How to Make Extender Router Put Out Download Speed

Introduction

Getting the best download speeds from your network is essential for seamless streaming, gaming, and browsing. Setting up an extender router can significantly enhance your internet performance. This guide will walk you through understanding network basics, configuring your devices, and implementing advanced settings to maximize your download speed.

Understanding Network Basics

To optimize your extender router for better download speeds, it’s crucial to understand how networks work. Your network comprises multiple devices connected to the internet via a central point, usually a router. The internet speed you receive depends on your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and the hardware’s efficiency, including the main router and any extenders.

Extender routers serve to broaden your Wi-Fi range, eliminating dead zones where the signal is weak. They do so by picking up the original signal from your main router and rebroadcasting it. However, in the process, the Wi-Fi signal might experience some degradation. This is where optimization comes into play. By tuning your extender router correctly, you can ensure it delivers the best possible download speeds throughout your home or office.

Setting Up Your Mobile Hotspot

Before diving into configuring your extender router, set up your mobile hotspot correctly. This step involves ensuring that your mobile hotspot can effectively connect to your devices and provide a stable internet connection.

1. Activate Hotspot: Make sure your phone’s mobile hotspot feature is enabled. Go to your phone settings to turn it on.
2. Select Network Band: Choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for your mobile network. The 2.4 GHz band covers a broader area but is slower, while the 5 GHz band offers faster speeds over shorter distances.
3. Secure Your Connection: Set a strong password for your hotspot to prevent unauthorized access, which can slow down your internet speeds.

Once your mobile hotspot is effectively set up, it’s time to configure your extender router to connect seamlessly with it.

Configuring the Extender Router

Configuring your extender router involves a few steps designed to ensure it receives and rebroadcasts the Wi-Fi signal efficiently:

1. Connect to Power: Plug in your extender router in a location central to your main router and areas with weak signal.
2. Initial Configuration: Use your computer or mobile device to connect to the extender router’s network. Access the configuration interface through a web browser. The address is typically something like 192.168.0.1, but refer to your extender manual.
3. Connect to Main Router: Enter the credentials of your main router to allow the extender to connect. This step usually involves choosing the network (SSID) and entering the password.
4. Match Network Bands: Ensure that the extender router is operating on the same band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) as your mobile hotspot for consistency.

With these steps completed, your extender router should now be connected to your main network, ready to boost your internet signal.

Optimal Placement and Signal Strength

After configuring the extender, the next step is to place it in an optimal location for performance. Signals weaken over distance and obstacles like walls or electronic devices.

1. Ideal Location: Place the extender router halfway between your main router and the area with a weak signal.
2. Avoid Obstacles: Ensure there are minimal barriers such as walls, floors, or large objects between the router and the extender.
3. Elevation: Position the extender at an elevated spot, such as on a shelf or mounted on a wall, to avoid interference from furniture.

By optimizing its placement, you ensure that the extender router distributes the network signal efficiently, enhancing download speeds.

Advanced Router Settings for Maximum Speed

To further optimize your extender router performance, explore advanced settings:

1. QoS (Quality of Service): Prioritize bandwidth for activities that need more speed. For instance, give streaming or gaming traffic more bandwidth priority than other activities.
2. Update Channel: Regularly switch the Wi-Fi channel to avoid congestion. Channels 1, 6, and 11 are the most commonly used and less interfered.
3. Channel Width: Set your channel width to 20 MHz for the 2.4 GHz band and 40 MHz or 80 MHz for the 5 GHz band for higher download speeds.
4. MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output): Enable this feature if available to allow multiple devices to access the network without reducing speed.

Experiment with these advanced settings to find the best configuration that boosts your download speeds significantly.

Software Tools and Firmware Updates

Your extender router’s firmware and the software tools you use can also impact its performance:

1. Firmware Updates: Regularly update the firmware of your extender router to benefit from the latest fixes and performance enhancements.
2. Network Analyzers: Utilize software tools like Wi-Fi analyzers to assess your network’s performance. These tools help you detect crowded channels, weak signals, and optimal placement for your router.
3. Speed Test Apps: Run speed tests periodically to check download and upload speeds, and adjust settings as needed.

Staying updated with the latest software and firmware ensures your extender router performs at its peak capacity.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Despite following these steps, you might encounter issues impacting your download speed. Here’s how to address them:

1. Weak Signal: If the signal remains weak, consider relocating the extender closer to the main router.
2. Interference: Reduce electronic interference by moving the router away from other electronic devices.
3. Overlapping Wi-Fi Channels: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer to identify and switch to less congested channels.
4. Device Load: Disconnect devices that aren’t in use to free up bandwidth for those in use or prioritize devices using QoS settings.

Identifying and addressing these common issues ensures sustained optimal performance from your extender router.

Conclusion

Enhancing your extender router’s download speeds involves understanding network fundamentals, setting up your devices correctly, optimizing placement, configuring advanced settings, and keeping everything up to date. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll ensure your Wi-Fi signal is strong and reliable, leading to improved internet speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my extender router not boosting download speeds?

Your extender router might not boost speeds due to improper placement, outdated firmware, electronic interference, or misconfiguration. Ensuring optimal settings and placement can resolve this.

Can I use any extender router with my mobile hotspot?

Most extender routers are compatible with mobile hotspots. However, ensure that the extender supports the same network bands (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) as your hotspot for the best performance.

How often should I update my extender router’s firmware?

It’s advisable to update your extender router’s firmware every few months or whenever a new update is available. This ensures the latest security and performance features are active.