Few things are more frustrating than slow or non-existent WiFi in certain parts of your home. You’re streaming your favourite series in the lounge with no issues, then move to the bedroom and suddenly, the connection drops or the speed grinds to a halt. These “dead zones” are a common problem, especially in larger homes, double-storey spaces, or buildings with thick walls. That’s where WiFi extenders come in.
The good news? You don’t have to live with patchy WiFi or suffer through buffering, dropped video calls, or dead zones where your connection completely disappears. Whether you’re trying to work from a home office upstairs, stream movies in the bedroom, or get a signal out on the patio—a properly planned WiFi extender setup can make all the difference.
By extending your existing network and improving signal strength in low-coverage areas, WiFi extenders help create a seamless internet experience throughout your entire home. Paired with smart placement and, where necessary, additional access points or hardwired connections, you can finally enjoy strong, stable WiFi in every room—no matter the size or layout of your space.
What causes WiFi dead zones?
WiFi signals can be affected by a range of physical and environmental factors. Common causes of dead zones include:
- Distance from the router: The farther you move from your router, the weaker the signal becomes.
- Building materials: Concrete, brick, and even metal within walls can block or absorb signals.
- Furniture and appliances: Large furniture pieces, mirrors, and household appliances can disrupt WiFi signals.
- Router placement: A poorly placed router (like inside a cupboard or behind the TV) can reduce coverage.
What is a WiFi extender and how does it work?
A WiFi extender, also known as a WiFi repeater or booster, is a device that helps amplify your existing WiFi signal and extend its reach to areas where it’s weak or completely absent. It works by picking up your router’s signal and rebroadcasting it to cover more space.
WiFi extenders are particularly useful for:
- Double-storey homes
- Garden cottages or outside entertainment areas
- Bedrooms, garages, or offices far from the main router
- Guest houses and hotels
- Conference venues
Choosing the right WiFi extender setup for your home
Not all WiFi extenders are created equal. Choosing the right setup depends on your home layout, internet usage, and router type. Here are a few tips to get started:
1. Consider a dual-band extender
Dual-band extenders operate on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. This helps avoid interference and improves overall performance, especially in busy households.
2. Place your extender strategically
The extender should be close enough to the router to pick up a strong signal, but far enough to cover the dead zone. Avoid placing it next to walls, mirrors, or microwaves.
3. Hardwire when possible
For the best performance, consider connecting your extender or access point via Ethernet cable to your router. This eliminates signal loss that sometimes occurs when rebroadcasting wirelessly.
4. Upgrade your network when needed
In some cases, a mesh WiFi system or professional network setup may be a better long-term solution, especially for large properties with complex layouts.
Need help getting rid of dead zones?
At Horizon Connect, we specialise in professional WiFi coverage and networking solutions for homes and businesses in Cape Town and surrounding areas. Whether you’re dealing with frustrating dead zones, slow speeds in certain rooms, or unreliable signal in outdoor areas, we can help.
Our expert team offers tailored solutions, including:
- Installing WiFi extenders and signal boosters
- Running Ethernet cables for stable, hardwired connections
- Setting up access points to expand network coverage
- Diagnosing and fixing WiFi performance issues
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all fixes. We assess your space and needs to ensure your entire home or office is seamlessly connected, no matter the layout.
Serving Cape Town, the Southern Suburbs, Northern Suburbs, Atlantic Seaboard, and beyond. Contact us today to schedule an assessment or speak to a technician. Say goodbye to dead zones and hello to strong, stable WiFi, wherever you are in your home.
