In this day and age, Wi-Fi has become an intricate part of how we use the internet. Beyond the cabled LAN and mobile networks, Wi-Fi offers easy, fast, and uninterrupted connectivity unlike any of its counterparts with its only limitation being the coverage. And that’s where the Wi-Fi extenders come to the rescue.
Simply put, Wi-Fi extenders are absolutely safe as long as you follow certain security protocols and measures to make the connection secure. There are several steps and ways to do it as we will explore in this article.
Beyond the obvious security aspect, there are questions regarding its health implications as well. If you’re interested to know more, we suggest you read along to find out.
What are Wi-Fi Extenders and How Do They Work?
As most of you understand, the obvious drawback with Wi-Fi is that it cannot cover a large area. And in a lot of cases, a single router cannot even cover the entire house. Wi-Fi extenders are geared to solve that problem.
In theory, a WiFi extender basically extends the existing Wi-Fi network to the dead zones of a house where the existing routers cannot reach. It replicates the existing network and projects the replication.
To get the best results, users should set up the extender somewhere in the middle between the router and the dead zones. This allows for the best network coverage.
Benefits of Using a Wi-Fi Extender
The most common benefit of using a Wi-Fi extender is that it can provide internet to the dead zones of the house as well. The only way to ensure internet on the dead zones if you’re not using an extender is to use another router or get a separate connection.
Both of these solutions are expensive as a new connection would overrun the cost and a new router will be much more expensive than an extender.
In such a scenario, it’s only logical to use a Wi-Fi extender as it’s cheaper than a router and uses the existing network which means there’s no extra cost for using a secondary network.
The only problem here can be that an extender uses a separate SSID so users will have to connect to two different Wi-Fi is depending on where they are in the house. There’s also the problem that the repeated network will not have the same bandwidth as the original one.
Have A Look: How Do Wi-Fi Range Extenders Work
Are Wi-Fi Extenders Safe to Use
Yes, Wi-Fi extenders are completely safe to use. They are easy to set up and start working instantly. While most Wi-Fi extenders come with security settings pre-programmed, you can still check for different options from the setup menu. Here’s how.
The App
Unlike Wi-Fi routers, most extenders come with their own application. A router can be easily accessed and set up by connecting to the SSID and using its designated login page.
In the case of an extender, the user can connect to the SSID of the extender and use the application to access the security settings from the main menu.
Using WPS
If you don’t want to take the traditional route and want something easy to go, then the WPS button can be a great option. Almost every modern router and extender comes with WPS support. On top of the WPS, there is WPA2, WEP, or WPA encryption to make the connection more secure.
You can simply press the designated WPS button on the extender and it will automatically configure the security options based on the security settings of the router.
Ethernet Cable
Using an ethernet cable is not only secured as a protective measure, but it’s also perfect to stabilize the connection. It’s no secret that Wi-Fi extenders cannot bring the same level of bandwidth as routers.
Using an ethernet cable can greatly improve the connection and save packet loss. However, the security configuration with using ethernet cable is different from brand to brand, make sure you follow the exact steps outlined in the manual.
Testing Your Wi-Fi Extenders For EMF Radiation
Not just extenders, Wi-Fi routers and any other electrical devices in your home that can send and receive electronic signals can emit EMF radiation. While a low level of EMF radiation won’t do any harm, it is still important to understand the level of EMF radiation.
The best way to check for EMF radiation is to use an EMF meter. This is the easiest way to take EMF reading. For a more accurate reading, the local power office should be contacted.
First of all, you need to turn off the electrical devices and look at the reading on your EMF meter. This is the base reading with which we will compare the radiation level.
After that, turn on the extender and take the reading again, you should see a significant difference in the reading.
Generally, it is somewhere between 90 to 350 mW for home appliances like the router and extender.
Tips For Getting the Most Out Of Your Wi-Fi Extender
WiFi extenders are a simple device, they are also much smaller and boast a shorter range compared to a standard router. You can follow some standard procedures to maximize the range of the WiFi.
- Set it up in a higher position like over the fridge or top wall.
- Reposition the antennae to the direction of the dead zone
- Put the extender halfway between the router and the dead zone
- Make sure there’s no obstruction to the extender
- Use an ethernet cable to connect the extender and the router
Frequently Asked Questions
Well, this is all there is to know when it comes to the safety of WiFi extenders. However, there are frequently asked questions regarding the same.
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Conclusion
Considering the global connectivity, it’s only normal that Wi-Fi is the most preferred means of home internet network. It’s fast, smooth, reliable, and often a cheap alternative to using carrier data.
But the Wi-Fi coverage of the router is one of the prime issues when it comes to its usability. In such cases, the extender can be a perfect complement to the lack of range.
Set it up at a feasible location and you will have significantly increased the coverage of the router. While extenders are safe in general, make sure to follow the above steps for enhanced security.