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how can I boost the signal strength of an AT&T WiFi extender?

GMartin
GMartin asked
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Hello and Good Afternoon Everyone,

          Recently, I purchased an AT&T WiFi extender that broadcasts on both, 2.4GHz and 5 GHz frequencies in order to secure a wireless connection on the other side of the house so my friend can access the internet.   While he is able to load web pages and playback videos on YouTube, the signal strength is very low, about 1 to 2 bars.  My concern is that the low signal strength will eventually drop off to nothing, thus, leaving my friend without any internet access.  Given this situation, what would everyone recommend with respect to boosting or increasing the wireless signal strength?  Will another WiFi extender be in order to place on the other side of the wall where my friend lives?

           Any feedback that can be given here will be greatly appreciated.

          Thank you

           George
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Robert Sutton JrSenior Network Manager
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Commented:
Can you specify or possible post a basic diagram of what you have in place so far? Equipment and how its configured? Is this the same building or an adjacent building close to your building? Kindly let us know.
GMartin

Author

Commented:
It is one house which has been partitioned into 2 separate and private living quarters.   The area needing better signal use to be a garage and converted into living quarters.  This area is separated from the other side of the house with a wall.  The AT&T WiFi extender is in the kitchen on the pantry and broadcasting the info from the AT&T router in the bedroom to the other side of the wall needing wireless connectivity and the internet.
Only a wall separates the WiFi extender to the other side of the house needing the signal.

I hope this info helps.  If more detail is needed, let me know.  

Thank you

George
Robert Sutton JrSenior Network Manager
CERTIFIED EXPERT

Commented:
Ok, so it's just a simple wooden wall? Not block or concrete? Can you post the device you are using as the extender? Is this hardwired back to the AT&T router or ? Kindly let me know.
David Johnson, CDSimple Geek from the '70s
CERTIFIED EXPERT
Distinguished Expert 2019

Commented:
you are probably both on different electrical circuits so that option is out. You could run a cable out one of your windows and into one of his. to get wired access or install the access point. If he was go get a WIFI extender that would help.  The other alternative is to use a proper access point (i.e. ubiquiti ) connected to your router/ATT Modem
GMartin

Author

Commented:
After going through some troubleshooting sessions with an AT&T representative, it appears the client devices (iPhone and laptop) have a stable connection despite the indication of low signal strength at 2 to 3 bars.  The agent said that I might see 3 bars when there is full strength from the AT & T router.  Functionally, web pages load at an acceptable speed and videos are able to be played back now without buffering issues.   Perhaps in the near future, we might look into getting a second WiFi extender.  For now, everything is working fine which is the most important consideration.

George
Commented:
While I was not able to increase the signal strength given by the AT & T WiFi extender to the client devices such as the iPhone and laptop on the other side of the house, I was able to get reassurance from an AT & T agent that the 2 to 3 bars of signal strength would not have a negative impact upon internet performance.  For example, the AT & T agent said that I might see only 3 bars when there is in fact full strength from the AT & T router.  I am not sure I really understood this, but, all of the client devices on the other side of the house do have acceptable wireless and internet functionality which is the most important consideration.