Solved Does anyone here use the ATT Wi-Fi Extender?.......

rdburke · Sep 25, 2022

Hoping that someone here uses the ATT Wi-Fi Extender. Just got one and it did not come with any documentation. I posted on their forum asking if it can be hardwired if I am too far from the Gateway but I have gotten no response. I am trying to reach my outside security cameras on the opposite side of the hose from my main gateway and the extender keeps telling me to move it closer which can't be done. If anyone is using one of these I really would like to chat......

PerpetualCycle · Sep 25, 2022

Is it this one? If so, it says its two Ethernet ports can be used as the back haul to compatible routers.

AT&T Smart Wi-Fi Extender - White White from AT&T

AT&T® Official Site. Buy the AT&T Smart Wi-Fi Extender - White online at ATT.com. Make good devices great with name-brand accessories & always free shipping from AT&T.

www.att.com

cereberus · Sep 25, 2022

geneo said:
Is it this one? If so, it says its two Ethernet ports can be used as the back haul to compatible routers.

AT&T Smart Wi-Fi Extender - White White from AT&T

AT&T® Official Site. Buy the AT&T Smart Wi-Fi Extender - White online at ATT.com. Make good devices great with name-brand accessories & always free shipping from AT&T.

www.att.com

If @rdburke cannot extend ethernet cable far enough, then home plugs are a good solution provided all electrics are on same ring mains loop (rarely an issue in a house).

glasskuter · Sep 25, 2022

It is my understanding that if a device used to amplify network coverage is NOT connected to the gateway with an ethernet cable, it acts as a repeater rather than an extender. A repeater essentially halves your wireless bandwidth which slows your network. Since WiFi repeaters are wireless, your WiFi signal will also be weakened by thick walls, microwaves, metal objects, and electronic devices that are in between your router and WiFi repeater. So, WiFi repeaters are not great for boosting your WiFi signal over long distances or in large homes or offices.

For a device to act as a WiFi extender, it must be connected to your gateway with an ethernet cable. It does not reduce your bandwidth or get weaker from distance,thick walls or radio waves like a WiFi repeater does.

cereberus · Sep 25, 2022

glasskuter said:
It is my understanding that if a device used to amplify network coverage is NOT connected to the gateway with an ethernet cable, it acts as a repeater rather than an extender. A repeater essentially halves your wireless bandwidth which slows your network. Since WiFi repeaters are wireless, your WiFi signal will also be weakened by thick walls, microwaves, metal objects, and electronic devices that are in between your router and WiFi repeater. So, WiFi repeaters are not great for boosting your WiFi signal over long distances or in large homes or offices.

For a device to act as a WiFi extender, it must be connected to your gateway with an ethernet cable. It does not reduce your bandwidth or get weaker from distance,thick walls or radio waves like a WiFi repeater does.

Yep - roughly speaking, the optimum position of an extender is midway between router and final point of use.

However, if final user only needs a small amount of bandwidth (security cameras do not need large bandwidth), then OP may be able to move extender a bit nearer main router.

I have never had a particularly happy experience with wifi extenders.

glasskuter · Sep 25, 2022

cereberus said:
have never had a particularly happy experience with wifi extenders

Nor me. I found the best solution to be using a second router as access point. I like to run my main computers wired so I ran a cable into my office which is at the other end of the house from my gateway. With an access point there, I can have my wired devices as well as better wireless without losing half my bandwidth.

cereberus · Sep 25, 2022

glasskuter said:
Nor me. I found the best solution to be using a second router as access point. I like to run my main computers wired so I ran a cable into my office which is at the other end of the house from my gateway. With an access point there, I can have my wired devices as well as better wireless without losing half my bandwidth.

That's basically how I do it - if you do not have a spare router, you can buy one dirt cheap on ebay. I also buy flat ethernet cables that go nicely under doors, carpets, skirting board etc.