Powerline Adapters and Mesh Routers can
extend your WiFi range
Fix your slow internet with these networking options
Powerline adapters and mesh routers can extend your WiFi range where there were previously dead spots, and even push it out into your backyard
If you are sick of suffering
from poor WiFi connections or slow streaming speeds in your house or apartment,
may be you need not just a new router, but a new type of router. To spare
yourself the headache of searching the ideal router location, consider these
two easier alternatives: Powerline adapters, which transmit data using the
electrical wiring in your home, and mesh routers — small wireless routers that
share data simultaneously with one another, increasing wireless coverage.
How powerline networks work
Powerline adapters, rather than broadcasting
data wirelessly, send it through the electrical wiring in your home, from one
powerline adapter to others on the same network (they are sold in pairs). The
devices, which resemble AC adapters, plug directly into your wall outlets and
have one to two Ethernet ports used to directly connect to devices.
To set up a powerline network, you will need
to connect the adapter either directly to a cable modem or internet-connected
Ethernet hub. Some don’t feature wireless connectivity, but you can use your
powerline adapter in conjunction with wireless router by connecting the two via
the Ethernet port.
The distance between powerline adapters will
affect the strength of the connection. If the distance between your devices is
too great, your signal may be too weak to be considered reliable. You can
always add an extra adapter or two to boost the signal strength.
How mesh networking works
Mesh networking devices are more like your
current router than a powerline adapter. A mesh network comprises multiple
wireless routers designed to share data with one another and expand wireless
network coverage when that single routers can’t.
To set up a mesh network, you’ll need to
connect the primary mesh router, responsible for broadcasting your connection
to the companion routers, to your modem. From there, you can plug your other
mesh routers anywhere throughout your home.
Mesh network devices usually feature
smartphone apps that grant you more control over what goes on in your network.
You can monitor devices on the network, impose limits on devices belonging to
children, easily allow guests access to your network.
Source | Economic
Times | 1st December 2017
Regards
Pralhad Jadhav
Senior Manager @ Knowledge
Repository
Khaitan & Co