Internet Router or a Wi-Fi Extender – What to Choose for Smooth Internet Speed?

Having sluggish internet speed is just like waiting for the food to cook when you’re damn hungry! There’s nothing more frustrating than continuously uploading your file only to know that it failed to upload even when your internet is connected.

What can be the issue? Is it your internet router? Is it your internet connection in the first place? Is the coverage not meeting your needs? We’re here to find out! This article will cover the aspects of potential causes of slow internet connection.

Meanwhile, we’ll recommend what you can use to remove this pest of a problem, a new internet router or a Wi-Fi extender. So, without further ado, let’s get started:

Slow Internet: What Can Be the Issue?

Amongst the primary issues that may affect your internet speed, here are some of the causes that top the list that you must address right away:

• Your internet connection
• Your internet router
• Poor coverage and signal strength
• Malware infestation
• Too many devices on the network
• Not using Ethernet
• Load mismanagement

Internet Connection Issue

When it comes to poor internet speed, most people contact their providers. In most cases, the issue does come from the provider’s end since they’re either offering shared services or using poor cabling connectivity.

In that case, you need to switch your internet provider and find someone that offers reliable internet services. For that, we recommend using Windstream since it’s well-known to offer robust internet solutions with steadfast results. Simply contact Windstream Customer Service and get a plan for yourself to try out their services.

Internet Router Issue

You need to check your internet router if the issue isn’t with your internet connection. In many cases, the router isn’t placed in the right location (blocked by electromagnetic signals), is outdated due to the old version, has been accessed publicly (too many users), or has several other issues. If the issue is persistent with your internet router, then the last resort is to change it and upgrade to a newer model.

Poor Coverage and Signal Strength

Sometimes, even a new, upgraded router cannot offer the right coverage and signal strength. When this happens, you face disconnection in corners or sometimes spaces with too many electrical appliances.

For this purpose, you can either readjust the router’s position or place it in someplace central to where you can access it. Or you can go for a Wi-Fi extender. A Wi-Fi extender will amplify the signals and range of the router, spreading signals with greater throughput, which will help you connect even in far corners of your place.

Wi-Fi Router Vs. Wi-Fi Extenders

The rest of the issues are also prevalent regarding slow internet speed. For now, we’re focusing on the Wi-Fi router’s issue and whether or not getting a router upgrade will fix it or should the users go for a Wi-Fi extender. Let’s check it out now:

Budget

Wi-Fi routers are comparatively expensive when it comes to upgrading a network. Even if you’re using a gaming internet router, it’ll be quite expensive, and there’s a chance you still don’t get good coverage in your space. On the other hand, a Wi-Fi extender is a cheaper alternative.

Small Space

When it comes to small space, one should go for a Wi-Fi extender since it’s cheaper, and the only issue you’re facing is a lack of coverage. However, this is only recommended when you already have a good internet connection. If your internet throttles or faces speed issues, an extender won’t do you good.

Wired Connection

If you’re a pro-gamer, you’d already be switching to wired connectivity without delay. Instead of investing in a gaming internet router, switching to Ethernet is better to get uninterrupted speed and connectivity.

In this case, you can either spread a network of Ethernet in your entire place or use powerline adapters. Powerline adapters allow you to connect your devices via Ethernet using electrical cords.

Speed

As mentioned earlier, a Wi-Fi extender will only do you good if you’re already running on a good internet connection. If that’s not the case, an extender will only transmit further weakened signals, making no sense of a network. On the other hand, when it comes to upgrading your internet router, you will surely get a speed bump. New routers have amazing features such as MU-MIMO support, beamforming, dual-band, triple-band frequency coverage, etc.

Based on these, a new router may even offer better coverage and signal strength. Then again, it depends upon where you’re using the internet, causing lags in your connectivity.

What to Choose Between Them?

Based on the division given in the analysis above, we can deduce the following elements:

• If you’re experiencing poor speed with your internet connection, then there’s no point in using a Wi-Fi extender.
• If your internet speed is good and you’re experiencing signal problems, try repositioning your internet router.
• If your internet router is at an ideal location, try rebooting and resetting your internet router.
• If the issue persists, add a Wi-Fi extender to check whether there’s a signal problem or not.
• If the signal problem is resolved, but the speed issue persists even when you have a good internet connection, you need to upgrade your internet router.

A Wi-Fi extender is only good when you have a good internet connection. That is why consult with your internet provider in the first place for low-speed internet issues. Your provider will probably elaborate on the issue and recommend a solution.

Closing Thoughts

Whether it’s your internet router messing up or your internet connection, having slow speed today isn’t optimal or a question. Therefore, use the abovementioned analysis to check the status of your network at home. Analyze, and take action while keeping your provider in the loop for better results.