The wireless signals from our Wi-Fi range only to a certain distance. The farther you go from the source, the lesser the bandwidth and the slower the data transfer will be. Thus, it is necessary to have some means to increase the WiFi range.
Earlier, it used to be extended by increasing the gain in the router or by using additional directional antennas. But one of these techniques tends to amplify noise while the other hinders the Omni-directional performance. So, we now have WiFi Extender, Booster, and Repeater to improve the wireless range.
These devices help you get connected to your Wi-Fi at locations where its signals do not reach. You may be confused by the terms as people frequently utilize the names interchangeably due to the similar functionality. But, they are slightly different based on their working method and efficiency.
In this guide, we will talk about what actually are WiFi Extender, Booster, and Repeater and which one you should buy.
As the name suggests, WiFi Repeaters connect to your existing Wireless network and rebroadcast the signal to a farther range.
The Wifi Repeater makes the connection to the main router wirelessly using its SSID and password. Then, you may take the repeater to the location of your choice and connect your devices to the WiFi network created by it.
WiFi Extenders broadcast the Wireless signal by connecting to the main router through wired means. You will find a port on the extender to insert either a coaxial cable or an Ethernet cable for data transfer.
You will have to connect one end of the cable to your router and another to the extender. Then, you may set up a new wireless network with the extender, to which your devices can be connected for internet access.
Some WiFi extenders evenuse the power lineto transmit data. These are called power line adapters. you may connect one unit to a power outlet near the router and insert theLAN cableon it. Then, you can insert another unit into the wall outlet anywhere in your house to receive the signal. The strength, however, depends on the quality of the wiring in your house.
WiFi Booster is not an entirely different entity but a general name given to the WiFi Extender and WiFi Repeater that expands the coverage of the wireless signal.
The terms are now even more generalized as the new WiFi extenders have started providing the wireless option to connect to the main router. The differences do not seem to be much significant now. Users and even the product manufacturers use any of the terms booster, repeater, or extender for these devices.
So, we will be discussing the features of a WiFi Extender and WiFi Repeater and comparing them.
WiFi Extender Vs WiFi Repeater: Features
Despite their common use for extending the coverage of your WiFi, these two devices vary in several domains. Let’s look at them below.
The WiFi repeater does not amplify the mainrouter’s signal. It creates a new network by connecting itself to the existing WiFi like your smartphone and laptop. So, if the repeater itself is receiving a weak signal, the extended connection will have significant latency.
