How do Wi-Fi boosters help with blackspots in my home?
Wi-Fi boosters extend your wireless signal into weak areas of your home. This guide explains how they work and when they can improve coverage.
What is a Wi-Fi blackspot?
A Wi-Fi blackspot is an area in your home where the Wi-Fi signal is weak or drops out.
This often happens in rooms far from the router, upstairs, behind thick walls or in buildings with solid brick or concrete.
What is a Wi-Fi booster or extender?
A Wi-Fi booster, also called a Wi-Fi extender, is a device that helps spread your Wi-Fi signal further around your home.
It acts like a relay point. It listens to your router’s Wi-Fi and then sends out signals to areas your router cannot reach well.
How Wi-Fi boosters work
Think of your router as a torch. Close to the torch, the light is bright. Further away, the light fades.
A Wi-Fi booster is like placing a second torch halfway down the room. It picks up the light and shines it further, reducing dark spots.
💡 Tip: Boosters work best when placed halfway between your router and the blackspot, not inside the blackspot itself.
Will a Wi-Fi booster increase my speed?
A Wi-Fi booster does not increase your broadband speed.
It improves coverage and stability in weak areas, which can make Wi-Fi feel faster where the signal was previously poor.
📝 Note: If the signal reaching the booster is weak, the boosted signal will also be weak.
Common causes of Wi-Fi blackspots
Blackspots are usually caused by:
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Distance from the router
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Thick walls or floors
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Metal objects or appliances
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Large or multi-storey homes
Wi-Fi boosters help by shortening the distance the signal needs to travel.
When is a Wi-Fi booster a good solution?
A booster is a good option if:
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One or two rooms have weak Wi-Fi
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Your router is fixed in one location
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You want a simple and affordable solution
For very large homes or many blackspots, multiple boosters or a mesh system may work better.
⚠️ Caution: Too many boosters can cause interference and reduce performance.
Can I use my own Wi-Fi booster?
Yes. You can buy and use your own Wi-Fi booster as long as it supports standard home Wi-Fi.
Most boosters work with any broadband provider, and we'd recommend your booster uses both the 2.4GHz and 5Ghz wireless frequencies.
📝 Note: Different models have different setup steps, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can I get a Wi-Fi booster from Home Unity?
Yes. Home Unity can supply and support Wi-Fi extenders for customers who need better coverage.
We can help choose the right option and guide you on placement for the best results.
💡 Tip: Contact us before buying if you want advice on whether a booster is the right solution for your home.
What if a booster does not fix the problem?
If blackspots remain, other options may help, such as:
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Moving the router to a more central location
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Using a wired connection for fixed devices
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Upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system
🚨 Warning: Placing a booster too far from the router can make performance worse instead of better.
Can Home Unity help me decide?
Yes. Home Unity can help assess your home setup and recommend the best way to improve Wi-Fi coverage.
If you are unsure, get in touch and we will help you find the right solution.