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Can Wi-Fi Extenders Just Stop Working?

They can indeed. And it can be handy to know the signs if an extender is about to fail.

Disclaimer: Here at Geekabit, we don’t actually recommend Wi-Fi extenders as a solution to Wi-Fi problems. There are usually other more effective solutions that can be put into place with a little help from Wi-Fi experts like ourselves. However, we also know that people don’t always heed expert advice… So, here are some useful tips to keep in mind if you do go down the Wi-Fi extender route. And if that doesn’t work, you’ll know who to call. 

Just like other electronic devices, Wi-Fi extenders can fail. Whilst they do tend to last a decent amount of time and generally don’t need too much maintenance or repairing, they still won’t last forever. As with anything in the tech world, components will start to wear out and older extender models will become obsolete with the emergence of new technologies. Let’s take a look at some of the main issues that could stop a Wi-Fi extender from working.

Why has my Wi-Fi Extender stopped working? 

There could be a number of reasons why Wi-Fi extenders might stop working earlier than you would expect. The number one reason for a Wi-Fi extender to break down is heat. 

Overheating

Like other electronic devices, Wi-Fi extenders generate heat. However, they don’t have fans or anything else to keep the heta from building up, so rely on passive cooling. This can be a big problem when they are switched on all the time, never getting the chance to cool down. 

To prevent a Wi-Fi extender from failing too soon due to overheating, there are a couple of things you can keep in mind. 

  • Place the Wi-Fi extender in a place where there is plenty of air flow around it e.g. an open book shelf
  • Avoid places where there is less air flow like shelving units, cupboards, cabinets or enclosed spaces

Dust

How often do you clean your Wi-Fi devices and hardware? A simple, regular clean of your Wi-Fi extender can help extend its life. Whilst we wouldn’t recommend taking a Wi-Fi extender apart to clean inside it, it’s definitely worth the effort to check the vents on it and blow away any dust.

New Technologies

As with any kind of Wi-Fi hardware, things do become obsolete over time as new technologies are developed and introduced to the market. 

A popular reason for people to replace their Wi-Fi extenders is to make sure that their extended network is as fast and can handle as many devices as their primary network. 

When should I replace my Wi-Fi extender?

If everything is working to your satisfaction, then there’s no need to replace anything. However, if you’ve been googling ‘do I need to replace my Wi-Fi extender?’ then you’re probably already experiencing problems and looking for the solution! 

Preemptive replacement of Wi-Fi hardware would usually be for crucial network components, for example, your router. Wi-Fi extenders aren’t usually as important, so there’s usually no need to replace them until they break. 

However, if you are relying on your Wi-Fi extender to provide internet access to parts of your home or to devices that must be connected (for example, perhaps a garden office or CCTV cameras) then you may feel it’s more important to stay ahead of problems and replace them before issues arise. 

There isn’t really a set time frame for replacing a Wi-Fi extender – They can last for as long as ten years, maybe more. But there will come a time when internal components will start to fail as they naturally start to degrade. In scenarios like the above where your Wi-Fi extender is fulfilling a vital function, you might want to consider replacing it on a shorter timeframe e.g. every 5 years perhaps or when you notice any reduction in performance.  

Can I tell if my Wi-Fi extender is starting to fail? 

Unfortunately, there’s rarely obvious signs that a Wi-Fi extender is beginning to fail. They tend to work one day, and not work the next. There may be some clues that it’s starting to degrade, which we’ll outline below, but this may not always be the case. 

Possible signs that your Wi-Fi extender is starting to fail:

  • Having to regularly reset the Wi-Fi extender. Whilst doing a factory reset may fix the issue, if you’re having to do this a lot then it’s probably time to consider replacing it. 
  • Difficulty connecting to the Wi-Fi extender. If interference isn’t an issue, but your devices are having trouble connecting or staying connected then it might be time to replace the extender. 
  • Slow internet speeds. If your connection is suddenly slower one day, then there is likely a problem with the extender. Also bear in mind that if your extender is older than your router, then it likely won’t support the latest Wi-Fi technology available to your router, hence causing a slower connection in the extended area. 
  • Dropped connection. If you can connect a device to your primary network, but it drops out when connecting to the extender then there is likely a problem with the Wi-Fi extender. 
  • Error lights. If lights on the extender are the wrong colour, flashing or not on at all then there is likely an issue. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out what the lights mean and how to resolve the problem. 
  • Unable to turn the Wi-Fi extender on. It may have overheated, so let it cool down and then try again to turn it on. You could also try plugging it into an alternative outlet. Pressing the rest button may also help with this issue. If after trying these things it still won’t turn on then it’s probably time to replace it. 

How can I help my Wi-Fi extender last longer?

No hardware can last for ever, so eventually all Wi-Fi extenders are going to fill and need replacing. That being said, there are some things you can do to take good care of it and help it to last as long as possible. As we noted above, the most common problems are caused by heat, so the main solutions lie in keeping the gear cool. 

Help your Wi-Fi extender have a long life using these tips:

  • When you’re setting up, always place your Wi-Fi extender in a well-ventilated area. Never place it in an enclosed space like a closed shelf or cabinet. Not only will an enclosed space block the Wi-Fi signal, but it will also cause the extender to get hotter than necessary, which will shorten its life. 
  • Use a surge protector in the same location as the Wi-Fi extender if possible. This can help stop voltage spikes which can cause severe damage to a Wi-Fi extender. 
  • Regularly give the extender a clean and remove dust by dusting the outside of it and blow dust from the vents. Dust build-up can also contribute to overheating.
  • Sometimes firmware updates from manufacturers can help keep performance at its best. If you notice worsening performance then it’s worth trying to install a firmware update (if there is one) to help speed up an older Wi-Fi extender model. 

Is my Wi-Fi extender causing network issues?

Problems with Wi-Fi connectivity and speed are the first clues when it comes to identifying if a Wi-Fi extender is failing or starting to fail. 

Got a unique SSID for your extender? Then you’ll notice right away that you’re having problems connecting to it compared with your primary network. 

Using a mesh network? If you’re using the same SSID and password for your extended network as your primary network or using a mesh network then you might notice you have connection trouble or slow internet speeds when you’re in the extended network area. 

As you’ll remember from our disclaimer at the start of this article, here at Geekabit we don’t recommend Wi-Fi extenders. One of the reasons why we don’t is that they can cause problems for your network even when they’re working. 

One of the biggest problems with Wi-Fi extenders is that they can actually cause interference on your primary network if they’re running on the same channel. So by trying to extend your network to a further area of your house and garden, you could be jeopardising your main network connection. 

This issue is reduced when using a mesh network as they create one big network where devices are seamlessly passed from one extender to the next. However, your bog-standard Wi-Fi extenders can cause real issues with your main Wi-Fi router if they’re operating on the same or overlapping channels. 

If you’re trying to create a reliable network across a large space and finding a regular router isn’t quite cutting it, then it might be time to call in the experts rather than reaching for the extenders. Give our friendly Wi-Fi engineers a call and we can identify the best Wi-Fi solution for your premises.

by admin
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Broadband Hardware Home Network Home Office Home WI-Fi Network Router Security Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice
Is Your Broadband Router Open to Hackers? Survey Says Yes 

Broadband Genie, the independent UK comparison service for telecoms and broadband, have published a new survey revealing some pretty shocking statistics when it comes to internet safety. 

3,045 internet users were surveyed between the 1st January and 26th April this year, revealing that:

  • 89% of respondents have never updated the firmware of their home router 
  • 86% have never changed the device’s administrator password 
  • 72% have never changed their Wi-Fi password
  • 75% have never checked to see what or who is linked to their router
  • 52% have never changed or updated their routers settings

Are you guilty of any of these? No shaming from us, but let’s take a little look at why ignoring these things when it comes to your router and security isn’t a great idea. 

Why should I change my router from the default password? 

If you leave your router set to the default password, it could allow hackers to identify which make and model of router you are using and work out the password.

Thankfully, many ISP’s supply long, randomised passwords with no real structure, making it harder to identify.  

Do I need to update firmware on my router? 

Many routers that come as part of a bundle directly from your ISP are thankfully set up to auto-update their firmware – Meaning you, the customer, don’t have to actually do any specific actions in order to keep your device up-to-date. 

However, it’s probably a good idea to check with your broadband provider to confirm this is the case.

And don’t forget, many security and firmware updates are done at night – So don’t switch your router off overnight. 

If you have purchased your router separately from an ISP bundle, then you may be required to carry out this action yourself to check for recent firmware updates. Remember that not all firmware updates are particularly accessible or easy to find, so you may need to seek support from the manufacturer. 

It’s vital not to leave security vulnerabilities unpatched – And even some relatively modern pieces of kit could be susceptible to security risks. 

What’s the reason behind people not changing their router password?

The survey respondents who had answered that they had never changed their router’s factory settings were then asked why they had not. The answer that 75% of those surveyed gave was that they didn’t know they needed to change it. 

Your router is the single most important security device in your home network

It’s often the case that the router is the most important device in your home network when it comes to internet security. 

Changing your router’s password from the default to a strong alternative protects your network, particularly if the password from your ISP is not properly randomised or ineffective. 

It’s a good rule of thumb to assume that your router does not come secure out of the box. And if consumers are unaware of the risks, then clearly more awareness needs to be raised surrounding these security risks. 

That’s where the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act comes in. 

The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act

On the 29th April 2024, the Government brought in the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act. This includes their new Secure by Design policy, which means that device makers (retailers and manufacturers) that fail to comply can be hit with financial penalties. 

Changes include:

  • The banning of easily guessable default passwords (like ‘admin’ or ‘12345’) so that vulnerabilities and hacking are prevented
  • The prompting of users to change the default password
  • Improved support for security issues by supplying contact details of manufacturers so that bugs and issues can be dealt with 
  • The requirement to state how long related network products will be supported by security patches (firmware updates)

These changes don’t just apply to routers – They also cover smartphones, televisions, games consoles, internet-connected fridges and other smart home devices such as doorbells etc. 

Are you confident that your router is secure? 

by admin
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Access Points AP Aruba Hardware Wi-Fi
Ruckus vs Aruba Wi-Fi

Which AP is best for your network – Ruckus or Aruba? 

With a wireless market saturated by Access Points and other Wi-Fi hardware, we don’t blame you for wondering which one would be best matched to your network. 

Generally, going for quality is a good place to start if you want your network to function well. There are of course many quality brands manufacturing Access Points, but for the purpose of this article we’re going to take a look at Ruckus and Aruba. Both of these brands have advantages and disadvantages – It’s just a case of comparing these characteristics with your network requirements and determining which would be the best match 

What are the main functions of and differences between Ruckus and Aruba?

Ruckus

Let’s start with Ruckus. Ruckus is developed for high density indoor environments, with Access Points that offer dual band Wi-Fi (meaning they can support both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands). Ruckus AP’s also have MU-MIMO (multiple user MIMO) capability, meaning they can transmit data to multiple devices simultaneously.

Network Management Options

Ruckus network environments can be managed by on-site or remote controllers for hardware, cloud, virtual, clustered or standalone. 

Network Security

Ruckus AP’s have Dynamic PSK™ Encryption KEy tEchnology. Dynamic pre-Shared Key (pSK) is a patented technology developed to provide robust and secure wireless access while eliminating the arduous task of manual configuration of end devices and the tedious management of encryption keys. You can read more about this on the Ruckus Networks data sheet here. 

Ruckus AP’s also support BYOD technology which is now prevalent across business networks (Bring Your Own Device – when employees use their own personal devices to connect to the organisation’s network and access what they need to do their jobs). 

Network Performance

Ruckus’ patent-pending SmartCast technology combines innovative multicast traffic handling techniques, smart QoS, and application-aware traffic classification capabilities, for top-quality Wi-Fi video transmissions for things like surveillance.

Ruckus also utilises BeamFlex, a combination of multiple high-gain polarized antenna elements and patented software algorithms that are combined in real time to offer an exponential increase in performance. 

Aruba

Aruba is developed for high density environments, with Access Points that offer dual band Wi-Fi (meaning they can support both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands like Ruckus). Aruba AP’s also have MU-MIMO (multiple user MIMO) capability, meaning they can also transmit data to multiple devices simultaneously.

Network Management Options

Aruba network environments can be managed via Cloud, Local or on-premises. 

Network Security

Aruba has the standard network security functions that can be expected for Wi-Fi hardware, such as VPN, Firewall, Unlimited intrusion prevention etc. 

Network Performance

Aruba uses Beam forming technology, With beamforming, the access point knows where a Wi-Fi device is located and sends the Wi-Fi signal specifically in that direction. The function thus provides fast, strong Wi-Fi signals and great coverage for each device.

Ruckus vs. Aruba – Let’s Compare

So now we know the general functions of both Ruckus and Aruba AP’s, let’s specifically look at how they compare to each other. 

Ruckus vs Aruba – Network Performance

Winner: Ruckus

In terms of Access Points, Ruckus Access Points have better optimal performance and higher network efficiency than that of Aruba. 

The reason for this lies in the AP’s Radio Frequency Technology. As mentioned above, Ruckus AP’s use BeamFlex technology. Standard Beamforming in 802.11ac (like what Aruba uses) is a radio based technology. BeamFlex is an antenna based technology that engages adaptive antennas. The difference between the two is that Ruckus uses beamforming (which is radio based) and combines it with adaptive antennas (BeamFlex which is antenna based) which therefore maximises the performance of the AP. 

Performance is optimised by increasing radio capacity and reducing co-channel interference which leads to the enjoyment of a seamless network. Not only that, but Ruckus can transmit IPTV (internet protocol television) for your multimedia applications. 

Ordinarily, Ruckus performs client load balancing, and it is equipped with airtime fairness to promote Wi-Fi to your slow device. In addition, it also has smart support for apps and frequency band control, allowing your dual-band device to connect to the 5 GHz frequency band to improve network efficiency. 

In comparison, Aruba uses traditional beamforming technology. This enables the AP to concentrate the signal on your device, which also provides a stable network.  

Ruckus vs Aruba – Network Security

Winner: Aruba

When it comes to a more secure network, Aruba has the edge over Ruckus.  

Aruba’s security protocol has been standardised through 802.11 I (IEEE 802.11i-2004, or 802.11i for short, is an amendment to the original IEEE 802.11, implemented as Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2). It also provides a strong firewall in the Aruba mobile controller. 

Ruckus also has its good points when it comes to network security. Ruckus offers BYOD technology and DPSK patented technology (as explained above), which work together to ensure that your network has a subtle level of security.

Ruckus vs Aruba – Overall

Ruckus’ innovative and personalised antenna ray is used to extend the signal range and increase client data for  wireless video, voice and data technology. This eliminates Wi-Fi interference and ensure a reliable and strong Wi-Fi network for your smart Wi-Fi devices. 

You can find Ruckus AP’s on their website here. 

All of Aruba access points use AI-driven radio frequency optimization, intelligent management, dynamic segmentation, and intelligent operation of a wealth of users and applications. In addition, they have been optimised to support IoT devices running Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee and other third-party protocols.

You can find Aruba’s AC’s on their website here. 

So which is best for your network – Ruckus or Aruba? 

As we’ve outlined in this article, you can find unique features in both Ruckus and Aruba hardware that help to optimise performance. 

Both Ruckus and Aruba have unique features used for optimal performance. Overall, it would seem however that Ruckus can provide you with a more stable and faster network than Aruba. Ruckus maintains performance in high-density environments and offers patented technology to increase network performance.

Don’t forget that it comes down to your own network requirements as to which one you should go for. If you’re not sure, then reach out to the experts! 

Geekabit Wi-Fi Experts

Our expert Wi-Fi engineers are on hand to survey, design and deploy a Wi-Fi network to meet your business needs. 

Get in touch with our friendly team today here. 

by admin
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