WiFi extender which actually works

[Roboticarm]

Hi all, likely been asked before but couldn't find anything.

Currently have EE broadband, house has an extension where we have a lounge, the Xbox is in the corner and signal is intermittent, likely because it's technically outside the main wall
Can't easily move the router due to where the wires come into the house.
Tried a WiFi extender but it seemed to work by generating another version of the network which was fine for the Xbox but confused the heck out of my phone.
Anyone recommend a decent, hassle free extender please

[Desiderata]

I've got a couple of BT powerlite extenders, it's an old house with 2ft thick stone walls lined with foil backed plasterboard so WiFi doesn't go very far. You just plug in the extenders to any socket and bobs your uncle.

[Blockbuster]

Any of the TP-Link Deco range. I'm very happy with my set of 3x M5's.

[MattyD803]

Blockbuster said:

Any of the TP-Link Deco range. I'm very happy with my set of 3x M5's.

TP Link Deco's here, work exceptionally well, even without any wired backhaul.

I found the "plug in" type ones (even TP link) to be pretty unreliable.

[Road2Ruin]

A mesh system is what you are after. I have a BT one, which works with any provided not just BT, but many others are available as above.

[jamies30]

I bought 3 x Linksys Velop tri-band mesh last Autumn. It was a toss-up between those and the equivalent TP-Link system, but the Linksys ones were on offer. It’s OK, but if I had my time again I’d probably go with the TP-Link - everyone seems happier with theirs than I am with mine.

[Chuffedmonkey]

As per posts above, get a Mesh system and you will never look back. I have the TP Link Deco and it has completely transformed the WiFi around my house.

[S6PNJ]

Mesh, as has already been said. I have the Tenda Nova MW3 devices. Come in a pack of 3. Just dropped to £60 on Amazon.

[DanL]

Quick and stupid mesh question. I current have a wifi extender, and the separate wifi name (and having to switch to it) is annoying.

A quick read suggests a mesh system will solve this, but:
1. Do I just buy one to replace the existing wifi extender, or
2. Do I need two, to effectively “replace” the wifi signal I currently connect to?

[S6PNJ]

DanL said:

Quick and stupid mesh question. I current have a wifi extender, and the separate wifi name (and having to switch to it) is annoying.

A quick read suggests a mesh system will solve this, but:
1. Do I just buy one to replace the existing wifi extender, or
2. Do I need two, to effectively “replace” the wifi signal I currently connect to?

I can't speak for 'all' Mesh devices, but on my Tenda Nova MW3, it:
1. Replaced the existing WiFi signal / code / name / SSID etc etc. I only have on SSID in my home and the ability to switch n a guest SSID if I want when visitors come round. Keeps their traffic separate from my devices and my traffic.
2. They come in a pack of 3. The first to connect to your router becomes the 'Master' and you control it from there, the other 2 become slaves and you place them around your home to maximise coverage.

Oh - are we still allowed to call them Master and Slave??? Prime and Secondary??

[PushedDover]

MattyD803 said:

Blockbuster said:

Any of the TP-Link Deco range. I'm very happy with my set of 3x M5's.

TP Link Deco's here, work exceptionally well, even without any wired backhaul.

I found the "plug in" type ones (even TP link) to be pretty unreliable.

Also one of these advocates 100%. Best bit of tech bought that simply 'does what it needs to'

[Road2Ruin]

They do replace your existing WiFi, but all I did was change the SSID and password of the mesh system to my existing WiFi one so all devices connected automatically to that without having to change them all.

[Henzy]

Have a look at power line adapters, much better than any wifi booster in my experience.

[anonymous-user]

This has been great with our stone farmhouse walls.


TP-Link TL-WPA4220KIT 2-Port Powerline Adapter WiFi Starter Kit, Range Extender, Broadband/WiFi Extender, WiFi Booster/Hotspot, No Configuration Required, UK Plug
by Amazon
Learn more: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01LXOZ4EN/ref=cm_sw_e...

[PushedDover]

Road2Ruin said:

They do replace your existing WiFi, but all I did was change the SSID and password of the mesh system to my existing WiFi one so all devices connected automatically to that without having to change them all.

Fpr me a brucey bonus was how I have just changed the Broadband provider here at home. So a new router. So normally a new wifi SSID and reteaching a hundred devices the new password. But no. Not with Mesh.

That is a day and endless frustrations in the month ahead saved. Well worth Mesh.

[Road2Ruin]

PushedDover said:

Road2Ruin said:

They do replace your existing WiFi, but all I did was change the SSID and password of the mesh system to my existing WiFi one so all devices connected automatically to that without having to change them all.

Fpr me a brucey bonus was how I have just changed the Broadband provider here at home. So a new router. So normally a new wifi SSID and reteaching a hundred devices the new password. But no. Not with Mesh.

That is a day and endless frustrations in the month ahead saved. Well worth Mesh.

You could have changed the SSID and password of the router to the old one if needed and saved the hassle.

[menguin]

Mesh, mesh, mesh. I've also got 3 of the TP link decos and even with huge concrete walls, no issues.

[Roboticarm]

Thanks for everyone's input, much appreciated.

Sounds like mesh is the way forward. I've looked into all the ones suggested and, based on price and the fact that I had some currys vouchers laying around I've gone with the Nova Tenda MW5 system, should arrive next week

Thank you

[techguyone]

MattyD803 said:

Blockbuster said:

Any of the TP-Link Deco range. I'm very happy with my set of 3x M5's.

TP Link Deco's here, work exceptionally well, even without any wired backhaul.

I found the "plug in" type ones (even TP link) to be pretty unreliable.

+ 2


Powerline adapters are marginally better than 'wi-fi extenders' but very variable dependant on your own properties wiring, plus in my experience have unexpected, annoying random drop outs.

Deco M5 is a good call as they come in 3, have gigabit ethernet ports and each unit has twin ethernets, which I've found rather useful, especially for things like security cams which work a lot better on ethernet rather than wi-fi.

Avoid the earlier range with 100 Mbit ethernet ports, it'll limit you in the long run if your internet exceeds that speed

[Gooose]

Would these mesh systems work with a Huawei AI Cube

I’ve got this due to very poor line speed and it’s been great 99% if the time but the signal strength is a bit pants, tried the plug socket extender but it made things worse, just confused everything trying to connect to wifi