Build WiFi Repeater to Extend WiFi Coverage

Build WiFi Repeater to Extend WiFi Coverage

by Ravi Singh
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Build WiFi Repeater to Extend WiFi Coverage

Besides extending the WiFi coverage, this WiFi repeater will also make your WiFi secure from IoT attacks. We will use the ESP8266 based NodeMCU module which is available under $5 (INR 350).

The best part is that this small WiFi 2.4GHz based module can work on the power bank. So you can place this WiFi repeater anywhere in your house even if there’s no power outlet.

Thus, if you need decent WiFi coverage from corner to corner, especially for your IoT devices such as smart bulb, you can create two or three of these cheap DIY WiFi extenders or repeaters and place them all-around your house.

And as I said, you don’t need to worry about power plug. Just connect it to a power bank it will work continuously for days.

Steps to Build DIY WiFi Repeater

To build one, you need,

  • ESP8266 Module (NodeMCU)
  • Micro USB Cable
  • Flash Download Tool
  • CH340 Driver
  • Flash Files

Step 1: Click here to download all the files and extract them on the drive

Step 2: Open this CH34x_Install_Windows_v3_4.zip folder and double-click on the .exe file to install the CH340 drivers.

Step 3: After this, connect your ESP8266 module to the system and run the Flash Download Tool as administrator.

Step 4: Check the first two boxes and then click the three-dot buttons beside the box. Choose 0x00000.bin file

Step 5: Click on the second button and choose 0x02000.bin file. Also, enter the bin file name in adjacent boxes as 0x00000 and 0x02000

Step 6: Then choose Crystal Freq. either 40 or 80Mhz, SPI Mode as QIO, Flash Size 32 Bit

Step 7: Select the ‘COM‘ port. If it’s not visible, check connection and reinstall drivers.

Step 8: Click ‘Start

Step 9: Wait for a moment and then close the flash tool. Also, disconnect your NodeMCU and after Waiting for 5 seconds, then ‘Connect’ it again.

Step 10: At this moment you will see blue light lits up with full brightness. Now open WiFi settings on your PC and connect to MyAP

Step 11: It’s an open network so it doesn’t require a password. Then open Web Browser and go to 192.168.4.1

Step 12: This page will load. Enter your current WiFi network name. Be sure to enter it correctly. It’s case sensitive and if your WiFi SSID has space, use %20 as I did for TechPosts 2.4GHz

Step 13: Enter the WiFi password and click ‘Connect’. This will restart the NodeMCU. Connect again and go to 192.168.4.1

Step 14: Give a name to this in SSID as ESP8266 repeater or whatever you want. Also, choose security as WPA2 and enter a password. Click ‘Set

The NodeMCU is now configured and ready to work.

Step 15: Now open WIFi settings on your PC or any device that you want to connect to this ESP8266 based repeater. Check the network name that you gave, enter the password you set earlier and connect to the network.

Once connected you can access the internet without any interruption. And looking at its size, it works great.

The entire process is documented in the video guide attached to this post. Watch it.

Conclusion

The average speed of this DIY WiFi repeater is around 2-5 Mbps. Though, the speed is low but perfect for all IoT devices and good enough for streaming YouTube videos or browse the web.

Please share your thoughts on this and whether you will be building this WiFi repeater project. It works great!

If you are interested in IoT, I have a few video guides that you can watch and build Alexa and Google Assistant controlled WiFi switches that work over the internet from anywhere just like your smart bulb or plug.

Good luck!

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