Wi-Fi Booster? Will it work?
By AnjaP
@Rollo1 (16679)
Boston, Massachusetts
August 17, 2015 1:37pm CST
I have excellent speeds from my Internet provider, but of course, the problem of slow speeds arises with wireless devices.
In his bedroom, The Boy gets a very slow speed on his laptop and an intermittent signal to his Xbox. I have already upgraded both the router and our speed with the ISP but it didn't help.
I know that the wireless speeds are bound to be slower than on the hard-wired computers, but his speeds are pitiful. I also know there are walls and other devices between the router and his room, but in a small place, that cannot be avoided.
So I am looking at wireless signal booster. The model I have considered simply plugs into an outlet somewhere between the router and the wireless devices. It is supposed to merely boost the signal so that other areas of the house get faster wifi.
I wonder if anyone has used one of these and if you have had any success. The model I am considering is a reasonably priced one, kind of mid-range. But even so, I don't want to waste my money if it doesn't really help.
3 people like this
7 responses
@alphenor (686)
• Philippines
18 Aug 15
ISP tech support here. 
Before wasting your money to buy a wireless booster, try changing the "wireless channel" first. These wireless channels are where the signal pass through and you might be getting interferences ESPECIALLY if you see other WiFi connections on your devices.
To change it you'd usually go to the modem's GUI (settings) first, usually 192.168.1.254 or something else found somewhere on your modem near the serial number.
Regarding if boosters do or do not work, they do but it depends on the situation if it will be effective or not. But I strongly suggest trying the wireless channel first. If you need help on finding out the exact steps, just reply the ISP and the model number so that I could look it up online to find some info.
Before wasting your money to buy a wireless booster, try changing the "wireless channel" first. These wireless channels are where the signal pass through and you might be getting interferences ESPECIALLY if you see other WiFi connections on your devices.
To change it you'd usually go to the modem's GUI (settings) first, usually 192.168.1.254 or something else found somewhere on your modem near the serial number.
Regarding if boosters do or do not work, they do but it depends on the situation if it will be effective or not. But I strongly suggest trying the wireless channel first. If you need help on finding out the exact steps, just reply the ISP and the model number so that I could look it up online to find some info.@alphenor (686)
• Philippines
18 Aug 15
@Rollo1 That's good too, but if the booster is using the same channel as your modem does, you'd still get interferences.
Here's some articles online that provide info about wireless channels (took 30 seconds to search and view them):
http://www.howtogeek.com/197268/how-to-find-the-best-wi-fi-channel-for-your-router-on-any-operating-system/
Some channels in WiFi routers are indeed much faster -- but that doesn't mean you should go ahead and change them. Read on to find out more about interference and the massive difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi.
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
6 Oct 15
I have never had need for such a device, but they are certainly effective. If you are only trying to boost the signal in a single room, a Powerline would probably be the best choice. This system consists of 2 or more adapters and you plug them into the electrical mains socket. One goes into a socket near the router and an Ethernet cable is run from the router to the adapter, while the other would be plugged into a socket in the room and an Ethernet cable run from the socket to the equipment.
You can even buy one that will provide a wifi signal from the socket in his room.
1 person likes this
@Rollo1 (16679)
• Boston, Massachusetts
6 Oct 15
I saw those, too. I think they are slightly more expensive. I am sure there is a lot of interference with other networks in the building and surrounding as well as walls, etc. I may also want to think about wifi in the bedroom, though I haven't yet secluded myself there to escape the bustle and noise around here. Still, it's an option.
@allen0187 (58582)
• Philippines
18 Aug 15
Haven't tried any of these signal boosters but I have read reviews from independent users and it seems these things do work.
1 person likes this
@inertia4 (27960)
• United States
17 Aug 15
I never tried a single booster for WiFi. However, I have optimum online with the max speed. I also have an Apple Airport Express as my router. And I cannot complain about the WiFI in my house. I get it on all three floors and in the yard as well. So I would say that router is the best by far.
1 person likes this
