3 Best Blink Sync Module Range Extenders: Extending the Reach
By Trae Jacobs,
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Blink devices require the Blink Sync Module to communicate and transmit data to your security system. However, if you’re using multiple Blink security cameras on your property, you may not have the option to place your Sync Module near your router or modem to maintain a consistent connection. That’s when a range extender comes in handy.
Being able to connect to your modem reliably is crucial for continually being able to monitor your property. Depending on your configuration, it may be worth investing in a range extender to allow for customizability with your security system. In this article, we will examine some of the best range extenders for your Blink Sync Module.
Sync Module: A Quick Look
As mentioned above, the Blink Sync Module is required to keep your devices connected and online; it is used to connect your Blink devices and ensure they consistently communicate data to Blink servers. They also need to be plugged into a power source and connected to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection.
Range of Sync Module
According to Blink Support, the Sync Module can communicate with Blink cameras up to 100 feet away in any direction. However, depending on your property and environmental factors (structure, obstructing walls, etc.), the device’s range may vary.
Additionally,the Sync Module needs to maintain a consistent 2.4 GHz wireless connection to sync with your cameras. Also, Blink cameras connect to the Sync Module using “Low-Frequency Radio” or LFR, whereas the device itself connects to a wireless router using 802.11 b/g/n.
3 Best Blink Sync Module Range Extenders
If you have a weak connection or cannot arrange your devices to best access your router, it may be worth investing in a wireless extender for your system. The following are some of our top Blink Sync Module range extender recommendations:
Linksys RE7000
If you’re in the market for an extender that can offer the most coverage, we recommend the Linksys RE7000 Range Extender. This range extender can extend your coverage up to 10,000 sqft. Additionally, it is compatible with all wireless routers and can be set up with just the push of a button. Here’s a look at some of the features available with the Linksys RE7000:
- Dual-Band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1,900 Mbps
- Advanced MU-MIMO (Multiple User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) Technology
- With this technology, your entire household can use the internet without buffering or lag that comes with simultaneous use.
- Wired Gigabit Ethernet Port (10x the data transfer speeds of Fast Ethernet)
If you’re looking for the most added coverage, it’s hard to beat the Linksys RE7000. However, suppose you have a smaller property, or you’re looking for performance over more range. If that’s the case, the next extender on our list provides the best performance and features for your system.
Netgear Wi-Fi EX8000
Netgear is known for its reliable network products and its Wi-Fi extender; the Netgear Wi-Fi EX8000 is no exception. Coming in at the highest price point on our list, the EX8000 is packed with features providing reliable connection speeds and universal compatibility. Additionally, the EX8000 offers:
- Extended wireless coverage up to 2,500 sqft
- Secure WEP and WPA/WPA2 Wireless Security Protocols
- Triband technology providing speeds up to 3,000 Mbps
- Four ethernet ports for fast, wired connections
- Support for up to 50 separate devices, including security cameras, speakers, and more
- Restrict access and create schedules with the Netgear Wi-Fi app
The Netgear EX8000 has many other features as well, like smart roaming with Mesh technology and an intuitive “5-minute” setup, justifying the higher price point.
However, if you’re looking for an option that doesn’t break the bank, there are plenty of budget-friendly alternatives.
TP-Link N300
Our budget-friendly pick, the TP-Link N300, offers competitive features and doesn’t sacrifice reliability for cost. It can extend your Wi-Fi coverage up to 800 sqft while providing speeds of 300 Mbps. Let’s look at some of the additional features provided by the TP-Link N300:
- Customize your system via the associated TP-Link Tether app
- Compatible with all standard routers, access points, and gateway
- Two external MIMO-enabled antennas for stable connectivity
- 2-Year Warranty and 24/7 technical support
At such a low price point (especially compared to other comparable models), you can’t go wrong with the Tp-Link N300. It’s no wonder why half the people who use Wi-Fi use TP-Link products.
Sync Module Range Extenders: Side by Side Comparison
The variety of features provided by the above range extenders are competitive but may vary depending on your needs. To get a better idea of which range extender will best suit your needs, here’s a side by side comparison of our top picks:
Feature(s) | Linksys RE7000 | Netgear Wi-Fi EX8000 | TP-Link N300 |
Extended Coverage | 10,000 sqft | 2,500 sqft | 800 sqft |
Wi-Fi Speed | 1,900 Mbps | 3,000 Mbps | 300 Mbps |
Wireless Connectivity | Dual-Band | Tri-Band | Single-Band (2.4 GHz) |
Ethernet Ports | 1 | 4 | 1 |
Universally Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Using Blink Sync Module with a Wireless Extender
Regardless of which extender you decide to purchase, a few configuration steps are required to get your Sync Module connected.
Blink cameras and Sync Modules are only able to connect to one Wi-Fi signal at a time. By default, your extender will create a separate network, for example, “Wi-Fi Home_EXT.”
As a result, you will need to rename your extended network to match the network your Sync Module is already connected to (e.g., “Wi-Fi Home”); this will allow your system to recognize the main router as a single network, including the extender.
If you’re running into issues connecting your Sync Module, or if the signal has not improved with the extender, try power cycling your device (here’s a helpful guide for power cycling your Sync Module if you get stuck).
Tips for Placing Your Range Extender
Your Sync Module needs to be placed in a central location with a strong Wi-Fi signal to communicate with your Blink devices around the house. For example, if your system has a Blink camera on the front of your home and one at the back, you’ll want to place the Sync module equidistant between the devices, near the center of your property.
Additionally, the higher the Sync Module is placed, the more effective it will be (on a shelf, second floor, etc.); this will also help improve the Wi-Fi connectivity of your devices. Based on this information, it’s essential to be mindful of where you place your Wi-Fi extenders to ensure they are being used to their full potential.
Here are a few things you can try to ensure you’re Blink devices are optimally configured and working as intended:
- Select your camera’s settings through the associated app, and you will see a few signal indicators next to the camera. All indicators should show at least three or more bars of signal strength to maintain a consistent connection.
- The first indicator measures signal strength between your Sync Module and your router.
- The next indicator shows the strength of the low-frequency radio signal used between your camera and the Sync Module.
- Additionally, there’s a helpful app called NetSpot that is designed to optimize and analyze your Wi-Fi setup. It’s free and can visually show your Wi-Fi range to help configure your network.
In Summary
Even in ideal conditions, the Blink Sync Module is limited by your system’s Wi-Fi connectivity. Depending on how many devices you’re using and your property’s layout, you could greatly benefit from using a Wi-Fi range extender to improve your network’s reliability. With the variety of features the top three range extenders on our list have, any of them can be a great choice!