One of the great achievements of technology, after the Internet, has been the wireless signal. We no longer have to invest in endless wiring to access the web. However, routers are devices with limitations (like all) and, therefore, we will need a powerful WiFi amplifier when they do not suffice by themselves.
Here are some of the signals that can help you know if you need a better WiFi amplifier.
- There are areas of a building, plant or office that the signal does not reach, also known as “dead zones”.
- There are enough areas that WiFi reaches, but it is very slow and hinders optimal work development.
- The plant or building is too big for a single router, leaving some important areas of the company lame.
- The business requires WiFi in an external area of the building.
- There is consistently higher latency (ping) in the signal, resulting in slower loading websites, among other issues.
If one or more of these signals are being met, then it’s probably time you needed a WiFi booster. Next, we explain how this device works and how you can solve the previous signals.
What You Need to Know About a WiFi booster
What is it and what does it consist of?
A WiFi amplifier is a device that serves as a link between the router (signal transmitter) and the rest of the devices (receivers) with the intention of enhancing and expanding the range of the signal. The idea is to reach a greater number of areas and improve fluency. But why do you need an amplifier even when you have a high-speed network?
The problem, actually, is that the WiFi signal works through electromagnetic waves and its stability depends on various factors. For example, if we are in an open and lonely place, surely we will not have problems, but in a place with many structural barriers (such as walls) between the emitter and the receiver, the electromagnetic waves bounce and weaken or cannot reach their destination.
Another problem arises when different electromagnetic waves collide with each other, generating interference and reducing power and range. With an amplifier we can solve these problems and, of course, a better WiFi signal amplifier is synonymous with lower latency and greater stability in the connection.
How Does It Work?
The operation of a WiFi amplifier is quite simple, we only need to connect it to the power in an intermediate location where the device receives the signal from the router and, in turn, covers the “dead zones” we want to reach, thus solving problems of connectivity in the company. It is important that the amplifier receives the best possible signal quality; otherwise, the retransmission will be poor.
We must also take into account the characteristics of the router and the amplifier if we want to achieve an optimal connection. For example, if the router works based on the 802.11ax standard ( WiFi 6 ) and we use an amplifier with the 802.11ac standard ( WiFi 5 ), we will lose part of its potential. Ideally, we use a better WiFi signal amplifier that allows us to take advantage of the benefits of technology. The same happens if our router works with different bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
Advantages of Using a Powerful WiFi Amplifier
- Better coverage for buildings and large plants, where WiFi does not reach all spaces.
- Better video streaming over WiFi.
- Greater fluidity and fewer spikes in latency.
- The amplifier can be moved from one location to another to support WiFi needs in various locations.
- An additional Ethernet connection is obtained from the amplifier for equipment that requires it and without having to be near the router.
- It improves the WiFi signal in the areas suffering from structural interference or electromagnetic wave shock.
Telefonica’s Smart WiFi 6 Amplifier uses the latest technologies of the WiFi 6 standard, such as OFDMA to efficiently manage devices connected to a network (and reduce latency) and BSS colouring to reduce wave interference with external devices.
In addition, Smart WiFi 6 stands out for its simplicity and minimalist design. It does not have external antennas, but it includes, internally, 12 antennas to guarantee all the power we need, something to take into account when choosing the best WiFi amplifier.