Computer users can employ a repeater costing 30 to 50 euros (41 to 68 dollars) to bring wi-fi to even the remotest corners of their home. But investing a little more money brings useful options, reports German computer magazine PC Magazine after testing six models. Versions selling for around 70 euros can connect to printers, or come with built-in nightlights and web radios. Other extra functions, like the ability to plug in an adapter, offer the option for yet more affordable gadgets.
The more-expensive models also scored slightly better in terms of speed.
However, users have to come to terms with the fact that no repeater will be as fast as the home's principal wi-fi connection. Since the extension has to connect with both the router and the end device, the data rate will effectively be halved.
Users shouldn't focus exclusively on the add-ons. Check out the broadcast technology. Many, but not all repeaters, support both the 2.4 and 5-gigahertz wi-fi frequencies. Check to see if your wi-fi uses a dual-band router that can set up two parallel networks. However, none of the tested devices in Germany could support the new, faster 802.11ac wi-fi standard.