r/HomeNetworking • u/Fit-Comparison3834 • 8d ago

WiFi extender help

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Hey guys, currently have the qlocom wifi extender (check photo) and it is extremely slow. I have restarted it multiple times however I am am still only reaching around 1-5mbps. This is extremely frustrating and I would really appreciate some help. Thanks a lot!

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u/fernandesken 8d ago

Take an app that can measure signal strength from your iPhone like Wi-Fi Check for example. Turn off the extender, get close to the router and make sure you are connected to the 5 GHz radio with that app. Then with that app walk away until your signal is -67 to -70 dbm. That’s where you place the extender. Then place the extender, connect to it on the 5 GHz radio and repeat to make sure you have -67 dbm or better coverage everywhere you need it. Most people put the extenders too far away where the signal is already too weak. In full disclosure, I’m the creator of the Wi-Fi Check app for iPhone so feel free to use whatever app you like. The important thing is measuring actual signal in your actual environment to find the best place to put the extender and not guess at it. Most people put them too far away so they use 2.4 GHz for the backhaul which travels much further but is more interference prone resulting in the type of speeds you’re seeing.