3 Best Outdoor Wi-Fi Repeaters 2021
Many social media addicts will throw a fit if they hear that they won’t access the internet while outdoors. It’s not that they don’t enjoy the outdoors, no. It’s just that they also enjoy chatting with their Facebook friends, showing instagramers what they are wearing (or not wearing), or telling their Twitter followers what they’re eating.
If you are in this special category of internet users and are wondering how you can access the internet while outdoors, you need to invest in the outdoor WiFi repeater.
Below, We have compiled the following list of the top three Outdoor Wi-Fi Repeaters.
| Name | Technology | Antenna | Wireless Compability | Price | Check Now! |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1  Ubiquiti NanoStation locoM2 [usr 4.6 size=17] | wireless | 60 degree antenna | 2.4 GHz | $$ | |
#2  TP-Link CPE210 2.4GHz [usr 4.3 size=17] | Wireless | directional MIMO antenna | 2.4 GHz | $$ | |
#3  Hawking Technology Hi-Gain [usr 3.9 size=17] | Wireless | 2 omni-directional antennas | 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz | $$ | |
What’s Wi-Fi Repeater?
First things first – what is a Wi-Fi Repeater? This is basically a device that is used to broaden the coverage of a Wi-Fi network. Also known as an extender, the WiFi repeater has several benefits. Firstly, it works by receiving an existing WiFi signal, magnifies it and then conveys the boosted signal. This ensures that a reliable signal reaches all your required devices while outdoors.
In other words, a Wi-Fi repeater can effectively double the coverage area of your WiFi network, reaching the far corners of your home and even extend the coverage to your yard. If you intend to boost a WiFi network from your house outside to a yard or garden, you need to buy a Wi-Fi repeater that is built to survive the outdoors.
1. Ubiquiti NanoStation – Best Budget
Ubiquity is a brand that is well known to people who manage Wireless Internet Service Providers. Majority of Ubiquity’s products are purposed for use in long-range backhaul applications, and the Ubiquity NanoStation Loco M2 is no exception.
The commonest use for this model (which runs on 2.4 GHz) is likely to provide local coverage for WiFi users in an outdoor setting. Just like all Ubiquity products, this device is versatile enough to be used as an AP or router inside a home, as it comes with a highly directional antenna.
What We Liked?
- The router has three detachable superior performance antennas which help it offer reliable and strong connections over a wide coverage.
- Great output power and receive sensitivity.
- Has remote reset capability.
- It is weatherproof.
- Reliable and runs efficiently.
What We Didn’t?
- AirView does not work.
- Doesn’t support a 20/40 auto mode.
2. TP-Link CPE210 – Best Value
TP-Link is another company that is dedicated to designing cost-effective solutions for outdoor wireless networking applications. The CPE210 runs on 2.4GHz, with adjustable transmission power from zero to 27dBm/500mw. The device features centralized management system that is perfect for point to point, point to multipoint, as well as outdoor WiFi coverage applications.
It also features repeater, AP, AP router and AP Client Router operation modes. It has a passive POE adapter that supports up to 200 feet (60 meters) Power over Ethernet operation and also lets the device to be remotely set.
What We Liked?
- Amazingly high powered radio.
- Has good reception even from many feet away.
- Sustains VLANs and multiple SSID.
- Sustains an external antenna.
- Spots a solid build, thus durable.
- Features tolerable onboard firmware.
What We Didn’t?
- It’s not so easy to set up especially for those with no experience in network software.
- It’s not waterproof.
3. Hawking Technology – Long Range
With this repeater, you can manage to create a reliable outdoor hotspot with an existing wireless connection. What makes this device stand out is its capability to support 5.0 GHz and 2.4 GHz frequencies concurrently.
It also comes with multiple operating modes, i.e. point to point, access point, repeater and bridge. It also features 2 x external 5dBo dual band Omni-directional antennas, with high speeds of 600Mbps.
What We Liked?
- Heavy duty construction makes it durable and weatherproof.
- Comes with multiple operating modes.
- It’s durable.
- Pole and wall mountable.
- Can be powered by Ethernet cable.
What We Didn’t?
- Not so easy to set up.
- Constantly needs to be reset.
Final Verdict
- Whether your intention is to create a smart home or augment your existing one, it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with the basics of wireless range and network repeaters. Before making a purchase, it’s also important that you check the compatibility of the repeater with your existing devices. Generally, repeaters and routers from the same brand are more compatible with each other. If you are opting for a different brand, make sure to embark on additional research to ensure that you will not encounter compatibility problems between the two devices.