That sounds helpful, Chuck. Do keep in mind that signal strength from the extender access point to your computer may not represent the available throughput via the extender. It only tells you that your signal from that device is strong. The underlying key to performance is the repeating signal between the extender and the primary access point since it's wireless based on your earlier description. You'll want to also run speed tests that are from your computer to a testing server "out there" on the Internet.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...