Wireless internet is indispensable nowadays. Present in homes, shops, public buildings, squares, and even on buses, internet access is practically a primary need that has been met through the availability of routers, which perform the function of distributing the internet signal. In addition to routers, signal repeaters also play an important role in ensuring the connection in places where the signal is weak, also called “dead zones”. Here, you will learn how to configure the TP-Link signal repeater.
The Device allows “dead zones” to receive Wi-Fi signals, without the need to change the internet plan
Wi-Fi works as follows: the router is connected to an internet network, receiving your data and decoding it. Then it sends the data through its antenna in radio waves. In addition, it also chooses the best “route” for your data to reach the devices. For this, the router models are available in two operating frequencies: 2.4 and 5 GHz. One is slower and more comprehensive and the other is faster, but not as far-reaching.
Check out the easiest method to fake GPS location of iPhones without jailbreak
Even with so much technology, it is still quite common to come across some kind of problem. This problem is the lack of signal coverage at some points, the so-called “shadow zones”. Installing the router somewhere not very suitable, such as at low heights or away from the center of the house or office, for example, can cause the router signal to not propagate very well, that is, not reach places that are far from the device. Other problems that can interfere with signal quality are physical barriers such as walls or doors, the number of connected devices, or even other electronics that work by emitting waves, such as cordless phones.
The Signal repeater relays the signal from the router
To solve these problems, a signal repeater can be the solution. It works by relaying the signal sent by the router, spreading it to more parts of the house, for example, without any loss of speed. Usually found at a good price, they are a good alternative to improve the quality of your browsing. Before purchasing one, you should just pay attention to its specifications.
The frequency must be the same between the router and the repeater. The speed should also be checked, as the entry models usually only reach up to 300 Mbps.
Once acquired, the signal repeater must be configured. Each manufacturer offers setup instructions for their product, so they may vary. In general, the device should be plugged in, preferably in a place where the signal is weakest, or in the intersection between rooms or areas where the signal is not strong, but never where there is no signal.
The repeater works as a bridge between the device and the signal, and should never be installed where the signal does not reach because this way it will not repeat the signal, as it is not being picked up. Give preference to place it in a higher place, as this improves the distribution of waves. Although they usually have more than two antennas – some models even have five –, which increases the distribution of the signal, being in a more strategic location is essential for maximum performance.
TP-Link is the one that offers the best evaluated devices among Americans. The brand also has routers that can use a router as a repeater. Once you have chosen the repeater that best suits your taste and needs, it is necessary to configure it. Configuration can be done in three ways: via the WPS button, via your web browser, or via the app.
Option 1
The WPS mode is for the repeater to communicate with the router. Identify where the WPS button is on your router. It can be on the front of the device or on the back. Connect your TP-Link repeater to the side of the router and wait for its LEDs to light up. Then hit the WPS button. Go to your repeater and press the button that has a padlock symbol. The flashing LED should now be steady. In this way, communication between the two is done. The configuration is not lost even if the devices are unplugged. Now install the repeater in the desired location. The repeater LEDs will indicate whether the signal is good or not.
Option 2
If the previous method did not work or your router does not have a WPS button, you must use the web browser to configure it. Turn on the repeater next to the router as in the previous step. Wait until the LEDs stabilize. Disconnect your computer or notebook from Wi-Fi. Using the Ethernet cable, connect one end to the repeater and the other to the PC or notebook. Open your browser and search for the TP-Link Repeater link or enter the static IP 192.168.0.254. Once on the site, use the default word “admin” (without quotes), both for login and password. Then choose a new login and password. Choose your local network and enter the new password. Ready! You can now install your repeater in the proper location.
Option 3
There is still one last option, which is the configuration via the app. Look for the Tether TP-Link app in your mobile app store. Download it and install it. Once that’s done, plug the repeater into the outlet and open the app. Find the “range extender” option and click on it. Follow the instructions on the screen. Give your repeater a password and choose the network you want to use. The TP-Link repeater will be configured. Now install it in the proper location.
The repeater setup is quite simple and does not require any specific or advanced knowledge. The Ethernet port can also be used directly, connecting, via cable, the repeater with a smart TV or other wired devices, such as a video game. But according to Marcello Liviero, commercial director of TP-Link, it follows the rule that the more devices connected, the lower the performance of the internet in general.
For him, “the repeaters interconnect the main network with the devices, so it is common for there to be a drop in performance. The more repeaters you install, the lower the speed.”
All this technology is thought and put into practice by the professionals of mechatronics engineering, responsible for the development of this equipment.
