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Wi-Fi Extender vs. Booster – What is the difference
Wi-Fi extender vs booster – Everyone has a Wi-Fi setup at home regarding internet connectivity.
The routers, modems, or access points come in different shapes and sizes.
Further, the antennas help in extending the range. Some routers have two antennas, whereas others have up to four.
However, the Wi-Fi signal may not reach all parts of your house. In this case, you need an extender, booster, or repeater.
Definition of a Wi-Fi Extender
A Wi-Fi extender, also known as a range extender, can either extend the existing Wi-Fi network while maintaining the same network name (SSID) and password or create a separate network, depending on the device’s settings and capabilities. Its goal is to extend coverage, though there may be some reduction in signal strength or speed.
When the Wi-Fi network signals drop to some extent or are almost zero, the extender helps.
It amplifies the primary router signal and extends it to cover a wider area. This allows user devices, such as laptops, Smartphones, etc., to connect easily.
Wifi Extender Vs. Booster – Wi-Fi extender
Definition of a Wi-Fi Booster
The terms ‘Wi-Fi booster’ and ‘Wi-Fi extender’ are often used interchangeably to refer to devices that improve Wi-Fi coverage by amplifying or extending the existing signal, regardless of their physical attachment to the router.
Wi-Fi boosters and extenders include additional antennas to help capture and rebroadcast the wireless signal and incorporate technology to amplify the signal, thereby extending the reach and improving the strength of the Wi-Fi network.
Wifi Extender Vs. Booster – Wi-Fi booster
How Do Wi-Fi Extenders and Wi-Fi Boosters Work?
A Wi-Fi extender or booster’s primary function is to widen the wireless network’s coverage area.
Further, it uses amplification techniques to extend the range, thereby boosting the signal. Some areas in the house become dead spots and cannot receive wireless networks.
Here, the extender or boosters help the network to reach these places.
Further, the Wi-Fi extender or booster needs the leading Wi-Fi router/network to work correctly. It picks up the network signal from the main router and transmits it to other devices.
However, the first solution is to move the Wi-Fi router. Make sure to assign it a central location.
This way, one can get a better network range. Secondly, if the router does not help, one can upgrade for better performance.
Lastly, if the dead spots persist, the last resort is to get a Wi-Fi extender or booster.
Wifi Extender vs Booster – Know the Differences
While extenders, boosters, and repeaters are all designed to improve wireless network coverage, they may do so in different ways. Extenders and boosters amplify and rebroadcast the existing signal to extend its reach, while repeaters simply rebroadcast the signal without amplification.
Meanwhile, the differences can be seen in the manufacturers. Not all extenders work in the same way. They differ in features.
Secondly, the network range depends on their bands – 2.4GHz or 5GHz.
Here, we dig into the differences that can help you make the right decision.
Wi-fi Extender vs. Booster
- A Wi-Fi extender is a networking device that boosts wireless signals. It simply extends the signal range so that other devices can connect. A Wi-Fi booster does the same thing.
- The Wi-Fi extender helps boost signal strength to reach every area of the building. Wi-Fi booster also does the same thing by ensuring the network reaches the dead spots.
- The Wi-Fi extender bridges a link between the main wireless router and other devices. Wi-Fi boosters enhance the signal from your Wi-Fi network to areas with poor connectivity but do not directly modify router configurations.
- Both Wi-Fi extenders and boosters work by improving the reach of the Wi-Fi network. They do not replace the antennas on your router but may have their antennas to capture better and rebroadcast the signal.
- Wi-Fi extenders and boosters can be used in various settings, from tiny homes to larger spaces, depending on the range needed. The choice between them depends more on the specific coverage requirements and less on the size of the venue. See Also (Wi-Fi Routers for Large Home)
- As the name suggests, Wi-Fi extenders are used where wireless signals are unavailable. At the same time, Wi-Fi boosters help improve weak networking signals, giving them a wider reach.
- The ease of setting up Wi-Fi extenders or boosters varies by device and brand. Many modern devices have user-friendly interfaces that make setup straightforward.
- The cost of Wi-Fi extenders and boosters varies depending on their features, technology, and brand. However, there is no consistent price difference based solely on whether a device is labeled an extender or booster.
Wifi Extender – Access Point Mode
Some Wi-Fi extenders offer an access point mode, which involves connecting them to the main router via an Ethernet cable to create a new Wi-Fi hotspot, offering an additional method to extend the network.
In this scenario, you will name the Wifi extender its name. Further, you get a faster connection without any losses. You can also opt for Wi-Fi repeaters, which work as access points.
Choosing the Best Wifi Extenders
It purely depends on your budget and requirements, the size of your house, and other factors. As mentioned earlier, you should also monitor the primary router’s location.
If nothing works, the last resort is buying a range wifi extender.
Furthermore, you can choose to use high-speed internet. The bands 2.4GHz and 5GHz work differently, but range extenders offer better speeds.
Ensure you check everything beforehand and then buy a networking device. Happy Surfing!
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