A strong and reliable Wi-Fi connection is essential for seamless browsing, streaming, and working from home. However, dead zones and weak signals can cause frustration, especially in larger homes or spaces with thick walls. One effective solution to this problem is using a Wi-Fi extender. In this blog post, we’ll cover what a Wi-Fi extender is and whether these wireless internet boosters really work.

What is a Wi-Fi extender?

A Wi-Fi extender, also known as a Wi-Fi repeater or range extender, is a device designed to enhance the coverage of your existing wireless network. It captures the Wi-Fi signal from your router and retransmits it to areas where the signal is weak or nonexistent.

Wi-Fi extenders come in these different types.

• Plug-in extenders: Small devices that plug directly into an electrical outlet and boost signal range.
• Desktop extenders: Larger units with more powerful antennas that sit on a flat surface for broader coverage.
• Mesh Wi-Fi systems: A more advanced option that replaces your router with multiple nodes, providing seamless coverage across your home.

Placing a Wi-Fi extender strategically between your router and the problem area can significantly improve wireless connectivity in hard-to-reach spots.

Can a Wi-Fi extender boost signal?

Yes, a Wi-Fi extender can help boost your signal, but it does not increase your internet speed. Instead, it extends the coverage of your existing Wi-Fi network, making it accessible in areas where the signal was previously weak or non-existent. 

The benefits of using a Wi-Fi extender include the following.

• Eliminates dead zones: A Wi-Fi extender can cover areas your router’s signal struggles to reach.
• Improves connectivity for smart devices: Devices such as smart TVs, security cameras, and gaming consoles can benefit from extended coverage.
• Enhances flexibility: You can work or stream from any room in your home without worrying about weak signals.

When using a Wi-Fi extender, you should consider the following factors.

• Placement is crucial: Positioning your extender too far from your router can result in a weak extended signal. Place it halfway between the router and the area needing coverage.
• Network speed may be affected: Some extenders may reduce bandwidth slightly since they rebroadcast the existing signal.
• Compatibility with your router: Ensure your extender supports your router’s frequency bands (2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz) for optimal performance.

How to tell if you need a Wi-Fi extender/booster

If you’re experiencing slow speeds or dead zones in your home, you might need a Wi-Fi extender or booster. Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to consider one.

• Frequent buffering or dropped connections: If your streaming services constantly lag or your video calls drop, your Wi-Fi signal may be too weak in certain areas.
• Slow speeds in specific rooms: If your internet works well near the router but slows down in other areas, an extender can help distribute the signal more evenly.
• Devices struggling to stay connected: Smart home devices, gaming consoles, or security cameras may have trouble staying online if your Wi-Fi signal doesn’t reach them reliably.
• Large or multi-story home: If your home has multiple floors or thick walls, a Wi-Fi extender booster can help cover hard-to-reach spots.

If any of these issues sound familiar, a Wi-Fi extender booster could be the solution to improve your internet experience.

Best practices for setting up a Wi-Fi extender

Follow these best practices to get the best performance from your Wi-Fi extender.

• Optimal placement: Position your extender halfway between your router and the area with poor signal for the best coverage.
• Avoiding interference: Keep the extender away from thick walls, metal objects, and electronic devices that can cause signal disruption.
• Connecting to the correct network: Ensure your devices connect to the extender’s network if it has a different name from your primary router.
• Regular firmware updates: Keeping your extender’s firmware updated can improve its performance and security.
• Using the correct frequency band: If your extender supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, use the appropriate band based on distance and speed needs.

Wi-Fi extender alternatives

Other options are available if a Wi-Fi extender doesn’t solve your connectivity issues.

• Upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system: Mesh systems provide seamless coverage using multiple nodes, making them an excellent option for large homes.
• Wired solutions (Ethernet & powerline adapters): Running an Ethernet cable to weak signal areas or using powerline adapters can provide a stable wired connection.
• Upgrading your router: If your router is outdated, investing in a newer model with better range and faster speeds may be a more effective solution.

Should I use a Wi-Fi extender in my home?

If you experience Wi-Fi dead zones in your home, a Wi-Fi extender can be an effective and affordable solution to enhance coverage. By selecting the correct type of extender and placing it strategically, you can enjoy a stronger and more reliable internet connection throughout your space. Consider a high-quality Wi-Fi extender compatible with your router and internet speed for the best results.

Looking for more ways to improve your home internet experience? Check out Brightspeed Wi-Fi extenders and more to ensure you get the best performance possible!

Brightspeed internet not working? Check for a Brightspeed outage

Are you seeing the “network connectivity problems” screen (the one with the cute little T-Rex) in your browser? When you pick up your home phone, can you not hear the dial tone? You could be experiencing a Brightspeed service outage.

The official Brightspeed check for outages

Brightspeed doesn’t have an official outage map, but you can get a quick visual using the crowdsourced Brightspeed outage map at downdetector.com.

For a more official and personalized outage check, use Brightspeed Troubleshooter (via mobile data, of course, since your Brightspeed internet probably isn’t working).

Troubleshooter taps directly into the Brightspeed network, from the area-wide system right down to the wiring in your home, and runs automated tests to find the source of the internet or phone service outage.

When you run Troubleshooter, your results will usually fit one of these categories. In every scenario, you can count on step-by-step guidance to resolve your Brightspeed outage or service issue.

• An area outage. A known outage usually means the larger Brightspeed network in your area is down, and Brightspeed is already working to repair the problem. You should see an estimate on when service will get back up, and you can request notifications so you’ll receive updates without running Troubleshooter again.
• A home outage. Smaller Brightspeed outages can also affect service at your address, whether it’s an issue with your connection to the larger network or a problem with the equipment inside your home. If Troubleshooter detects one of these outages, you can create a repair ticket without calling in.
• Non-outage problem. If there’s no Brightspeed service outage to be found, you’ll see prompts to help you dig into other technical issues, like frequently dropped phone calls or slow speeds (e.g., if you have the 1 Gig or 2 Gig plan but can’t even get photos and videos to load on social media). If Troubleshooter still can’t help, you’ll receive instructions on contacting customer support.

DIY troubleshooting

If you can’t run Troubleshooter using mobile data, try a few DIY solutions. These easy, practical steps are a good starting point for any technical issue you experience.

• Check wiring. Make sure your modem/router, phone hardware, and any Ethernet connections are properly plugged into power outlets and wall jacks.
• Reboot your modem. Unplug your modem and wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Make sure you wait the full minute for best results.
• Verify account status. Make sure your Brightspeed account is in good standing and you don’t owe any payments.

Is there a Brightspeed outage in my area?

Contact Technical Support: Running Troubleshooter will save you the most steps when investigating a Brightspeed outage. If you don’t have access to mobile data or need to talk to a support agent by phone, call 1-833-692-7773.

Ready for faster, more reliable internet? Shop Brightspeed to switch today or sign in to your current account to upgrade.

Fiber-optic internet is transforming internet connectivity nationwide. If you’ve had the same internet plan for a few years or recently moved to a new area, you might find that fiber is now available near you.

Before you can start using your new multi-gig fiber speeds, you’ll need professional installation since most homes don’t have an existing fiber hookup. Read on for an overview of how fiber-optic internet is installed and a detailed list of what to expect during your appointment.

How is fiber internet installed?

And how does fiber internet connect to your house?

Fiber is installed the same way other internet technologies were about 30 years ago: your provider builds a central network of internet cabling, then installs branches off that main network to reach their subscribers’ homes or businesses.

Cable, DSL, and fiber providers build that last leg to your home in a variety of ways, sometimes to a node shared by multiple customers and sometimes directly to each subscriber. Fiber to the home is the best type of connection—it means lower lag and more reliable performance.

What to expect from your fiber installation appointment

During your fiber-optic installation, your technician will need outdoor and indoor access to where you want to plug in your router. Usually, they’ll complete the installation steps in this order:

1. Your technician arrives, checks in with you, and helps you decide the best place to put your router.
2. The technician drills a hole in your wall between that spot and the exterior, then threads it with an Ethernet or fiber-optic line and connects it to a small box called an optical network terminal (ONT). Your ONT may sit indoors next to your router or outside in a weatherproof casing.
3. Outside, your technician runs a fiber-optic line from your ONT to the closest connection point with your provider’s central network, carefully anchoring the cable where needed.
4. Back inside, your technician plugs your router into your ONT via Ethernet cable, then configures your Wi-Fi network—and you’re good to go.

How can I get fiber internet?

Hankering for fiber internet speeds? First, check availability. If your area is eligible for Brightspeed fiber, you’ll see plans between 200 Mbps and multiple gigs, plus a phone number where you can order.

Already have a Brightspeed account? Reach customer service for help with account snags or technical issues.