Most of us have a wireless router that connects to the internet and also acts as our main Wi-Fi connection.
But due to location or size of your home it may not reach everywhere you want wireless coverage.
Here is an inexpensive way to expand your coverage without going bananas.
The Belkin N300 is a small Wi-Fi expander that can be placed near the edge of your existing wireless network. Its small and works very well in our experience. The unit hugs the wall by plugging it into the power, and it has 2 small antennae at the top for a good signal.
1 The first step is to plug it into an AC outlet very close to your original wireless router for setup purposes, you will move it to it’s final destination later.
2 Using any Wi-Fi device like a tablet, laptop or even a phone, look for available wireless networks by choosing setup. Look for a Wi-Fi network called Belkin.setup and connect to it. You may have to wait a few seconds for the unit to startup.
Now when you open a browser, the setup will begin.
3 It will guide you to look for your existing wireless network name also known as SSID. Choose it and it will ask you for the password.
4 If all goes well it will connect and give you the option of naming the extended network.
This is important to note. It will suggest to add xtn at the end of your network. For example, Home_xtn. But change it to MATCH your existing network name.
This way when you walk around your home, you can seamlessly hop on to your router or this Belkin device, depending on which has a stronger signal. If you have a special purpose and you want to choose different networks, for example Garage or Upstairs, then make your choice now. But it’s highly recommended to choose the same name for most setups.
5 After confirming installation is finished, wait a few seconds then unplug your Belkin. Now move it to the edge of your Wi-Fi network. Make sure you don’t go too far, you don’t want the Belkin to have a weak signal to your original router.
This is a bit of trial and error, don’t be afraid to choose a spot, plug it in and try it out after it starts up. You will eventually overlap the signal and also extend it farther then before.