How do wireless repeaters with Solar Power work?

A wireless repeater is a network communication device that bridges the signal gap between a wireless router and the receiving or connecting device. It picks the signal from a wireless access point or a wireless router and boosts it to reach the receiving device.

So, how do wireless repeaters with Solar Power work? It's straightforward, the solar power system, which constitutes a solar panel, a charge controller, and a rechargeable battery is used to provide power to the wireless repeater.

Some manufacturers embed the solar power system into the circuitry of the wireless repeaters, while others develop it as two separate components with an easy DIY installation process.

For the whole system to work effectively, ensure that the solar power component is sufficiently exposed to sunlight.

Understanding a Wireless Repeater

Have you ever installed a wireless router, and you can't access the internet whenever you move a few meters away?

You may experience this challenge at home:

• when you want to use the Wi-Fi upstairs,
• at the corner of your house,
• in another room of your house
• when at your compound

This scenario is also common in offices with Wi-Fi installed in one office, say in the IT office, but other users can't access it outside of in other offices.

If your wireless router cannot broadcast the signal to a device some distance away, you may need to install a wireless repeater or a wireless extender.

A wireless repeater or wireless range extender improves your wireless router's signal range and strength within homes and offices on separate floors or some distance away.

You may be wondering, what is the difference between a wireless repeater and a wireless extender? Well, you are not the only one in that dilemma. Many people confuse a wireless repeater and a wireless extender. But we will demystify this for you. Read on to know the difference.

What is the difference between a Wireless Repeater and a Wireless Extender?

A wireless repeater picks the signal from your router and extends its coverage area beyond which your router's original wireless signal may not reach. It does not create a new Wi-Fi network.

On the other hand, a wireless extender or Wi-Fi extender is a device that uses a wired connection to connect to your router directly, switch or an Ethernet wall module within your home or office network. It then creates a secondary Wi-Fi network outside of your router's original coverage area.

You may also find some technicians referring to a wireless booster. A wireless booster could mean a wireless repeater or a wireless extender. If you cannot distinguish what the wireless booster is referring to, consult the seller or seek the help of an expert.

Adoption of Solar Power Systems in Telecommunication Industry

A few years ago, people often used solar power to light homes within or outside the national electricity grid. Space scientists also used solar energy to power devices used in remote areas such as space vehicles, space robots, and space stations.

Currently, the adoption of solar power is at advanced stages as manufacturers seek to gain from governments incentives for green technology.

In several countries, including the USA, large-scale solar farms add low-cost power to the national electricity grid. Some architects are designing green commercial buildings whose windows harness solar energy to light offices or serve other electrical needs.

With the advancement in solar energy technology, individuals and companies have mobilized this sustainable energy source to power telecommunication devices such as telecommunication boosters, space satellites, and wireless repeaters.

The Need for a Solar Powered Wireless Repeater

You may be wondering; why would I need a solar-powered wireless repeater? Whereas there are other options such as electric powered wireless repeaters, you may need a solar-powered repeater for the following reasons:

• When you need to install the repeater at a location with no electricity supply
• When you want to cut on costs of paying monthly electricity bills
• If you are an advocate of green energy and environmental conservation

Solar Powered vs. Electric Powered Wireless Repeater

You can power the wireless repeater with ordinary electricity or solar power. So, what is the difference? Why should I pick a solar-powered repeater over an electricity-powered repeater?

Here is a more understandable comparison between the use of regular electric power and solar energy in powering a wireless repeater:

The above analysis shows a solar-powered wireless repeater has more advantages than an electric-powered one.

Components of a Solar Powered Wireless Repeater

Most solar-powered wireless repeaters are packaged either as a single complete system, separate components, or a standalone wireless repeater requiring a solar power system. Whichever setup you buy, solar-powered wireless repeaters often have the following components:

• A wireless repeater with fixed or detachable antenna(s)
• A solar power system – either embedded or as a separate unit
• Wiring, primarily where the system is sold as individual components
• Mounting tools such as a clamp or a hook
• A solar charge controller – a solar-powered current and voltage regulator

How Do Wireless Repeaters Work with Solar Power?

This system uses two main components; a wireless repeater and a solar power system. The solar PV collects solar sunlight, converts it into energy, and stores it in a battery. The battery powers the wireless repeater. It's pretty straightforward.

The solar charge controller is placed between the solar panel and the battery. It helps to “protect” the battery against excess charging. You may be asking yourself, how does that happen?

Well, the charge controller regulates the amount of voltage injected into the battery. When the battery is almost fully charged, the controller will taper off the outgoing current to ensure it does not exceed the battery's capacity.

Wireless Repeaters Power Consumption

Wi-Fi repeaters are typically solid-state devices and do not have moving parts. This efficiency significantly reduces their energy consumption. It is estimated that a wireless repeater uses 2 watts to 20 watts, with 6 watts being the average rating.

Most small-sized solar power systems can collect, store and supply sufficient power needed by a wireless repeater. You don't have to worry that your solar system won't be enough to provide the necessary power.

Operation of Wireless Repeaters

The operation of a wireless repeater is a bit technical, but here is a summary.

Wireless repeaters can extend your signal to short-range, medium-range, or long-range distances. Short-range wireless repeaters extend a wireless signal range for a few meters from your dining room to your bedroom or compound.

With this kind of repeater, you can enjoy the fresh air and take your cup of coffee at the compound as you browse the internet using your laptop or smartphone.

A medium-range repeater can extend the signal to a neighboring home or several offices away from your office, approximately 200 meters.

On the other hand, long-range repeaters can extend your wireless signal for long-distance with some going up to 1 to 5kms.

Let's get deeper into the details.

Are you ready? Did you say “YES”?

Well, I don't think you should blame me for this, here we go!

A wireless repeater operates either in 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz band, or both as supported by the IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n standard. The IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n standard is a short form for 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n. The latest standards, 802.11ac and 802.11p, provide high-throughput wireless local area networks on the 5 GHz band.

The 802.11p standard specifically supports wireless access in vehicular environments (WAVE) – network communications between vehicles moving at high speed. This upgraded standard is meant to support Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).

Wireless repeaters using this latest technology support live coverage of racing activities, enable access to the internet in high-speed trains, and support self-driving cars.

Is this getting too technical? Let's ease it up a bit. We aren't wireless repeater developers. Right?

Yeah, I thought so too.

Types of Solar Powered Wireless Repeaters Based on Setup

There are several types of solar-powered wireless repeaters based on a setup by the manufacturer. We will look at the standard setup methods used to package solar-powered wireless repeaters.

1. Wireless Repeaters with an Embedded solar system

Manufacturers have designed unique and effective ways to enable wireless repeaters to work seamlessly with solar power. This setup involves embedding the solar charging system into the wireless repeater's circuitry.

The embedded solar charging system has a solar panel, a rechargeable battery, and a solar charge controller to prevent the battery from overcharging.

The solar panel is often attached to one side of the wireless repeater. The whole component is designed to allow the repeater to be tied to the supporting structure, say a pole, while exposing the solar panel to sunlight.

2. A Box Set with a Wireless Repeater and Solar Power System

Some manufactures sell solar-powered wireless repeaters as a set but separate components in the same box. The items in the package include a wireless repeater and a complete solar charging system.

In such cases, the manufacturers of solar-powered wireless repeaters often acquire the solar charging system from a third party as a custom unit. The manufacturer may fix the battery within the wireless repeater or the solar power system.

The two components are often custom-made as a “plug-and-play” system for easy installation. In case one of the components gets spoilt, you can order a replacement for that item only.

3. Standalone Solar Powered Wireless Repeater

This solar-powered wireless repeater is sold as an individual unit with no solar charging system. However, the manufacturer packages the repeater with a manual which indicates the repeater's input rating and the recommended solar power system's output rating.

The manufacturer may recommend specific solar charging systems with or without mentioning the brand names in some cases. You may need an expert to help you identify a suitable solar charging system and install the entire system.

There may be other setups for solar-powered wireless repeaters, but these are the most common.

Pros and Cons of each Setup for Solar Powered Wireless Repeaters

Installing wireless repeaters with an embedded or separate solar system is straightforward, especially if there is a well-detailed manual. However, you may have a challenge identifying and installing a suitable solar charging system for a standalone wireless repeater.

How to Install a Solar Powered Wireless Repeater?

Installing a solar-powered wireless repeater differs from one manufacture's setup to another. However, the process of installing is straightforward and may not have a significant variation.

Installing Wireless Repeaters with Embedded solar system

This setup has the most straightforward installation since you affix it to the supporting structure as a single component.

Step 1: Unpack the package and confirm all items indicated in the documentation are there. Make sure you read the manual and follow the recommendations.

Step 2: Test if the wireless repeater is working. Expose the solar cell side of the repeater to sunlight for a few minutes, say 2-5 minutes, to allow charging. Switch on the wireless repeater, activate Wi-Fi on your phone or computer, and check if the Wi-Fi is visible.

Step 3: Get all the tools you require to install the repeater depending on the manufacturer's design and location of installation. Installing the repeater on a pole may require different tools, unlike installing it on a wall or the rooftop. It is recommended that you follow the installation process given in the manual.

Step 4: Configure the device to connect to your wireless router and confirm that you can connect to the Wi-Fi.

Step 5: Move to the location you want the Wi-Fi to reach and confirm it's visible to your phone or laptop. Connect your device and check if it's working.

Installing Wireless Repeater and Solar Power System (Box Set)

This setup often comes with a wireless repeater and a separate solar power system, all in one box. You may get this type of wireless repeater packaged by a seller with a solar system from another company.

The two items are custom-made to fit perfectly. All you need is to follow the manufacturer installation manual to the end. Installing this setup is not hard. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Unpack the package and confirm all items indicated in the documentation are there. Make sure you read the manual and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Step 2: Test if the wireless repeater is working – Assemble the individual components, connect the solar charging system's power cables to the corresponding connection interface on the wireless repeater.

Expose the solar power's PV panel to sunlight for a few minutes, say 2-5 minutes, to allow charging. Switch on the wireless repeater, activate Wi-Fi on your phone or laptop, and check if the Wi-Fi is visible.

Step 3: Get all the tools you require to install the repeater depending on the manufacturer's design and location of installation. Start the installation process and ensure the solar power system is well exposed to sunlight and obstacles do not block the wireless repeater.

Step 4: Configure the repeater using the manufacturer's guidelines and confirm that you can connect to the Wi-Fi.

Step 5: Move to the location you want the Wi-Fi to reach, and confirm it's visible to your phone or laptop. Connect your device and check if it's working.

Installing a standalone solar-powered wireless repeater

The steps for installing this system are similar to installing the wireless Repeater and Solar Power System (Box Set). The only difference is that you will have to buy a separate solar power system and install them.

Step 1: Unpack the package and confirm all items indicated in the manufacturer's documentation are available. Make sure you read the manual and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Step 2: Buy the solar power system – Using the manufacturer's recommendations, purchase a solar power system and ensure it can work with your wireless repeater.

Step 3: Test if the wireless repeater is working – Assemble the individual components, connect the solar charging system's power cables to the corresponding connection points on the wireless repeater.

Expose the solar power's PV panel to sunlight for a few minutes, say 2-5 minutes, to allow charging. Switch on the wireless repeater, activate Wi-Fi on your phone or laptop, and check if the Wi-Fi is visible.

Step 4: Get all the tools you require to install the repeater and the solar power system, depending on the manufacturer's design and location of installation. Start the installation process and ensure the solar power system is well exposed to sunlight and obstacles do not block the wireless repeater.

Step 5: Configure the repeater using the manufacturer's guidelines and confirm that you can connect to the Wi-Fi.

Step 6: Move to the location you want the Wi-Fi to reach and confirm it's visible to your phone or laptop. Connect your device and check if it's working.

Tips for Installing a Standalone Solar Powered Wireless Repeater

• Ensure you check and understand the wireless repeater's power rating.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the solar charging system.
• Buy a solar power system with a matching or slightly higher capacity to meet the repeater's power rating requirements.
• Ensure you follow the manufacturer's installation guidelines to avoid cancellation of the warranty.
• Seek assistance from the manufacturer's technicians if you are unsure which solar power system to use and how to install it.

Configuring a Solar Powered Wireless Repeater

In some cases, the manufacturer may fail to include a manual for setting up the wireless repeater by mistake. Most wireless repeaters that require manual configuration follow a similar process.

If you don't know how to set up the wireless repeater, try this method using a computer installed with a windows operating system:

1. Make sure the wireless repeater and solar power system are working. Switch on the wireless repeater and make sure the Wi-Fi network is visible on your computer.

2. Directly connect the repeater to your computer using an Ethernet cable or the repeater's wireless network. The wireless network is often named Wi-Fi Repeater or has the brand manufacturer brand name.

3. After successful connection, open the computer's local area network properties – On the home window, click the Start button, open the Control Panel, View Network Status and Tasks, then click on Manage Network Connections.

4. Right-click the Local Area Network option and choose Properties, followed by Internet Protocol Version 4.0, and click Properties again.

5. The default IP address:192.168.10.1. This number is the most common IP address used to set up wireless devices the first time. Also, enter the subnet mask (often 255.255.255.0) and the default gateway:192.168.10.1.

6. Open a web browser, say Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Opera, and type the following in the address bar: http://192.168.10.1.

7. If asked to enter a DNS server address, leave the field blank. If asked for a username and password, enter admin in both fields. A setup wizard will appear. If the username and password don't work, check the detail under the wireless repeater or documentation.

8. Select the Wireless Repeater Mode and click on the “Repeater – OneKey” Setting. The setting will appear. Select the Wireless Network Selection button and click on Refresh List.

9. Identify your router's wireless network and connect the repeater to the router network. Then click Next.

10. Enter your router's original Wi-Fi network password in the Key field. Click Apply and Reboot. Congratulations, you are done!

Advantages and Disadvantages of using Solar-powered Wireless Repeaters

Detailed Advantages of Using wireless repeater with solar power

1. You can install the wireless repeater in areas with no electricity supply provided there is enough sunlight.

2. It has a high return on investment – you don't incur monthly bills associated with the wireless repeater.

3. You contribute to environment conservation – solar power does not use fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gases that pollute the environment.

4. You don't have to worry about electrical blackouts, which are beyond your control since the battery stores energy and can serve for an extended period.

5. It is energy efficient – national electrical grid systems install high-capacity power, which you may not use even a half of it. On the other hand, you can install a solar system that generates enough power for the wireless repeater.

6. You may qualify for state and federal government tax incentives such as the US Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Drawbacks of Using wireless repeater with solar power

Despite all the benefits associated with solar-powered wireless repeaters, it has its shortcomings which include but are not limited to:

1. The initial cost of purchasing and installation is often high but varies depending on the required capacity.

2. Cloudy days may not produce sufficient energy to charge the battery fully. If this happens for an extended period, your battery may run out of power. However, the probability of this happening is very low. If this is likely to happen, use a battery with a higher capacity.

3. If the wireless repeater and the solar power system are separate and the repeater input requires AC power, you may need to acquire a DC to AC converter. Connect it between the battery and the wireless repeater.

4. A wireless repeater is often placed between the wireless router or wireless access point and the receiving device. If the router and the receiving device are within a large building, you may have to install the solar panel on the siding or the rooftop while keeping the repeater within the building. You may incur extra charges for buying and installing the extended wiring.

How long can the solar-powered Wireless Repeater last?

The solar-powered wireless repeater may work for extended periods, even when in cloudy conditions. However, the following factors determine how long your battery will power the wireless repeater:

• The wireless repeater's power consumption rate
• The solar panel's capacity (watts)
• The energy storage capacity of the battery
• The number of hours the repeater remains on
• The prevailing weather conditions and how long they last

These parameters may change over time and affect the usability of the system differently. However, be assured that as long as the solar power system matches the wireless repeater's power consumption, you may never experience a power outage on the repeater.

Conclusion

Wireless repeaters work seamlessly with solar power systems. All you need is to know how far your signal needs to be extended and buy a corresponding solar-powered wireless repeater.

Ensure that you install the wireless repeater and solar power system correctly to avoid malfunction or voiding the warranty.

Solar-powered wireless repeaters are easy to install, configure and maintain. The solar power system has a high return on investment and can serve you for many years. Additionally, you can harness the extra power from the solar power system to light the areas around the wireless repeater.