Having slow and inconsistent internet that causes buffering can be incredibly frustrating. If you find your Wi-Fi connection drops frequently or your streaming videos and music are constantly buffering, a Wi-Fi extender may help stabilize your signal and improve performance.
What causes buffering?
Buffering occurs when your internet connection speed cannot keep up with the amount of data you are trying to access. For video and music streaming, files are temporarily downloaded to your device in small chunks. If your internet is slow, your device may not be able to download these chunks fast enough to keep the video or song playing smoothly.
There are a few main reasons your Wi-Fi may be too slow and cause buffering:
- Distance from the router – The further you are from your Wi-Fi router, the weaker the signal will be. Walls and other objects can also interfere with and weaken the signal.
- Old router – An outdated router may not broadcast a strong enough signal to reach all areas of your home.
- Too many connected devices – Having many devices connected to your Wi-Fi network can congest the signal and slow things down, especially if they are all streaming or downloading at the same time.
- Internet plan isn’t fast enough – If your internet service plan doesn’t provide enough bandwidth for the number of connected devices in your household, buffering can occur.
How a Wi-Fi extender improves the signal
A Wi-Fi extender (also known as a wireless repeater) picks up your existing Wi-Fi signal, amplifies it, and rebroadcasts the boosted signal. This helps extend your Wi-Fi network’s range and fill in any dead zones.
There are two main types of Wi-Fi extenders:
- Wireless repeaters – These physically connect to your router via Ethernet cable to get network access. They capture the Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcast it under the same network name and password.
- Wireless range extenders – These connect to your existing network wirelessly. They broadcast a new network name and password for your devices to connect to.
By expanding your network’s coverage area, a good Wi-Fi extender can help reduce buffering issues caused by distance, interference, and dead zones. But boosting the signal may not help if your router is outdated or your internet plan’s bandwidth is insufficient.
Will a Wi-Fi extender definitely fix buffering?
While a Wi-Fi extender can help improve signal strength and potentially reduce buffering, results aren’t guaranteed. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Your router’s performance – If your router’s hardware is outdated and incapable of fast Wi-Fi speeds, an extender won’t make it transmit faster speeds.
- Extender location – It needs to be in just the right spot to relay the signal optimally. Improper placement could limit its effectiveness.
- Bandwidth constraints – If your internet plan’s bandwidth is capped at a slow speed, boosted Wi-Fi range won’t suddenly permit faster speeds.
- Network congestion – Many connected devices can still choke performance, even if the signal now reaches them.
So while a Wi-Fi extender can potentially fix buffering issues caused by Wi-Fi dead zones or distance limiting speeds, other network factors can still cause problems. Evaluating your full network setup is important before purchasing an extender.
Tips for choosing a Wi-Fi extender
All Wi-Fi extenders are not created equal. Here are some tips for picking an effective model:
- Compatibility – Choose an extender that works with your router’s Wi-Fi generation (802.11ac, 802.11n, etc).
- Dual band – Dual band or tri band models provide both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz signals for best compatibility.
- Speed rating – Aim for an AC2200-AC3000 rated extender capable of maximum speeds over 1000Mbps.
- Antennas – Units with multiple high-gain antennas typically provide expanded coverage.
- Ethernet port – A model with an Ethernet port lets you connect a wired device to the extended network.
Our top recommended Wi-Fi extenders are:
| Brand | Model | Speed | Bands | Antennas | Ethernet Port |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | RE650 | AC2600 | Dual | 4 | Yes |
| Linksys | RE7000 | AC1900 | Dual | 2 | Yes |
| Netgear | EX7500 | AC2200 | Dual | 3 | Yes |
| Nest Wifi | AC2200 | Dual | 2 | No |
Optimal extender placement
Where you place your Wi-Fi extender in relation to your router is crucial for the best performance. Follow these tips:
- Place the extender in a dead zone roughly halfway between your router and the area with poor signal. Avoid right next to the router.
- Elevate the extender – place it above furniture with direct line-of-sight to the router. Avoid putting it on the ground.
- Test the location by connecting devices before mounting it permanently. Move it around to find the optimal spot before mounting.
- If possible, maintain line-of-sight between the extender’s antennas and your router’s antennas for best signal relay.
Also try to avoid locations that can interfere with Wi-Fi signals, like next to appliances, mirrors, fish tanks, or metal objects.
Connecting your devices to an extender
Once positioned correctly, connecting devices to a Wi-Fi extender is simple. There are two methods depending on the extender type:
- Wireless repeater – Connect seamlessly to the extender’s network using the same SSID and password as your router. Devices will automatically switch between router and extended signal.
- Wireless range extender – Manually connect your devices to the extender’s new SSID and password it broadcasts separately from your router.
Your devices should remain connected to the extended network automatically once setup is complete. You can also connect wired devices like a smart TV or game console to the extender’s Ethernet port if it has one.
Additional tips for reducing buffering
While a Wi-Fi extender can improve your wireless signal, a few additional tweaks may further optimize your network and reduce pesky buffering:
- Upgrade your internet package – Faster download/upload speeds provide extra bandwidth.
- Update your router firmware – Keep firmware updated for performance improvements.
- Change router channel – Try broadcasting your signal on a clearer channel.
- 5Ghz over 2.4Ghz – Connect devices to the 5Ghz band when possible for faster speeds.
- Ethernet for streaming – Use wired connections for heavy streaming when possible.
- Limit simultaneously streaming devices -coordinate usage to prevent congestion.
- Restart router and devices – Power cycle your equipment periodically.
Conclusion
A Wi-Fi range extender can potentially help reduce frustrating buffering by boosting your signal strength and reaching dead zones. For best results, choose an extender suited for your network needs and router setup. Optimal placement is also key to maximize your extended coverage and speeds. While not a magic fix-all, a good Wi-Fi extender is a solid first step toward eliminating wireless woes and buffering headaches in your home network.