In traditional networking if a cable goes too far a distance between two devices the signal quality weakens until the point where it becomes very difficult todetermine what the original signal was, this results in many errors until the original signal is readable. To combat this problem we use repeaters strategically positioned in places where the distance between the transmitter and receiver becomes too great, the repeater receives the deteriorating signal then re-sends it as it was originally sent to allow communications over long distances.
There is a similar problem with Wifi (or Wireless) transmission. When you start to get too far from the signal source the quality degrades until you get to the point where you cannot communicate with the network anymore. The usual range of a home network using a wireless router is about 100-150 feet. If you place a Wifi Repeater in an area where the signal strength is starting to decrease but is still strong enough for the Wifi Repeater to receive the signal then it will re-transmit it with higher power extending the size of your wireless network. This can be very useful if you need to increase the size of your wireless network, of if you have certain problem areas where the signal strength is weak like a room where the signal is weak because of walls etc. The wireless signal extends in every directions from the wireless repeater.
It is usually quite easy to setup a Wifi Repeater, simply place it between the area that needs the signal and your current Wifi transmitter, install the software and scan for the wireless networks in the area. Then choose your own Wifi Network and you should be all set. Some Wireless Repeaters can also be connected to the network by cable. Remember that it broadcasts the signal in all directions. The Wifi Repeater, also known as a Wireless Access Point or Wifi Extender is usually used in places where the wireless network is needed to extend over a large area like a large office or building or university campus. They should be available for purchase at most technology stores as well as online at places like Amazon, Tiger Direct and Ebay.
Wireless Access Points are sold by many major technology manufacturers like: Linksys, Cisco, Netgear, Trend, D-Link, Belkin, and many more. The price usually starts around $50 and can go up to $140 depending on what Wifi Access Point you choose.
Most houses will have no need for a Wireless Repeater as the range a regular wifi router provides (100-150ft) is more than enough to cover the entire house, front and backyards and even over the street and other houses. Still it is a useful piece of hardware to have if your wireless network ever needs to cover a wider area. Other Wifi gadgets of interest might include a Wifi Printer (or Wireless Printer), VOIP Phones, Wifi Radio, Wireless Projector and Wifi Picture Frame.
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