How to boost your WiFi signal using a WiFi extender

The range you get will depend on the extender you choose, as well as the layout of your home and distance between devices. Factors like the thickness of your walls and floors, appliances, and other obstructions can affect your signal range. To extend your signal over a longer range, consider a premium (higher-priced) extender, as these tend to offer superior coverage.

If you previously purchased a G.Hn WiFi/Ethernet Extender from CenturyLink, you can visit our troubleshooting page for support, or contact our repair team for additional help.

If you purchase a WiFi extender from TP-Link or another CenturyLink partner, or from an outside source, you will need to get help directly from the manufacturer. You can usually search for the model name/number online to find user guides and online support options. Or contact technical support for that company.

cloning – The process of making a copy of a wireless network. This allows you to access it using the same network name and password as the original network.

Ethernet – Ethernet is one of the most widely used ways of connecting computers together in a local area network (LAN), as well as to the internet, through a wired connection.

G.hn – Gigabit Home Network: The specialized technology used in the G.hn WiFi extender, using the existing electrical circuit to transmit the internet connection and extend it to another area within the house. This powerline-style extender was previously sold by CenturyLink.

gateway – The preferred term in the tech industry for a modem or router

GUI – Graphic user interface: This refers to an online portal (a special kind of webpage) used to manage advanced settings for a device such as a modem, wireless extender, etc.

pairing – The process of linking two devices together in a way that will be “remembered” by one or both devices. For instance, once the two devices in your G.hn WiFi Extender kit are paired, they will stay paired until you unpair them, allowing them to stay connected even as you move them around.

range – The distance or radius that a wireless signal can reach and be accessed by a device. Signal strength is best near the center of the radius, and gets weaker as you go farther away from the source.

WiFi – Refers to a wireless connection between devices over radio waves. WiFi is commonly used to connect devices to the internet, but can also connect devices to each other, such as a computer and a printer. Typically, an internet connection comes into a home or building through some kind of wired connection, such as fiber, Ethernet or DSL. Then the modem or router transmits the signal into a wireless frequency, using either 2.4 or 5 Ghz band.