In the digital age we live in, WiFi connectivity at home has become a necessity. However, we often encounter problems that can affect the quality of our connection. There are a series of solutions to improve the quality of the WiFi signal, alternatives to repeaters that you should know about.
A poor WiFi connection can be a problem at home, whether you work remotely, study or simply on a daily basis. Poor signal areas or dead spots can be responsible for the WiFi not arriving with enough power and, therefore, not having a good connection. To solve these problems, there are different alternatives that allow us to bring the Internet to every corner. Beyond the classic amplifier or repeater, there are many other solutions that you can take into account and that can be a better option when it comes to having WiFi in every corner of the house or even if you want to have it in the garden or in a workshop in the same. Cheap devices without complications when installing them that you can buy for very little.
PLC
You may not know what a PLC is, but it is a good alternative to classic repeaters. PLC means Power Line Communications or, in other words, communications through the power line. What it does is use the home's electrical installation to be able to bring Internet from one room to another. This will allow us to connect via Ethernet cable from a place far from the router or will allow us to have a WiFi connection in a room where coverage is normally poor.
The PLCs come in a pack and connect to the socket you have in the room you want. They generally have a socket that allows us to connect any type of device to the power without losing that plug in the corresponding room. They are easy to use and normally all you have to do is press a button, with a plug and play system that will make it start working the moment you plug it in.
It is a very interesting option to connect by cable from the TV, for example, or connect your game consoles and thus reduce latency using an Ethernet cable.
WiFi Mesh
One of the best options if you don't want a WiFi repeater at home is to go for a WiFi Mesh system. A mesh network that improves classic amplifiers and has important advantages over the conventional system. In this network there are different types of nodes that are connected to each other, giving us coverage or connection depending on which one is better at that moment. You don't simply connect to the one that is closest, but it is an intelligent network capable of detecting which one is free, which one is less saturated or which one is going to offer you the best services at that moment.
It is one of the best alternatives that you can consider and is an interesting option for large homes or homes with complicated layouts. In addition, it is easy to use and configure and adaptable to any user and situation, it does not require complex installation or complications. Generally we can find packs with different nodes that connect to a compatible router. The only drawback? It is somewhat more expensive than other alternatives and we will have to make a larger outlay.
Point to point wiring
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Ethernet cable connections remain the most viable option to improve the connectivity of your home. The only drawback is that not all devices can be connected via cable. Although this alternative requires the installation of cables, it offers several advantages.
A wired connection will always provide maximum speed and stability on your equipment. It is the best option for devices that need good performance, such as a console or computer. On the other hand, you should know that wired connections greatly reduce latency, which is essential for online games or video conferencing. Furthermore, by adding to the speed and stability of the connection, security is added. A wired network is much more secure than a wireless one and are also less susceptible to interference or cyber attacks.
There are many types of configurations to create a wired network in your home, from a simple point-to-point connection from your main router, to a distribution network with a switch to expand the number of devices to connect. Of course, keep in mind that the larger the network, the greater the outlay required for installation.
Combination of both technologies
An often overlooked strategy is combining different technologies to achieve the best performance. You can use the PLC system or a wired network to connect devices that need high speed and low latency, such as a computer, a console or a Smart TV. And, at the same time, you use a WiFi Mesh network. You use the mesh network for cell phones and other wireless devices such as tablets and robots or smart light bulbs.
This way, you can enjoy a faster and more reliable connection in every corner of your home. Choosing the most appropriate alternative will depend on your needs and the layout of your home, but by using one of the alternatives that we have proposed, you will be able to say goodbye to weak signal areas and enjoy your Internet connection without problems.
Which one I choose?
Choosing between one or the other will depend on the layout of the house, for example, or the use we are going to give to the connection. It depends on the type of home (you will not be able to use a PLC if the electrical installation does not allow it) or it will depend on the devices you want to connect to and whether you can do it by cable or you have to do it via WiFi.
In these cases, the best option is to study the advantages of each of these alternatives and choose the one that best suits us depending on our situation. But it is advisable, in any case, that you know that there is life beyond the classic WiFi amplifier if this one has not worked for you.
