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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 does not cover some 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 main router signal and extends it to cover a wider area. In this way, the user devices, such as laptops, Smartphones, etc., can 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?
The main function of a Wi-Fi extender or a booster is to widen the coverage area of the wireless network.
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, for the WiFi extender or booster to work correctly, it needs the main Wi-Fi router/network. It picks the network signal from the main router and transmits it to other devices.
However, the first solution is to move the Wi-Fi router location. Make sure to assign a central location to the router.
This way, one can get a better network range; secondly, if the router does not help, you can upgrade for better performance.
Lastly, if the dead spots are still there, the last resort is to get a Wi-Fi extender or a 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 through different means: extenders and boosters amplify and rebroadcast the existing signal to extend its reach. In contrast, repeaters may 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 wifi extender is a networking device that helps in boosting wireless signals. It simply extends the range of the signal for other devices to connect. Meanwhile, the Wi-Fi booster also does the same thing as the extender.
- 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 existing 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 small 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, the Wifi extenders are used at places where wireless signals are not available. At the same time, Wi-Fi boosters help improve weak networking signals, giving them a better reach.
- The ease of setting up Wi-Fi extenders or boosters varies by device and brand. Many modern devices are designed with user-friendly interfaces for straightforward setup.
- The cost of Wi-Fi extenders and boosters varies depending on their features, technology, and brand, with no consistent price difference based solely on whether a device is labeled as 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 area of your house, etc. Further, as mentioned earlier, you should take care of the main router location.
If nothing works, the last resort is buying a range wifi extender.
Furthermore, it is your choice to use high-speed internet. The bands 2.4GHz and 5GHz work differently, but you get better speeds with range extenders.
Ensure you check everything beforehand and then buy a networking device of your choice. Happy Surfing!
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