Confusion around wireless speeds of 300, 600, and 1200 Mbps is common.
Confusion around wireless speeds of 300, 600, and 1200 Mbps is common.
I've been checking out wireless extenders and adapters and I see they list speeds like 150, 300, 600, and 1200 Mbps. The prices also vary, with the 1200 model costing about £20 more than the 300 one. If you're getting around 40 Mbps now, it's worth considering the 1200 if you want a higher speed. Let me know!
For connecting to nearby devices like a Plex server, you should aim for the quickest link possible within your local network speed.
The need for faster transfer speeds often arises when you require internal connectivity within your home at a specific rate. However, this approach is impractical for wireless extenders and isn't something I'd even think about. With an internet speed of 40 mbps, it makes more sense to choose a device that matches your budget, such as one offering 150 or 300 Mbps.
It's more complex than it seems, since the numbers given are the top speeds of the connection plus any repeater boosts that rely on the WiFi itself. The faster you move away from the central access point, the slower the connection becomes. The number of MIMO channels your devices can handle also affects performance. Using newer tech improves your odds of staying faster than regular broadband over distance. Any slower gadgets linked to the main router can also drag down speeds for all connected devices, regardless of proximity. Ideally, stick with the same high-speed gear your main router supports. In short, WiFi repeaters should only be considered if you have no better option, or if you're part of a mesh network that switches channels for uplink back to the main network.
I have a desktop computer and I'm setting it up without any other devices connected. The maximum speed I see is 20mbps when nothing else is using the network. I've tried various wireless adapters and PCIe cards, but nothing helps. The real problem is that as soon as another device connects to the router, my connection drops to less than 1mbps, which isn't usable. I also experience frequent disconnections. If I could achieve at least 10mbps with my desktop when others are connected, I wouldn't be complaining. I know I could use an Ethernet cable, but my younger brothers often disconnect it from the router, which bothers me a lot. So I bought a wireless extender with an Ethernet port and connected it that way to improve speed. However, my issue isn't just about Wi-Fi signals—it's more about low internet performance overall. When I use my MacBook Air, I get 40mbps, yet my wireless connection is so slow.