Having wireless internet can be a life saver in many cases. It is just so much more convenient and practical than having a bunch of wires crisscrossing all over the place. However, the problem with wireless internet is that it sometimes can have weak signals or doesn’t reach all areas of the house. Sometimes devices such as cordless phones and even microwaves can cause interference and disrupt the wireless connection.



Other obstacles like walls can also cause many dead spots. So what’s the solution? Instead of rewiring your entire house to get better signal, a more simple and effective tool is to get a wireless range extender.

A wireless range extender is a piece of equipment which attracts and reflects a wireless or Wi-Fi connection and makes its overall signal strength much more powerful. The signals from the wireless network adapter bounce off the range extender so that they can better reach all the little nooks and crannies of your house and overcome obstacles.

Some people who have big houses or want their wireless internet connections to reach outside to the garden and backyard resort to getting a second access point installed in another part of the house. This can be costly and very unnecessary; especially since the access point has to be connected to the main router using a data cable. Plus there are some places that you just can’t wire, so getting a wireless range extender can be just as effective as, and even more practical in extending your wireless internet connection than installing another access point.

So what should you look for when getting a wireless range extender? Here are some tips to choose the right device for you.

- First, you should make sure that the wireless range extender that you choose can work with the same type of wireless network adapter and PC brands that you currently have.

- Second, if you have an older model of wireless network adapter and want to get a brand new wireless range extender, check to see if they will work with each other. To be on the safe side, get a range extender that is compatible with 802.11g wireless standards which is also backwards compatible with 802.11b, or get one that works with 802.11a, b, g, and n to be on the safe side.

- Third, you will want to ensure that the wireless range extender has the proper 64-bit, 128-bit and 152-bit WEP encryption as well as WPA encryption so that the data you transmit is always safe and secure.

- Fourth, of course you will want to look at prices. Wireless range extenders are very practical and effective, but their cost varies. They can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, but they are well worth the price. While you may be tempted to get a cheap brand for your wireless range extender, it’s a much more sensible idea to invest in a quality brand such as Netgear or Belkin that comes with at least a two-year warranty.