Mobile broadband repeaters
A mobile broadband repeater boosts your network signal in parts of your home or office that don’t get great speeds. Think about you basement, bedrooms, upper level floors and attics – those parts of the home that might be far from your actual mobile broadband device that emits WiFi signals. Those weak signals result in slow download speeds, and that’s where a repeater comes in.
Mobile broadband repeaters are also referred to as extenders, boosters, amplifiers, and some other terms. While some may argue they are different, these terms are used interchangeably and their purpose is the exact same – improve your WiFi signal in areas that are far from your mobile broadband device.
However, there might be some differences in how they work, and knowing the differences will help you determine which repeater is right for you. In this post, we’ll tell you all you need to know about mobile broadband repeaters to give you a head start.
How a mobile broadband repeater works
Mobile broadband repeaters mostly come in two pieces – one piece connects to your mobile broadband devices and feeds its signal to the second piece, which is closer to the area where you usually have weak WiFi signals. That second piece is what you then connect to for a stronger signal.
But exactly how these connections and signal transmissions are made is where the differences lie.
Mobile broadband repeater compared to other devices
We mentioned that repeaters are sometimes referred to as extenders, amplifiers, boosters, and more. While they essentially serve the same purpose, how they boost your WiFi signal is where some differences might be spotted. Here’s a quick look:
- Mobile broadband extenders typically transmit signals via electrical sockets. These are usually referred to as powerline ethernet kits. One piece connects to your mobile broadband router’s ethernet port and is then plugged into an electrical socket close by. The second piece is then plugged into a socket in the area where your signal is normally weak, and you can then plug your device into its ethernet port for a better signal, essentially turning your electrical socket into an ethernet modem. You can also connect another mobile broadband router to the second piece and connect your device wirelessly. This type of extender may fail due to the types of sockets and wiring you have in your building, as well as the distance between sockets. In that case, a wireless WiFi repeater is the best option.
- Mobile broadband WiFi repeaters transmit signals wirelessly. One piece connects to your router (possibly via an ethernet cable, but not always) and transmits network signals to the second piece which is in the area where you normally get weak signals. You then connect to that second piece’s WiFi signal for a strong connection. These devices are also susceptible to distance.
But an alternative to repeaters or extenders are high quality mobile broadband routers. Your router has a lot to do with your signal quality, so if your signal is weak you might want to upgrade. A high end mobile broadband router with good specs might cover your entire building, transmitting good signals through walls and ceilings. Also, a router with multiple bands should come in handy, allowing you to connect different devices to different bands to get the best signal quality and data speeds possible.
Summing up
If you’re experiencing poor WiFi signals and speeds from your mobile broadband network device, try getting a repeater. These devices boost your mobile broadband WiFi signal in areas where you have weak signals. If this isn’t ideal, a high end mobile broadband router with multiple bands might do the trick.
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