Wi fi repeater from a smartphone. Make way for the elderly! Eight ways to use your old Android smartphone

We often encounter a problem when the coverage radius of a Wi-Fi access point is not enough. In this case we can use a repeater WiFi signal. This is a device that connects to an access point via air or cable and distributes the network, thereby increasing the coverage area. So, how to set up a wifi signal repeater?

About the device

Translated from English, Repeater means repeater. That is, as mentioned above, this is a device that is capable of repeating the signal of an access point, while increasing the coverage radius. The second name for a repeater (WiFi signal amplifier) ​​is a repeater. A frequently asked question is what is a WiFi repeater. There is nothing complicated here.

The WiFi repeater finds available networks to connect to and offers you a choice.

After connecting to the point wi-fi access the repeater simply transmits the signal beyond the access point's coverage. Simply put, the device connects to the router and distributes its network in its coverage area.

Of course, in order for the equipment to work, it needs to be configured. There are also no pitfalls or any secrets here. Moreover, the repeater is configured much faster and simpler than a router. Even a beginner can handle this. Let's figure out how to set up a WiFi signal repeater.

Repeater setup

Plug the device into a power outlet. Wait for it to load. This may take about a minute. Now you need to enter the Wi-Fi repeater settings menu. To do this, connect to it via Wi-Fi or cable.

Next, open your favorite browser and write the IP address of the repeater in the address bar. You can find out the address on the repeater itself (it has a factory sticker on which the IP address of the device is indicated, as well as the login and password to enter the settings menu).

So, enter the IP address and press “Enter”. Now the system asks you to enter your username and password. If you have not changed them, then, as a rule, the default login and password are admin, admin, respectively.

That's it, now we are in the Wi-Fi repeater settings menu. Then everything is even simpler. On the first page at the top, click on the “Repeater” button. The device will find all available networks for connection.

All you have to do is simply select your router from the list. Place a marker in the required line. Below you can write the name of the repeater (you can leave it unchanged). Even lower, you need to write the password for the router whose network we are expanding. Next, click “Apply”. That's it, the device is connected to the access point and distributes it to the network.

Now you know how to connect and how to set up a WiFi repeater. But what to do if you don’t have such devices at hand, but have another router? In this case, we can configure a second router and use it as a repeater. This is a little more difficult to do, but still possible.

Let's look at how to make a repeater from a second router, using the D-Link Dir-300 as an example.

How to use a router as a repeater

1. 1. So, let's connect to the second router. Launch your favorite browser and enter the router’s IP in the address bar. The IP address is indicated on the factory sticker, which is affixed to the device itself. There you will also find information about the login and password to enter the options menu.

1. 1. After entering the IP address in your browser, you will be taken to home page, where you will need to enter your login and password. By default, the following values ​​are set: login – admin, password – admin.

1. 1. Here we are in the settings menu. Here you need to go to the “Wi-Fi” section. After that, open the “Client” section.

1. 1. To activate this feature, simply select the checkbox in the “Enable” line. The system will begin searching for available networks and offer you a list. Select your first router from this list (the coverage radius of which we need to expand).

1. 1. A few additional lines will appear below. All of them will already be filled. You only need to enter the code to connect to the first router (the key to the existing network). Click the "Apply" button.

1. 1. A message will pop up warning you that some settings will be changed. We agree and click “Yes”.

I work as a private computer technician. I have been repairing computers professionally for over 12 years, as an amateur since the 90s.
Worked as a manager for two years service center, specializing in connecting subscribers to the Internet and computer assistance.

Video on the topic:

Bezprovodoff team 12/30/2015 17:04

Hello. Is the repeater new? It comes with instructions that explain everything. Also check if it has a LAN output for connecting to the device via cable! The repeater itself should also have a sticker with data (MAC address, password and login, and so on). If you have already reconfigured the repeater and changed the password previously, then you can reset its settings by pressing and holding the “Reset” button. Again, find the instructions (if you don’t have them on hand, find them on the Internet). The instructions explain everything in detail.

DoberMan 01/17/2016 07:41

Hello. I bought a repeater, connected to the router, the system says that the network has access to the Internet, but it gives a dns error in the browser. I tried connecting two laptops and two phones and it was the same everywhere. Tell me what it could be.

Bezprovodoff team 03.03.2016 18:52

Hello. And if you connect to the router without a repeater, does everything work fine? In this case, you need to sort out the repeater parameters. The DNS error tells us that the reason is in the DNS servers. Try specifying them manually on the repeater. There should be such an item in the DHCP settings or somewhere in the network settings (mine is in DHCP, but it all depends on the firmware and model of the router/repeater). Also, you can first try to assign network parameters manually on the computer itself and set these DNS servers: DNS1 – 8.8.8.8, DNS2 – 8.8.4.4. These are Google servers open to everyone. Most likely, on your computer, when you set the network parameters manually and specify these servers, everything will work.

Sergey 03/09/2016 16:27

Hello. I did everything as described and the repeater server seemed to confirm the correctness of the actions. But immediately, the repeater network in the tray begins to be displayed with a red cross and text that says the network parameters saved on this computer do not meet the requirements of this network. Attempts to redo everything from scratch led to nothing.

Bezprovodoff team 03/19/2016 10:46

Hello. Most likely, the problem is not in the repeater, but in the network parameters of the computer. That is, as a rule, your computer should be set to automatically obtain an IP address and DNS servers. In general, I recommend resetting the network settings on your computer. Here's a video tutorial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0vOyaSeY3Y.

Bezprovodoff team 05/19/2016 10:31

Hello. Is it just the iPhone that doesn't have Internet? Does everything work fine on all other devices? Apparently I need to check my iPhone. See what standard the repeater operates on and what WiFi standards supports your iPhone. If there is a difference between the supported standards, then there is nothing you can do. You can try iPhone reset to factory settings.

Bezprovodoff team 05/19/2016 10:55

Hello. Repeaters may have other addresses. Read the instructions that come with each repeater. The point is that they can be configured differently. Various models have their own characteristics. Or at least clarify what repeater you are using and how you configured it?

Pavel 05.25.2016 18:49

Hello. I connected the repeater as indicated in the instructions, but after selecting the network that needs to be expanded and entering the password for it, nothing happens when I press the apply button. Just select any other neighbor network and click apply. It immediately picks up and reboots.

Bezprovodoff team 06.16.2016 11:35

Hello. I cannot help you with your question remotely. Call a technician to your home or ask for help from friends who know how to set up repeaters. You need to look at what you have configured there and how. Better yet, just do a reset and set everything up again. But I can’t do this remotely. Sorry.

Ostrich 06/23/2016 07:56

This is how I manage “ unidentified network” or in other words “without access to the network” the Internet means. And no matter what settings I applied, it was all to no avail. Repeater IP 192.168.0... I won’t write everything, but there is an IP, there are drivers, there is a wireless network as an unidentified network, there is NO Internet access. NO motherfucker The Chinese are cross-eyed, perhaps our providers changed the IP; previously it was 192.168.0, now the USB modem has a completely different IP. Think and guess, there is no exact answer. I am very stubborn, I will definitely solve the problem, I really need a repeater and HIGH SPEED Internet, not like now.

Ostrich 06/23/2016 08:16

mihan, it all depends on your repeater model. If there is a port below that looks like network card, then you will definitely connect to the router, in principle, the repeater should work exclusively with the router, in fact, the repeater creates a network JOINT with the router. Be careful. The radiation power of the repeater is strictly limited to 20dB, or 0.1W, the transmitter should not harm human health (wi-fi amplification is exactly 100 times), but if you configure the access point as a repeater, in addition to your first external repeater, you will receive amplification at 40dB, and this enhances wifi 10,000 times. I was not mistaken. This is a nuclear bomb for your health. But if you have a 2-story house, the operator tower is located at a distance of more than 10 km, the external antenna is ineffective, then install the repeater (external) on the 1st floor, and the access point on the second floor away from the external repeater. The coverage area will be large, the signal will weaken somewhat, but there will be HIGH-SPEED Internet. With reliable reception from 150 to 300 Mb/s. Is this enough for you? You just need to be extremely careful. Do not place the repeater outside the house. There will be problems with Rossvyaznadzor. Inside the premises, if your health does not bother you, install as many repeaters as you need... but not on the facade of the building.

Bezprovodoff team 07/13/2016 21:31

Hello. Inspect the repeater carefully; it should have a “Reset” button. Press and hold it to reset the settings. Most likely, it simply failed due to an overabundance of the network cache. Reset the settings, the network cache will also be reset. Then reconfigure the device and everything should work. As a last resort, try updating the software (reflash the repeater).

Bezprovodoff team 07/28/2016 10:27

Hello. Such a question requires personal presence. The point is that you need to check, maybe the repeater itself is defective, maybe you are setting up or connecting something wrong. You have to see it in person. I can't say anything remotely. You can guess for a long time. Moreover, my guesses may mislead you. It’s better to invite a friend home who understands such equipment or call a specialist to your home (I don’t think it will cost much).

ARTem 09.08.2016 20:32

here is a photo of the repeater https://pp.vk.me/c630530/v630530732/41740/YNh7O62Wocw.jpg
I can’t go to its address to configure it, the reset button feels like it can’t be pressed. Everything works now, but I want to change the distribution point

Anatoly 08/14/2016 06:25

Hello! After configuration, the repeater connects to the network, but distributes it under a different name; you have to manually change the connection when moving to another room. Is it possible to configure the repeater to distribute a network with one name. Thank you

Alex 08/24/2016 10:21

Hello. I set up the repeater according to the instructions (pictures). Everything looks okay. But when connecting any devices via Wi-Fi, the connection hangs for a long time... and then it is not possible to get an IP address. What is the problem? Thank you.

Bezprovodoff team 08/25/2016 15:35

Hello. Are you connecting to the repeater for setup via cable or WiFi? As far as I know, to set up a repeater it is better to connect to it via a cable. And the Reset button must be pressed. If it doesn’t work even through the cable, then you definitely need to reset it to factory settings, because otherwise you won’t be able to access the repeater settings. Maybe the button is too tight and you have to press it with force. Or maybe, on the contrary, you simply don’t feel a click when the button is gently pressed. In any case, you press the button and hold it for a while (the power indicator should blink - or read the instructions for the repeater on how to reset the parameters).

Alexander 08/29/2016 16:56

Hello! After setup, another WIFI-Repeater network appeared. I thought it would repeat and strengthen the existing network, but another one appeared. Was this intended or did I configure something wrong? Tell me how to make the settings so that there is one network. Thanks for the help!

Hello. Try setting the same broadcast channel (and the same WiFi mode), set the same network name and the same WiFi password. There are no other options. If the same parameters do not allow you to automatically switch between networks, this will mean that your phone (or other Wi-Fi devices) does not support WiFi roaming. In this case, you will only have to manually reconnect when moving to another room.

Bezprovodoff team 09/08/2016 13:41

Hello. Theoretically, if via WiFi, then it’s possible. But it all depends on the types of repeaters, supported functions, and so on. The main thing is that both repeaters support the “WiFi bridge” function. Otherwise, connecting via WiFi to distribute the network will not be possible.

Bezprovodoff team 09/08/2016 13:41

Hello. Check if DHCP is enabled in the repeater settings. This function is automatically responsible for assigning IP addresses. Or, manually assign the required IP address to each WiFi device. If it doesn’t help, then I can’t help you with anything else, since the question requires personal presence.

Vlad 09.15.2016 15:52

Hello. The problem is that due to my carelessness, instead of downloading the settings file, I used it as an update file. Now I can't connect to it. Is there any way to upload firmware to it now?

Hello. You can try to name the repeater exactly the same as the main router and set the same password. In this case, if devices support WiFi roaming, then the devices, in theory, should automatically reconnect to the network with the best signal. But, this is only in theory. In practice, not all gadgets support WiFi roaming and other problems may occur. For example, there may be a conflict between the router and the repeater. Anyway you can try. If it doesn’t work out, then you will use it as is. That is, there will be two networks in the house. And you will manually choose which network to connect to.

Bezprovodoff team 09.21.2016 21:42

Hello. It all depends on what settings are set on the access point (on a public network). You can also try. For example, on a laptop you can create virtual WiFi network that will expand the public network. Here are the instructions - (out of the described options, only two will suit you - setting in command line or use the Virtual Router Plus program). If you can distribute the network on your laptop and access the Internet via a public network, then you can safely buy a repeater.

Timur 05.10.2016 19:45

Good afternoon Is it possible to use the Internet from the repeater through its wlan port? In other words: I put the repeater in another room, connect it to the main router, connect a media box, smart TV or any other set-top box via the repeater’s wlan and use the Internet on the connected device. Is it possible?

Bezprovodoff team 10/06/2016 23:50

Hello. If the device has a “Reset” button (and it should be, just carefully inspect the gadget), then press it and hold it for a while (read the instructions on how to reset the parameters on your repeater). After the reset, everything should be back to factory settings, at which point you can go into the settings and try the setup again. If it doesn’t work, then again, read the instructions on how to flash the router without entering its parameters. As a rule, this is done like this: turn off the device from the outlet (power supply). Press and hold the power button. Hold it for about 15 seconds, then without releasing the power button, plug the device into the outlet and keep the power on for about 10 seconds. Next, connect to the repeater via a PC (necessarily via cable) and write the factory IP address in the browser (which is required to enter the repeater settings). The firmware mode should load. Maybe the procedure for entering this mode is a little different - read the instructions for your model. In this mode, you can flash it with the required firmware.

Hello. Connect to the repeater using a cable (RJ45), enter its parameters and configure it. If this is not possible, then there is a “Reset” button on the repeater itself. Press it to reset the parameters (read the instructions, as it is possible that Reset should not just be pressed, but held for a while). After the reset, connect to the repeater via WiFi and enter its settings and make the necessary changes.

Bezprovodoff team 10/19/2016 22:03

Hello. So it wasn't set up. They did something wrong. Read the instructions carefully and configure. In addition, you will clarify what and how you configured. How is the main router to which the repeater is connected configured? Have you set up a “Bridge” between the router and the repeater? It’s quite difficult to say anything remotely, since I need to see what is configured and how. Try re-reading the article again and setting up the repeater. If it doesn’t work out, then invite a specialist to your home.

Bezprovodoff team 10/19/2016 22:03

Hello. Connect to the repeater using a cable (RJ45), enter its parameters and make changes. If this is not possible, then there is a “Reset” button on the repeater itself. Press it to reset the parameters (read the instructions, as you may need to hold Reset for some time). The second option is if something doesn’t work and you need to somehow get into the parameters and configure the repeater. If everything works, and you just want to go into the parameters out of nothing to do, then you shouldn’t interfere with the device’s operation. To reboot, you can simply unplug it from the outlet for 7-10 minutes and turn it on again.

Bezprovodoff team 10/19/2016 22:03

Hello. It depends on how you set up the repeater. The fact is that the repeater itself has security parameters and you can set a password yourself or leave the network open. Again, a lot depends on the model of the repeater and its built-in software(a set of tools and functions). so this needs to be looked at in the parameters of the repeater itself. But the password must be there in any case, because the network cannot always be left open and manufacturers understand this.

Bezprovodoff team 10/19/2016 22:04

Hello. It all depends on the repeater model. The fact is that some work in such a way that the WAN port is intended only for login. That is, only for connecting the provider cable. Others are designed the other way around, a LAN port that only works with a computer to enter parameters. At the same time, the computer receives the Internet through this port. As far as I understand, the WLAN port is a shared port that combines the functions of WAN and LAN ports. But, I see no reason to test this. Simply set up the repeater, connect to it with a cable (from a laptop or desktop PC). Disable wireless modules (if any). And check whether there is Internet access via a cable connection to the repeater. That's all. In theory it should work, but it needs to be tested in practice.

Valery 02.11.2016 06:10

Good day.
Given: 2 private houses, one has a wifi adsl tp link router, the second a tp link router. The task is to set up a router in the second house as a repeater. I turned off wps, turned on the “bridge”, connected to the first one (adsl) and that’s it! It works on all devices (TV, tablet, phones (ios, andr), but the laptop does not work (question mark), and all this is not stable, it can appear there and disappear in another device, for example in a phone. I tried registering the settings in dhcp (8888) temporarily helped. But everything is also not stable. I didn’t configure anything in the wan tab, is this necessary? Or is it auto? Maybe there’s just some problem in the laptop? I even tried usb wifi, I thought it was a problem with the device The browser displays the error dns no...
If you have any thoughts, I would be grateful! Bezprovodoff team 04.11.2016 21:49

Hello. Of course. As a rule, in the repeater settings wireless network similar to the settings in the router. Therefore, you can also choose the type of data encryption and assign passwords. But a lot depends on the manufacturer. Here you should carefully study the instructions for the repeater. I won’t help you in this matter, because you need to know the model of the repeater (at least), and even better, look and configure everything personally. Unfortunately, I cannot know all manufacturers and their features.

Hello. First, please clarify how exactly you “Reset” the repeater? Does it have a reset button? Or did you just unplug it? Also clarify how exactly you are trying to enter its parameters. As far as I know, in order to enter the parameters of the repeater, you need to connect to it using a cable, after which the IP address of the repeater is registered in the browser and then you need to enter your login and password. What PIN are you talking about? In general, after resetting the parameters, all values ​​are reset to factory settings. Accordingly, to enter the parameters you must enter the factory login and password.

Bezprovodoff team 11/17/2016 12:10

Hello. Please clarify the question. What do you connect to what? Repeater to the router or some devices to the repeater? At what point exactly does the settings reset? Maybe you simply do not save changes to the repeater settings, which is why after a reboot everything is reset to factory settings?

Bezprovodoff team 11/17/2016 12:10

Hello. WAN must be configured. But everything is simple, you need to create a WAN connection with automatic receipt of network parameters. In the case of routers from TP-Link, everything is generally simple. There is no need to turn off anything, there is no need to do any extra “Body Movements”. Turn on the second router (which is used as a repeater), enter its settings. In the “Wireless Mode” section, check the “Enable WDS” checkbox and click “Search” below (so that the router will find available access points). Then select your first router from the list and click “Connect” next to its name. Next, enter the password for your wireless network and click “Save.” There is one caveat here - the second router that you use as a repeater must be configured to the same channel as the main router. But even if you forgot to select correct channel, then the system will automatically prompt you to set the channel as on the first router. Just agree and that's it. You don't need to configure anything else. The issue of instability may be related to problems on the laptop itself (try resetting the network parameters - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0vOyaSeY3Y

1. Andrey 01/18/2018 14:04

   There is a router and a repeater (with an RJ-45 socket) from TP-Link.
   1) No matter how I looked for a place for a repeater, it still gives no more than 60% of the maximum speed. This is fine?
   2) The router and repeater hang in different rooms across the wall from each other.
   Is it possible to connect the router to the repeater not via WI-FI, but with an RH-45 cable?

We've all encountered the problem weak signal from the router. Some people immediately think of changing the router, because it seems that the problem lies there. However, this is not quite true. If configured correctly, you can ensure good quality connections and Wi-Fi signal coverage. But if you still decide to buy a repeater to strengthen the signal, we will help you make the right choice.

What is a Wi-Fi repeater and how does it work?

In this section we will talk about what is called Wi-Fi signal amplifiers (they are also called repeaters, repeaters, repeaters) and what they are needed for.

It often happens that after purchasing and installing a router at home (in the office), you discover that the signal does not reach the desired location. Of course, you can install the router closer, then the signal will reach the computer, but if this is not possible, you have to buy this device.

The principle of operation of this device is clearly shown in the picture below. It extends the received signal from Wi-Fi and directs it to the location you need. The Internet speed remains the same.

The principle of operation of a signal amplifier for a Wi-Fi router

As a rule, this device is quite compact and operates from an ordinary outlet. You can buy it from any online store and install it in your apartment the same day.

Some features of using the amplifier:

• The repeater creates a network similar to the existing one. All your devices (computer, phone, tablet) will automatically connect to the network with the best signal. For example: The router is in the kitchen, and the repeater is in the living room. If you go into the kitchen with your phone, the signal will be received from the router, in the living room - from the amplifier.
• Can be configured without problems local network. All devices will be connected to the same network, regardless of the signal source.

How to strengthen the Wi-fi signal with your own hands?

Overall, this device is very useful for the home, however, depending on the model, you will have to pay a pretty penny for the amplifier. Don't want to spend money? Then use our tips to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal in your home or office:

1. Place the router in the center of the apartment/office.

Many people install a router in the hallway, or in the farthest room. This is certainly a convenient location, and there is no need to run the cable throughout the apartment, but the Internet will suffer greatly because of this. Therefore, we recommend installing the router initially in a room that is equally distant from all others (as shown in the picture below). If you only need Internet in one room, then install the router in it. In this case, you do not need to buy a repeater.

The picture shows an example of good and bad location of the router in the apartment. If you do not want to provide your neighbors with your Internet, then it is better to place the Internet source in the middle of the apartment.

They will also help you place the router correctly special programs for analysis. With the WiFi Analyzer program you can measure the points where the Internet reception is worst and best. Based on the data obtained, it is easier to choose the right place.

2. Change the channel your router is running on.

Unless you are the proud owner of a modern dual-band router, then your router operates at 2.4 GHz. The trouble is that there are only 13 channels in this frequency. Among them, you need to select the least loaded one and connect to it. A simple program called inSSIDer will help with this.

You can download this program completely free of charge. With its help you will see a minimally loaded network. We do not recommend choosing the outermost channels (1st, 2nd, 12th and 13th). As a rule, they are the weakest, so no one wants to connect to them.

Nowadays, every apartment is equipped with high-speed Internet. That's why, free channels It may simply not be there. If you are unlucky, then move on to the next point.

3. Set the maximum signal power.

On some models you can set the strength of the transmitted Wi-Fi signal. You can view this setting in “Advanced settings”. As a rule, this parameter is set to 100% by default. But the settings might have gone wrong, so it wouldn’t hurt to check them.

4. Update your router's firmware.

Go to the manufacturer's website and look for the latest firmware for your device. If you have a problem from the very beginning, then most likely this is the reason. Manufacturers never fix problems during the development/testing of new devices, so they update them with new firmware.

5. If all else fails.

TOP 7 best amplifiers for home and office

Here we come smoothly to the most important part of our article. Below we will review the best repeaters of 2017 according to users. To do this, we have selected the TOP 5 best devices from different manufacturers.

Category	Name	Rating (based on user reviews)	Price
The best low-price amplifiers		9.5 / 10	1,580 ₽
		9.3 / 10	865 RUR
		9.5 / 10	1,350 RUR
Best Mid-Range Amplifiers		9.5 / 10	2 160 ₽
		9.9 / 10	RUR 3,590
The best high-end amplifiers		10 / 10	RUB 21,140
		9.9 / 10	11,090 RUR

Asus RP-N12

A very good signal booster for home and office. Its functionality includes the functions of a repeater, access point and network bridge. You can connect it to any outlet in your home, and it can be configured with one click on the WPS button. Two powerful antennas will provide an uninterrupted Wi-Fi signal to any point in the house.

Determine the most optimal point for placement of this device The indicator on the front panel will help. If the signal from the router is good, the green indicator will light up; if it is bad, the red indicator will light up.

Advantages of the amplifier according to user reviews :

• Very easy to connect and establish a connection.
• Two powerful antennas that provide a good range.
• Maximum connection speed: 300 Mbit/s.

Flaws :

• Sometimes it loses connection with the router, so you have to reboot.

Xiaomi Mi WiFi Amplifier

The most compact repeater that you can easily take with you on trips/travels. You can install and configure it in a few minutes. Just connect it via USB and the device will sync itself within a few minutes.

This device is capable of doubling the router’s coverage area. The connection speed for such dimensions is 150 Mbit/s, which will be sufficient for most routers.

Pros of the repeater according to user reviews :

• A compact device that can be carried in your pocket.
• Almost doubles the router's coverage area.
• Automatic synchronization.

Minuses :

• Automatic synchronization occurs only with Xiaomi routers. For all others you need to use special application Xiaomi Smart Home.

TP-Link TL-WA850RE

A convenient repeater for your router that will quickly and easily increase your coverage area Wi-Fi signal. Connecting and setting up the device is very simple. Plug in and press the Range Extender button on the amplifier, and the WPS button on the router.

TP-Link TL-WA850RE will provide the most complete coverage in your apartment and eliminate “dead zones”. The signal transmission speed can reach 300 Mbps, which will be enough for games, videos and movies.

pros :

• Easy to set up, can be connected anywhere.
• Good signal; removes “dead zones” where there was no Internet.
• Saves the profile so there is no need to reconfigure when reconnecting.

Minuses :

• Not detected.

TP-Link AC750

This repeater will be an excellent option for those who need to increase the signal coverage radius in two bands. TP-Link AC750 operates in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands, thereby providing data transfer rates of up to 750 Mbps.

Connecting the amplifier is not difficult. Plug it into a power outlet, press the Range Extender button and the WPS button on the router. In a couple of minutes the connection will become active. When connected, it completely copies the router address.

Advantages :

• Provides complete signal coverage over long distances.
• Quick setup and connection.
• Beautiful design.
• Operates stably on two frequency ranges: 2.4 and 5 GHz.

Flaws :

• High price.

TP-Link Re350

This amplifier is one of the leaders in our rating. It can operate on two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz (speed up to 300 Mbit/s) and 5 GHz (speed up to 867 Mbit/s). Installing the amplifier takes a few minutes. Plug it into a power outlet, sync it with your router and select the appropriate frequency.

The indicator on the front panel shows the signal strength from the router. If the blue light is on, then the signal level is good enough and there is no need to reinstall the repeater. If the light is red, then connect the amplifier closer to the router. Two antennas provide good Wi-Fi coverage. You can configure the TP-Link Re350 to work with almost any router.

Benefits according to user reviews :

• Operates on frequency ranges: 2.4 and 5 GHz.
• Thanks to two powerful antennas, it transmits the signal far.
• It's easy to find the optimal repeater location thanks to the LED indicator.
• Beautiful design.

Flaws :

• High price.

Netgear Orbi AC3000

If you lack the power and coverage of previous models, then you should take a closer look at this model. When you buy the Netgear Orbi AC3000, you get two portable devices (a router and an amplifier) ​​that connect together and provide speeds of up to 1500 Mbps. The coverage area of ​​this amplifier is much larger than in standard models. It is ideal for use in country houses or large offices.

Externally, the Netgear Orbi AC3000 looks quite attractive, so it can be connected in a visible place. If the amplifier does not reach the place you need, you can buy another device that will connect to the router.

pros :

• By purchasing the kit, you receive a router and an amplifier.
• Very large range.
• High data transfer speed.
• Beautiful design.

Minuses :

• High price.
• You cannot create a chain of repeaters.

Asus RP-AC68U

There is a very common question: is it possible to use Android as a WiFi repeater? It is quite convenient function that will extend the coverage area of ​​a wireless network at home. At the same time there will be no additional financial costs because there are smartphones or tablets based on Android OS in almost every home.

How to use your smartphone as a Wi-Fi repeater

It often happens that the signal from the router is not strong enough and there may be disconnections on the PC. In this case, we need a repeater – a device that completely duplicates the radio signal, extending the range of the router. But we first need to buy such a device. What should we do if we don’t have a repeater or another router to organize the bridge?

In this case, your smartphone comes to help.You can use your Android phone as a Wi-Fi repeater. But there are certain limitations: such opportunities are not available on all smartphones; they only exist in Android versions 4+. Moreover, there are no built-in utilities, so you will have to install the special application that allows working with Wi-Fi module and extending its functionality.

There are many of these programs, but not all of them are equally effective and stable.The FG router utility has the most extensive range of functions. But this app needs the Root rights; otherwise it will not have the range of options that you need.

Installing the FG Router application

Also note that the Wi-Fi repeater for Android will not work on every phone. In addition to the above requirements, some smartphones are equipped with wireless adapters that do not support such capabilities. And this is a hardware component that cannot be changed with the application.

Installing the appropriate application. You can follow this link to find the installation on Google Play. The program is called FG Router 2.

1. IMPORTANT： The version on Google Play does not work on Android 4.4 or above unless your device has already been rooted.

   fqrouter can make your mobile able to access restricted websites such as youtube/twitter from China. Besides that, it can also turn your mobile into a router sharing the free internet to other devices, if you have already your mobile.

   The application has a simple interface. In case of any difficulty, just carefully read the message on the screen.

   that you can find a lot of similar applications in the Google Play. However, most of them do not work, and those that operate only allow distributing mobile Internet. But this feature can be turned on without third-party programs. But only a few of the suggested tools can make a Wi-Fi repeater from Android devices and, as a rule, such opportunities are only available in the paid versions of applications.

Any high-tech gadget becomes obsolete over time. Of course, you can sell it and buy a new one, but is it worth it? With current technological progress old smartphone or a tablet can be difficult to sell even for twenty dollars. Instead, you can put the old man to good use by replacing it with other things, and even save a lot of money. I'll tell you how to do this.

Smart photo frame

If old tablet is lying around idle, why not put it on the nightstand and set it to display photos? At a minimum, you can include a slideshow from the gallery. But it is better to install a special application. It will show photos from third-party sources (500px), the time, the weather, and a bunch of other things.

As an example good apps of this class can be given Social Frame HD or Senior Frame. At night, you can run ClockPlus DayDream or a clock with arrows, and you will get a smart night light.

Naturally, screen blanking needs to be disabled: “Settings -> Display -> Sleep mode -> Never.”

CCTV

Another option is a home video surveillance system. Here we have two solutions: Silent Eye with automatic motion detection and subsequent sending of photos via MMS or e-mail or IP Webcam, which allows you to receive a video stream in real time through a website.

The first solution is good because it allows you to, as they say, set it and forget it. If someone breaks into your house, you will receive a message and a photo of the intruder (if you're lucky). Plus, such a program can work for about ten hours on a single battery charge. The second option is suitable for those who need to always monitor what is happening, but in this case you need to keep in mind that the stream will also be available for viewing by application/web service developers.

Wi-Fi repeater

An old smartphone can be used as a Wi-Fi repeater (an access point that distributes the Internet through another access point), allowing you to increase the range Wi-Fi networks. To do this, you can use the fqrouter2 application, which was originally created to bypass the Great Firewall of China, but later acquired many functions. Creating a repeater using it is quite simple:

1. We install the program from the developer’s website (the program was removed from Google Play due to its “suspicious” activity in the system).
2. Immediately after launch and provision root rights Swipe the screen to the left, scroll to Wifi Repeater and click Config. Specify the access point name and password and save the settings.
3. Press the OFF switch.
4. If the access point does not work, go back to the settings, press the Disable Wifi P2P button and try to turn it on again.

The repeater requires Android 4.0+ and does not work on all smartphones and tablets. Exactly supported:

• Nexus 4/5;
• Samsung Galaxy S2/3;
• LG G2;
• HTC One M8/X;
• Motorola Defy;
• Motorola Razr M.

network storage

An ancient smartphone or tablet can be turned into a file server. Access can be organized both to the contents of the SD card and to files on a flash drive or even a hard drive connected to the device using an OTG cable. The speed will not be so great, but sometimes it is not required.

Organization of a Samba file server using the example of Samba Server:

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