In this article, we will talk about conventional routers that can not only distribute the Internet via cable and Wi-Fi, but also strengthen the existing Wi-Fi network. Simply put, take the Internet via Wi-Fi and distribute it further. This capability in a router is called repeater, amplifier, or repeater (repeater) mode. Almost all modern routers can operate in repeater mode. Now we'll take a closer look at which manufacturers' routers can receive and transmit a signal. That is, to strengthen the wireless network. I will give links to instructions for setting up the repeater mode on routers from different manufacturers. And I will write about the models on which I personally configured this mode of operation, and on which it definitely works.
A repeater is actually a separate device that was created specifically to expand the coverage area of a Wi-Fi network. For example, I recently wrote about setting up such a device - TP-LINK TL-WA850RE. And in routers, this feature is simply implemented as an additional feature. Also, in a separate article, I already wrote what a repeater is, and what a router means in repeater mode. It contains all the information you need on this topic.
If you are just looking for a router that can receive and distribute Wi-Fi, and your task is to simply strengthen the Wi-Fi network when it does not catch in some rooms, then I would recommend buying a repeater all the same. I have to introduce a separate device, as it is designed specifically to enhance the wireless network. And in a router, this is just a function that does not always work stably, since it was created for other tasks. But, if you still need a router, now we will figure out which device is better to buy, and from which manufacturer.
Choosing a router that supports repeater mode to strengthen the Wi-Fi network
At the moment, I have already written and published on the site separate instructions for setting up the repeater mode on ASUS, Zyxel Keenetic, and Netis routers. I considered setting up on specific models. I will give links to instructions below in the article.
Most of all, I liked how this function is organized on Zyxel Keenetic routers. Everything is set up very simply and clearly. Also, everything works great. Then I would put routers from Netis, and ASUS. This is purely my opinion, my rating 🙂 On the router of these three manufacturers, the repeater mode works perfectly.
As for such a popular manufacturer as TP-LINK, there is no repeater mode on their routers (at least on those models with which I am familiar). There, you can use the WDS (Bridge Mode) function. But, it is slightly different.
Let's take a look at each firm's routers. I will write about the models on which I tested the function of the Wi-Fi network signal amplifier. And how this mode is done on this or that router. Well, I will give links to detailed instructions for setting up.
Zyxel Keenetic routers as a repeater
I think that all Zyxel routers from the Keenetic series (which are in a black case) can work in repeater mode. I tested it on the Zyxel Keenetic Start model. Everything works just perfect. It is enough to select this mode in the settings, press the WPS button on the main router, and on the Zyxel Keenetic. After that, the routers will be connected wirelessly and Zyxel will amplify your Wi-Fi signal. There will be one, but enhanced wireless network.
Here are detailed instructions for setting up: setting up Zyxel Keenetic in repeater mode (amplifier). I recommend these routers as repeaters.
Repeater mode on ASUS routers
It's also very simple. I set up on the example of the Asus RT-N12 model. I also checked on RT-N18. Here is a detailed instruction: setting up an Asus router as a repeater (Wi-Fi network repeater mode). I remember that even on the old Asus RT-N13U B1 router everything worked fine. There, the mode was turned on with a separate switch on the case.
In the settings, it is enough to activate the required operating mode, select the network that needs to be strengthened, and you're done.
Netis router as a Wi-Fi network repeater
I checked the setting on a cheap router from this company - Netis WF2411. I don’t know how on other models from this manufacturer, but everything works very well on Netis WF2411. According to the idea, if the cheapest router has such an operating mode, then it will definitely be on more expensive ones 🙂
In the settings, everything is just as simple. It is enough to select the "Repeater" operating mode and set the necessary parameters for connecting to the wireless network that we want to strengthen.
If you choose a device from this manufacturer, then you will need detailed instructions: Netis router as a repeater, a Wi-Fi network repeater.
Can TP-LINK router be a repeater?
As I wrote above, TP-LINK routers do not have such a function (only on their access points).
On this topic, I even wrote an article: TP-Link TL-WR841ND and TL-WR741ND router as a repeater (Wi-Fi network repeater), where I explained that there is only bridge mode, aka WDS. I wrote about the configuration in the article: configuring a Tp-Link router in bridge mode (WDS).
Extending a Wi-Fi network using a D-LINK router
To be honest, I have little experience with D-LINK routers. Basically, I wrote all the setup instructions using the D-link DIR-615 model as an example. And until then, for some reason I thought that D-LINK routers could not work as an amplifier. Receive the Internet wirelessly and transmit it further.
In a way, I was right. On D-link DIR-615 I did not find a repeater mode as such. But, there is a "client mode". When the D-link router receives Internet via Wi-Fi and transmits it to devices via cable. But, if you enable Wi-Fi network broadcasting in the "Client" mode settings, and on the "Network" - "WAN" tab add a connection with the "WiFiClient" interface, then everything works.
True, we will have two Wi-Fi networks, and not one, as is the case with the operation of this mode on other devices. It's just that D-link does not clone the Wi-Fi network settings from the main router. But, you can try to set them manually.
For a bit of information on setting up such a scheme, see the article on connecting two routers via Wi-Fi.
Conclusions
I told everything I know on this issue at the moment. There will be new information and new experience, I will definitely supplement the article. I think that my advice will be useful to you, and you can choose a suitable router for yourself, which will work without any problems in the wireless repeater mode.
If you have interesting and useful information on this topic, or you know good router models that work great as amplifiers, then write in the comments. Your information will be useful to many, I will be grateful. Good luck!
