I am a bit confused about Wi-Fi repeaters/extenders. Do they just increase the distance of the signal OR do they additionally BOOST the signal? Some of the rooms in my house get only 2-3 bars @ 54mbps @ 2.4Ghz regardless of the channel. iPad and other devices used do not support 5Ghz band anyway and use only B/G protocols, but not the faster N or AC protocols. Those rooms where Wi-Fi devices get only 2-3 bars @ 54mbps @ 2.4Ghz can't achieve download speeds past 15mbps (on 60mbps cable connection), while those rooms close to the Wi-Fi router with 4-5 bars @ 54-72.2mbps @ 2.4Ghz can download as fast as 45mbps.
I assume a Wi-Fi repeater or extender would actually IMPROVE the download speed in those poorly covered rooms, but several Internet sources say that such extenders and repeaters can actually REDUCE download speeds. I don't know what to believe! I wanted to get 1-2 inexpensive Wi-Fi extenders/repeaters to boost the signal and the download speed in those poorly covered rooms, but now I don't know... Are there any inexpensive devices that can do that? I see some "High-Powered" and "Amped" devices, like this one, but I don't know if they are simply a gimmick. Which ones would you recommend? I'd also rather buy 1 higher-quality device that can actually increase download speeds in poorly covered rooms than buy 2 lower-quality devices that will extend the range of coverage at the cost of reducing download speeds.
I assume a Wi-Fi repeater or extender would actually IMPROVE the download speed in those poorly covered rooms, but several Internet sources say that such extenders and repeaters can actually REDUCE download speeds. I don't know what to believe! I wanted to get 1-2 inexpensive Wi-Fi extenders/repeaters to boost the signal and the download speed in those poorly covered rooms, but now I don't know... Are there any inexpensive devices that can do that? I see some "High-Powered" and "Amped" devices, like this one, but I don't know if they are simply a gimmick. Which ones would you recommend? I'd also rather buy 1 higher-quality device that can actually increase download speeds in poorly covered rooms than buy 2 lower-quality devices that will extend the range of coverage at the cost of reducing download speeds.