A range extender amplifies your signal, but does not increase its speed

It is important to realise that a Sitecom range extender amplifies your signal but does not increase its speed. By this we mean that a range extender allows your Wi-Fi signal to reach a greater distance in your home. Your internet speed is not increased by a range extender. 

Wi-Fi is not full duplex

With today's technology, wireless (Wi-Fi) connections are not full duplex. This means it is not possible to send and receive at the same time. This is possible with wired connections. The chance you will get the same speed with a wireless connection as with a wired connection is therefore very small. A range extender cannot simultaneously transmit and receive. This means that the speed of the signal that arrives at the range extender is halved. Today's internet speeds are generally so high that you will often not notice the difference when using standard internet applications (emailing, chatting, browsing). If you need a higher speed, for streaming HD movies for example, range extenders may be an impediment. In that case Sitecom recommends other solutions, such as homeplugs. 

As strong as the weakest link

The maximum speed in your network is largely determined by its weakest link. A router (or modem router) with a maximum speed of 150 Mbps will work perfectly with a range extender that has a maximum speed of 300 Mbps, but your maximum speed will still be 150 Mbps. 

Factors that interfere with your wireless signal

Environmental factors can have a negative impact on the quality, and thus the speed, of the Wi-Fi signal in your home.

•    Interference can be caused by other devices operating on the same frequency, such as baby monitors and microwave ovens. Changing the channel used to transmit and receive can help. Remember that both devices must be set to the same channel. 
•    Check the location of the network devices in your home and the distance between them. If your range extender is too far from your router, the wireless signal may be weak. Position them closer together. Remember, the meter cupboard is never a good place for a router (or modem router). They often contain copper pipes that wreak havoc with your Wi-Fi signal. Click here for more information on the positioning of your range extender. 
•    Certain materials, such as concrete walls or metal furniture, may disrupt your Wi-Fi signal. So make sure your router (or modem router) and range extender are not located near such materials. It is also better not to place them too close to floors, because they can absorb the signal, reducing the signal quality.