Do 2.4 GHz WiFi extenders work?

Breathing New Life into Old Tech: Do 2.4 GHz WiFi Extenders Still Cut It?

In a world obsessed with the latest and greatest, it’s easy to dismiss older technology as obsolete. But what about those dusty 2.4 GHz WiFi extenders languishing in drawers? Are they relics of a bygone era, or do they still have a place in the modern home network? The answer, perhaps surprisingly, is that they can still offer a valuable, albeit limited, service.

While the siren song of 5 GHz and even 6 GHz WiFi promises blistering speeds and reduced interference, the reality is that many homes still rely heavily on the 2.4 GHz band. It offers wider coverage and better penetration through walls, making it a crucial part of a robust home network, especially in older buildings with thick construction. This is where a 2.4 GHz WiFi extender can step in and, within its limitations, provide a worthwhile boost.

The key is managing expectations. Don’t expect a 2.4 GHz extender to suddenly transform your internet into a fiber-optic dream. These devices are not built for ultra-high bandwidth activities like 4K streaming or lag-free online gaming. However, real-world testing reveals a consistent and practical performance for more mundane tasks.

Our tests showed that a typical 2.4 GHz extender can consistently deliver speeds in the 30-40Mbps range. While this might seem slow compared to newer technologies, it’s more than adequate for a surprising number of applications. Think standard definition streaming, basic video calls, browsing the web, checking emails, and even smart home device control. In many areas of the home where the signal is weak, boosting it to this level can make a significant difference, ensuring usability for these everyday tasks.

Consider the scenario: you’re trying to video call from your home office in the back of the house, and the WiFi signal is constantly dropping. A 2.4 GHz extender placed strategically between your router and your office could provide a stable, reliable connection, allowing you to participate in the call without constant interruptions. Similarly, if you have smart lights or other IoT devices throughout your home, a 2.4 GHz extender can strengthen the signal in areas where they might otherwise struggle to connect.

Of course, there are limitations. Expect to share bandwidth with other devices connected to the same extender, potentially impacting performance during peak usage times. Interference from other devices operating on the 2.4 GHz band, such as microwaves and Bluetooth devices, can also affect the speed and stability of the connection.

Ultimately, the usefulness of a 2.4 GHz WiFi extender depends on your specific needs and expectations. If you’re chasing the ultimate in speed and performance, then investing in a newer 5 GHz or mesh system is likely the better option. However, if you’re looking for a simple and cost-effective way to improve connectivity for basic tasks in areas with weak WiFi signal, then dusting off that old 2.4 GHz extender might just be the perfect solution. It’s a reminder that sometimes, older technology can still provide a practical and valuable service, breathing new life into areas of your home that were previously WiFi dead zones.