Repeater Wifi Linksys (Learn Linksys range extender works)

Introduction:

A repeater wifi linksys or as known more specifically a wireless range extender is a device that assists in amplification of the current WiFi network. It is done by intercepting the WiFi signals from your router and simply retransmitting these signals to intentionally recreate a second separate wireless network. This can enable you to access the internet domains in areas that may have poor signal strength from your home router.

WiFi repeaters require little introduction as there is growing demand for people to have access to the World Wide Web in all their rooms or place of work. They can be used to achieve wire line wireless coverage to serve a bigger coverage area than the physical cables To be more precise, in the present article, the reader will be introduced to the notion of WiFi repeaters in general and will also learn about Linksys RE200 WiFi Range Extender as an example of a device that can be useful in strengthening your network signal.

How Does a WiFi Repeater Work?

All WiFi repeaters work on the same basic principle:

• They pick up the existing WiFi signal from your router. This is called the “upstream” connection.
• The repeater then amplifies and rebroadcasts the signal to create a new “downstream” WiFi network that clients can connect to.
• Connected devices see it as an extension of your main network and have access to all the same features like shared printers and files.
• Data sent and received by the devices also passes through the router before reaching the internet or other network resources.

linksys.comIn other words, the WiFi repeater picks the WiFi signal catches it then boosts and then transmits the same signal in the dark areas of your home or office. This is the best approach since it means you can use the Internet in areas which did not allow the router coverage.

Different Types of WiFi Repeaters

There are different types of WiFi repeaters available in the market based on their functionality:

Standalone Repeaters

• Basic plug-and-play repeaters that receive and rebroadcast WiFi signals without any other features.
• Examples include Linksys RE200, NETGEAR EX2700, TP-Link RE200.

Dual-Band Repeaters

• Support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands for broader coverage.
• Can prioritize faster 5GHz connectivity where possible.
• Examples are NETGEAR Nighthawk X4, Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-AC Repeater.

Tri-Band Repeaters

• Use a separate third 5GHz band for the upstream router connection.
• Reduces interference for faster overall speeds.
• Examples include Asus RT-AX88U, NETGEAR Nighthawk X6.

Smart/Mesh Repeaters

• Part of a mesh WiFi system for seamless roaming and management.
• Examples are Linksys Velop, NETGEAR Orbi, Google/Nest Wifi.

The type of repeater needed depends on home/office size and connectivity requirements. Standalone options work well for most small to medium deployments.

Setting Up a Linksys WiFi Repeater

Let’s now look at setting up one of the most popular standalone repeaters – the Linksys RE200 WiFi Range Extender:

What You’ll Need

• The Linksys RE200 repeater
• An electrical outlet near the WiFi dead zone
• Your router username and password

Installation Steps:

1. Plug in the RE200 repeater and wait for the power LED to turn solid blue.
2. Open the Linksys app or browse to linksys.com/repeater to select your router brand during setup.
3. Enter your router’s WiFi name (SSID) and password when prompted.
4. The RE200 will now connect to your existing network in repeater mode.
5. Wait for the LED to turn solid white indicating it has successfully connected.
6. Connect your devices to the new secondary WiFi network called “[Your Network Name]_EXT”
7. You can now access the internet and share your network resources in the dead zones.

So, the Linksys RE200 can receive your WiFi signal and rebroadcast it across your home or office space. Resetting it to factory default will remove your network settings if needed later.

Benefits of Using a Linksys WiFi Repeater

Here are some key advantages of using a WiFi repeater like the Linksys RE200:

• Extended Range: It amplifies existing WiFi signals to cover areas up to 1000 sq. ft. beyond your router.
• Easy Plug-and-Play Setup: No configuration required – just plug in and follow the app setup process.
• Seamless Roaming: Connected devices can move between the repeater and router networks without dropping connection.
• Share Resources: Access cameras, printers and files shared on your primary home network.
• Affordable Solution: Much more cost-effective than installing additional routers or running new network cables.
• Dual-Band Support: RE200 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies for best performance.
• Compact Design: Small form factor lets you place it anywhere discreetly near a dead zone.
• Open Standards: Compatible with any WiFi router brands like Netgear, ASUS, TP-Link etc.

Therefore, in brief, the Linksys RE200 is also designed to serve as a simple and low-cost solution to enhance the coverage of the existing wireless network in your house or workplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How many devices can a WiFi repeater support?

A WiFi repeater’s bandwidth is shared between the upstream and downstream connections. But a high-performance repeater like the RE200 can handle around 30 connected devices comfortably without issues.

Q2. Will my network speed reduce when using a repeater?

There may be some reduction in speeds depending on the device locations. But the RE200 supports simultaneous dual-band connections to minimize speed loss. For most common internet activities like web browsing and streaming, you won’t notice any practical difference.

Q3. Can I use multiple repeaters together for large areas?

Yes, you can daisy-chain multiple repeaters to further extend coverage across large homes/offices. Just place subsequent repeaters halfway between the primary router/previous repeater for optimal connectivity.

Q4. Will using a repeater increase my network’s security risks?

No, as the RE200 uses the same network security protocols (WPA/WPA2) and password as your primary router. All traffic also routes through your main router/firewall first before reaching the internet.

Q5. Can a repeater interfere with other nearby WiFi networks?

Modern repeaters use features like Auto Channel Selection to choose interference-free channels. But for best results, place your repeater in the middle of your dead zone away from neighboring WiFi signals as much as possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a Linksys WiFi repeater like the RE200 is a very cost-effective solution to extend the range of your home or office WiFi network. Its plug-and-play setup makes it simple to use without any technical expertise. Some key benefits are:

• Covers up to 1000+ sq. ft. of additional area beyond your router
• Dual-band support for best wireless performance
• Seamless roaming between extended and main networks
• Share network resources easily across the whole space
• Compact and discreet design
• Affordable alternative to installing new routers/cables

If you have WiFi dead spots at home that are impacting your internet usage, then a Linksys repeater can solve those connectivity issues without hassles or high costs. Its plug-and-play operation ensures you’ll have reliable and seamless WiFi coverage throughout your property for all your devices.