Router Wfi vs extender Wifi networks when in Wi-Fi Clone - are there two networks or just one?

This thread has been locked for further replies. You can start a new thread to share your ideas or ask questions.

Router Wfi vs extender Wifi networks when in Wi-Fi Clone - are there two networks or just one?

This thread has been locked for further replies. You can start a new thread to share your ideas or ask questions.
Router Wfi vs extender Wifi networks when in Wi-Fi Clone - are there two networks or just one?
Router Wfi vs extender Wifi networks when in Wi-Fi Clone - are there two networks or just one?
2021-03-29 20:09:54
Model: TL-WPA8630 KIT  
Hardware Version:
Firmware Version:

Newbie question: Does Wi-Fi Clone convert two networks onto one?

 

If I add the 8630 kit to my network (router with wifi connected devices in other room), what is the difference and/or additivity to the Wifi signal strength from the router and from the 8630 wifi extender?  That is, I add the adaptor and 8630 and then Wi-Fi Clone so that my router network name & password and the adaptor-8630 network name & password are the same. Do the connected devices see the wifi signal strength from the router increased by the addition of the extender signal strength?  Or do the wifi signals compete and/or interfere with each other? Or do the devices simply "pick" the stronger signal?

 

For example, router has 100mps download speed from ISP.  The download speeds seen by Wifi connected devices in other rooms (2G and 5G) are ~ 20 - 40 mps.  The extender is then plugged in to the same circuit-breaker circuit as the devices while the router and adaptor are on an adjacent circuit-breaker circuit - but all on the same household circuit & breaker box. What will the devices see now regarding download speed?

  0      
  0      
#1
Options
1 Reply
Re:Router Wfi vs extender Wifi networks when in Wi-Fi Clone - are there two networks or just one?
2021-04-04 13:59:07

@Writhdar There are a lot of "it depends" in your question, unfortunately. Wifi extenders can interfere with the main router if they are on the same channel. They should be set to another channel but not all are able to do so. As for the two networks vs just one, from any given computer on the network it is supposed to appear as one network when connecting via the extender. Extenders are really best when there is almost no coverage in the second area away from the main router. Like in an enormous 6,000 sq foot home or out in a disconnected garage or workshop. Then they work well because you don't have to worry about interference. They work really poorly when used two rooms over from the main router because someone is stressing over wifi benchmarking speed dropping from 60mb to 40mb. In those cases, use cabled networking in the second room or relocate the router.

  2  
  2  
#2
Options
icon

Accessibility Adjustments

icon RESET

Choose the right accessibility profile for you

OFF

Seizure Safe

Eliminates flashes and reduces color

OFF

Cognitive Disability

Assists with reading and focusing

OFF

Vision Impaired

Enhances the website's visuals

OFF

ADHD Friendly

More focus and fewer distractions

Content Adjustments

Adjust Scale

icon
100%
icon

Highlight Title

icon

Highlight Link

icon

Text Magnifier

icon

Readable Font

icon

Adjust Fontsize

icon
100%
icon

Align Center

icon

Adjust LineHeight

icon
100%
icon

Align Left

icon

Adjust LetterSpacing

icon
100%
icon

Align Right

icon

Color Adjustment

Low Saturate

icon

High Saturate

icon

Dark Contrast

icon

Light Contrast

icon

Set Text Colors

Monochrome

icon

Set Title Colors

High Contrast

icon

Set BackgroundColor

Orientation Adjustments

Muted

icon

Hide Images

icon

Read Mode

icon

Stop Animation

icon

Reading Mask

icon

Highlight Hover

icon

Big Black Cursor

mutedicon

Big White Cursor

icon

Hide Video/Audio

icon

Stop Video

icon

Stop Audio

icon

Hide Animation

icon

Reading Guide

icon

Useful Links