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Forum Discussion
KL9
Oct 09, 2025Aspirant
Extender for Nighthawk RS300
I am trying to connect to a smart lock in a building nearby, but the signal isnʻt strong enough to properly operate the locks. Just barely the bottom level of the wifi arcs. Is there an extender mig...
CrimpOn
Oct 18, 2025Guru - Experienced User
As plemans pointed out, this is not a question of distance. It is one of balance and practicality. WiFi signals must pass through open spaces (i.e. rooms, yard, etc.) and also through structures (interior wall, exterior walls) The general strategy is to locate a WiFi extender "half way" between the WiFi access point and the WiFi user device. In most cases, that allows for about the same amount of "open air" and the same number of interior walls on each "hop". But wait! There is 50' of open space with no electrical outlet! oops. half-way is probably not going to be practical. What if the exterior walls are not constructed the same? What if the WiFi router is on the far side of the building from the nearby building? What if the remote building is metal clad (and thus practically a Faraday Cage)?
It might be useful to open the Nighthawk app to the WiFi Analytics page and scroll right to Network Status and then document the router WiFi signal strength at various locations between the RS300 router and the smart lock. i.e. inside the building wall in a path toward the other building. Outside the exterior wall. Outside the wall of the remote building. Inside that wall. Next to the smart lock. and some places in between.