How to Enable a Wireless Network Range Booster

A wireless network range booster improves and enhances the wireless signal.

Things like the structure of a house or interfering signals can weaken the signal of a wireless router. Wireless network range boosters, or expanders, are a great tool for improving the quality of a wireless signal as well as its reach. Several companies offer these devices, all of which have similar functions and operations. It picks up the signals from the main (base) router and reflects and relays them.

Things You'll Need

• Wireless router

Instructions

Three Easy Steps to Expand Your Wireless Network

1. 

   Compatibility is key when it comes to your wireless network devices.

   Buy an enabling wireless network range booster that is compatible with your wireless router. You can do that by looking up the manufacturer of your current wireless router on the Internet or by calling customer service.

2. Plug in your wireless network range booster somewhere near your base wireless router. Depending on the model of the device, you may have to move the antenna from your base router to the range booster. For the majority of wireless network range boosters, situating it near the base wireless router is enough.

3. 

   You can use your wireless network range booster outside of the home as well.

   Use your wireless network range booster in places outside your home, like airports and coffee shop "hot spots." Although it's difficult to ascertain where the base wireless routers are in these situations, the Internet zones are often relatively small, guaranteeing signal improvement with the use of your wireless network range booster, regardless of where you've plugged it in.

Tips & Warnings

• A wireless network range booster will improve your Internet signal, but the signal will be weaker in devices connected to the wireless network range booster than devices connected directly to the base wireless router. If a signal doesn't improve even with the use of the wireless network range booster, you can try using cables to ensure a strong signal or talking to your Internet provider.

References

• Tom's Guide: Linksys Wireless Signal Booster Review
• Comp Networking: Wireless Range Extender - Range Expander
• Bizrate: Linskys Wireless-G Range Expander Router Wireless Signal Booster