A simple fix for most WiFi signal strength problems

I'm often hearing from friends and clients who struggle with WiFi signal strength problems in their home or office. However there's always a solution to it and based on my own experience it's normally a trivial one. Here's some food for thought when approaching the task of deciding on the most appropriate solution.

Most of the time a WiFi repeater will provide an inexpensive solution to the problem. A wireless repeater will take an existing signal from a wireless router or access point and rebroadcast it to create a second network with an apparently seamless connection between the two networks. Those outside of the primary network will be able to connect through the new "repeated" network. Wireless repeaters are commonly used to improve signal range and strength within homes and small offices.

Generally speaking WiFi repeaters work best when positioned in an elevated setting within the room or space their WiFi signal is to be broadcast. That's because an elevated setting typically has fewer physical obstructions. However that elevated setting's not always easy to achieve in a home/office unless there's a high shelf or storage unit upon which the repeater can be placed. Furthermore this can also give rise to a problem of having an unsightly trailing power lead which is often undesirable in a home setting.

There's a popular preference for the wall-mounted type WiFi repeater. And it's understandable because they're compact and less obtrusive. Bear in mind though that they're often handicapped because they're likely do be plugged into a wall socket way down at shin level, and possibly obscured behind furniture and therefore not ideally situated to deliver optimum performance. For this reason they can deliver disappointing results.

The alternative to the plug-in adapter type repeater is the free standing type device such as the one pictured here. It'll have an external power adapter and most of these free-standing repeaters come with a wall-mounting kit. The device's external antennas are adjustable and help improve its WiFi signal strength.

In most situations either of the above products will do what's needed and I'm happy to recommend either. However I'd say the free-standing one is most likely to give the best/strongest signal, hence would be my first choice. Mine is sat on top of a book case and is out of sight but gives out a strong signal from up there.