connection throughout your home. For rural properties or homes with thick walls, common in Cornwall and the South West, a WiFi booster can make a huge difference to your experience online.
How Does a WiFi Booster Work?
WiFi boosters typically plug into a mains socket somewhere between your router and the area of your home where you want better WiFi.
Once set up, the booster connects to your existing WiFi network and repeats the signal on the same or a new channel. The boosted signal helps cover dead zones and weak spots where your router alone can’t reach.
Some boosters can also use a wired Ethernet connection for more reliable backhaul to the router, useful in properties with very thick walls or long distances between rooms.
Key Benefits of Using a WiFi Booster
Eliminate Dead Zones
WiFi boosters help remove frustrating dead zones: those parts of your home where the WiFi signal is weak or non-existent. Whether it’s an upstairs bedroom, a home office, or a garden room, boosters help ensure consistent coverage.
Improved Streaming and Gaming
Buffering during streaming or lag during gaming is often caused by poor WiFi in certain areas. Boosters can deliver a more stable, faster connection so you can enjoy entertainment without interruptions.
Enhanced Remote Working
If you work from home, reliable WiFi is essential for video calls and cloud-based work tools. A booster helps ensure that your home office has the strong connection it needs.
Support for Smart Home Devices
Smart devices rely on consistent WiFi to operate properly. A booster can help ensure cameras, smart speakers, lights, and thermostats stay connected. Our dedicated team help to provide WiFi solutions for rural homes across Cornwall and the South West.
Are WiFi Boosters Right for Every Home?
WiFi boosters are a great solution for smaller coverage problems, for example, one or two dead zones. They are also easy to install and affordable.
However, in larger or more complex properties, or in homes where you want completely seamless WiFi across multiple floors or buildings, a mesh WiFi system may be a better long-term option.
Getting the Best Out of Your WiFi
Before adding a booster, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the most from your existing Wildanet broadband connection. We recommend:
- Placing your router in a central location
- Avoiding physical obstructions around your router
- Using the latest WiFi standards (WiFi 5 or WiFi 6 where possible)
If you still have areas with poor coverage after optimising your setup, a booster or mesh system is a great next step.
Need Advice? Wildanet Can Help
At Wildanet, we are experts in helping homes across Cornwall and Devon get the most from their broadband connection. Whether you need advice on WiFi boosters, want to explore mesh WiFi options, or are looking to upgrade to Full Fibre broadband, get in touch with our friendly team.
Phone: 0800 069 9906
Email: [email protected]
