You have super fast fiber internet. Downloads fly by, uploads are done in seconds. But the moment you walk to the bedroom, the connection drops. Buffering. Loading. Frustration. The connection itself is not the problem. The WiFi signal in your home is. The good news: this is easy to fix. In this article we explain how WiFi works, when a WiFi extender helps and which solution suits your situation best.
How does WiFi work at home?
Your router converts your internet connection into a wireless signal. That signal spreads through your home like waves. The further you are from the router, the weaker the signal gets. Walls, floors and other devices block those waves too.
Fiber delivers a very fast connection to your home. But the speed of your fiber connection is not the same as the quality of your WiFi. The two are closely connected, yet they are separate things.
In short: you can have a connection of 1 gigabit per second, but if your router does not spread the signal well, you will hardly notice that in the bedroom.
When do you need a WiFi extender?
You usually spot the problem quickly. Check whether you recognise one or more of these situations:
Your WiFi drops in certain areas of your home
Video calls freeze or disconnect when you move between rooms
Devices connect, but the internet feels slow
Your home has multiple floors or thick concrete walls
Your router is far from the spot where you use the internet most
Do you recognise several of these points? There is a good chance that a WiFi extender or a better WiFi solution will make a real difference for you.
What are your options?
There are three solutions to consider. We listed the options:
1. WiFi extender (repeater)
A WiFi extender picks up the signal from your router and passes it on. Affordable and easy to install. It works well in straightforward situations, such as a small home where the signal just does not reach far enough.
Keep in mind: a repeater does not make your network faster. It extends the signal, but the speed is shared. If you place the extender far from the router, the quality may disappoint.
2. Powerline adapter
A powerline adapter uses the electrical wiring in your home as a cable. You plug one adapter in near your router and place a second adapter where you want better WiFi. Useful in older homes where WiFi signals struggle to get through.
The speed depends on the quality of your electrical wiring. In newer homes this usually works well. In older properties it can be hit or miss.
3. Mesh network
A mesh network consists of multiple access points that work together as one network. You move seamlessly from one point to another without losing your connection. This is the best solution for larger homes, apartments on multiple floors or homes with many walls.
The investment is higher than a single extender, but the results are better too. Many providers offer mesh systems in combination with fiber.
Add a WiFi extender when you place your order
At Open Dutch Fiber we do not just arrange your fiber connection, we also think ahead about what you need after that. That is why you can indicate during the ordering process whether you want one or more WiFi extenders. Everything arranged in one go, no need to search or reorder later.
Not sure how many extenders you need? Use this as a guide:
Small home or apartment on one floor: 0 to 1 extender is usually enough
Terraced house or semi-detached home: 1 to 2 extenders already makes a big difference
Large home or multiple floors: 2 or more extenders gives coverage throughout the whole house
You indicate this easily during the ordering process. No hassle afterwards, just sorted from the start.
What makes fiber different?
With fiber you have a stable, symmetrical connection. Uploading is just as fast as downloading. That stability is a great foundation, but it does not help you if the WiFi signal already fades halfway down the hallway.
The good news: fiber gives you enough bandwidth to fully benefit from a mesh network or multiple WiFi extenders. With an older or slower connection you would have less advantage. With fiber you scale effortlessly, whatever you do at home.
How many devices do you use at the same time?
That is a question many people overlook. The average household today has dozens of devices online. Smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, smart speakers, thermostats and more.
Every device demands bandwidth and a spot on the network. A basic router cannot always handle this well. A WiFi extender does not necessarily solve that either. In that case, consider upgrading your router, switching to a mesh system, or placing multiple extenders strategically around your home.
What can you do yourself before buying anything?
Before you purchase anything, there are a few simple things worth trying.
Place your router in a central spot
Not in the hallway cupboard, not behind the television. The more open the space around your router, the better the signal spreads. The centre of your living space is ideal.
Check which frequency band you are using
Modern routers use two bands: 5 GHz is faster but has a shorter range. The 2.4 GHz band has a longer range and travels through walls more easily. Make sure your devices choose the right band.
Restart your router regularly
It sounds simple, but it works. A router that has been running for weeks without a restart performs less well. A weekly restart makes a noticeable difference.
Remove devices that no longer use the network
Smart devices you no longer use but that are still connected take up space on your network. Remove them from your network settings.
Which solution suits you?
Small home, one floor: WiFi extender (repeater)
Older home with thick walls: powerline adapter
Large home or multiple floors: mesh network
Many devices at the same time: mesh network or multiple extenders
Arranged in one go with your connection: add WiFi extender(s) via Open Dutch Fiber
Frequently asked questions about WiFi extenders
Yes. A WiFi extender helps spread the signal from your router further. Fiber delivers a fast connection to your home, but how WiFi spreads inside depends on your router and any extenders you use.
A mesh system delivers better results, especially in larger homes. A WiFi extender is more affordable and works well in smaller homes. Choose based on the size of your home and the number of devices you use.
Yes, you can. You indicate this during the ordering process. That way your fiber connection and your WiFi are arranged all at once.
Most likely not. Fiber delivers a stable connection. Slow WiFi is more often related to the position of your router, the quality of your router or the distance to your devices. Still not sure? Check our frequently asked questions for more answers.
It depends on the size of your home. For a small apartment, no extender or just one is usually enough. For a larger home or multiple floors, count on two or more. Not sure? Our customer service team is happy to help you figure it out.
Ready for fast internet throughout your entire home?
Fiber is the best foundation you can have. We take care of the connection, you decide how to spread the WiFi signal through your home. Indicate during the ordering process how many WiFi extenders you want, and everything is arranged in one go.
Not sure yet whether fiber is available at your address? Check your address.
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