ESP32 wifi extender/repeater

Projects General Guidance
1

I've been searching for HOURS to find some guidance to build a wifi extender/repeater with ESP32 using the Arduino IDE. I did find a few topics, but they're all talking about re-flashing the ESP and other (for me) complicated stuff.
I wonder if some one has a SIMPLE approach to build a wifi repeater with "simple code". This project doesn't have to do nothing but simply picking up the wifi from my router, and "re transmit" it. (be it with new SSID and password) ...
Anyone has made this ?
Anyone has suggestions ?
Anyone had a "good" link ?

THANKS in advance !

Another ESP32 Repeater
2

Buy an off-the-shelf WiFi repeater.

Even if it is possible to build one with an ESP32, the performance/throughput would be very poor.

3

Thanks for you reply PaulRB !
Indeed you can buy those repeaters "off- the-shelf". I know that. There's hundreds for sale... You can buy almost everything "off- the-shelf"...

But 1. : I only need it to bring my wifi about 20ft further... (And I found articles to boost the performance, and if really need to go further, I can "daisy-chain" )
And 2 : I want to run the repeater from (solar) batteries (DC !!!) I haven't found many that run on DC... If I would use 240VAC, I'll need to run an extension cable...
And 3 : I just love to make things myself..., I love challenges...
And 4 : Shall I then just stop programming and throw my arduino stuff/knowledge in the garbage and buy everything "off- the-shelf" ?
Nevertheless : thanks for your fast reply ! :sunglasses:

4

Here you go.

Sometimes, what appears to be a simple task, requires a complex implementation.

1 Like
5

  1. Use higher gain, possibly directional, antenna on your router to extend the range to where you need it at the expense of areas where you don't.

  2. Some WiFi repeaters plug directly into AC socket, but many have a DC input and come with a "wall-wart". You could power them with suitable battery.

  3. What satisfaction do you get from going to all the trouble of making something you can buy of the shelf. Make something unique and original!

6

It can achieve a bandwidth of more than 15mbps.

Not too bad. I stand corrected!

7

No, it's not too bad at all, but your initial advice of "just get a dedicated repeater" is all the more sensible, I think. As are your other suggestions to extend range. Frankly, the ESP32-based option is a kludge IMO. It may work, of sorts, but it's far from ideal. And the >15Mbps seems to be something around 16Mbps - yes, it's >16...just not all that much. Enough for simple IoT devices though.

8

You are failing to grasp that WIFI is RF. Your WIFI has multiple channels of microwave signal it is generating and receiving at the same time. You are asking an Arduino hobby forum how to build one of those devices.

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