What’s the difference between a Wi-Fi booster, repeater or an extender

You are watching the latest TV show on your favourite streaming platform and suddenly it starts buffering because your Wi-Fi signal is not strong enough. If you have been in this place and wondered how to improve your Wi-Fi signal then you can get a Wi-Fi booster, repeater, or an extender.

A Wi-Fi booster, repeater, and an extender are all designed to amplify your Wi-Fi signal, but which one is best for your Wi-Fi signal issues? How do they differ from each other? If these technical terms have you confused then you are at the right place. We will demystify these terms and in the process, help you choose the right solution for your home Wi-Fi needs.

Wi-Fi booster: what is it and how does it work

The generic term for Wi-Fi repeaters and Wi-Fi extenders is Wi-Fi booster. As the name implies, a Wi-Fi booster is a device used to boost your network signal and they do that by extending the reach of your Wi-Fi network. A Wi-Fi booster works by amplifying and broadcasting the signal from your router and is ideal for those with dead spots in their home.

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A Wi-Fi booster works by receiving the signal from the router and amplifying it before sending it out to the devices on the network. In order to use a Wi-Fi booster, you will need to connect it to your router with an ethernet cable or wirelessly. Once connected, you will need to configure it and place it in an area where it can receive a fairly strong signal from the router. The signal will be weaker if you place the Wi-Fi booster further away from the router. 

Even in Wi-Fi boosters, there are two main types: stand-alone and desktop. A stand-alone Wi-Fi booster is designed to be placed near the router whereas a desktop booster is placed either on a desk or a table.

Wi-Fi repeater: What you need to know

A Wi-Fi repeater is a device that connects to your existing Wi-Fi network wirelessly and re-broadcasts the signal. It works like a relay system that connects to your Wi-Fi network and amplifies the signal to reach a large area of your home/office. 

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This ability to rebroadcast the signal to a larger area means that Wi-Fi repeaters solve poor connection or weak signal issues. It is easier to set up and configure a Wi-Fi repeater since they can be placed anywhere at home and don’t necessarily need a wired network port.

Wi-Fi extender: All you need to know

A Wi-Fi extender is also used to extend the reach of your wireless signal. It works by connecting to your network through a wired connection, using either Ethernet or a coaxial cable. In areas where the router is not able to provide adequate coverage or where areas of the home or office have weak signals, a Wi-Fi extender can be used to extend the range of the Wi-Fi signal.

With a Wi-Fi extender, it is possible to extend the range of your Wi-Fi signal by up to twice its original distance. They are also able to increase the speed of your Wi-Fi connection by up to 50 per cent. A Wi-Fi extender is easy to install and can be used with any router.

How to choose between a Wi-Fi booster, Wi-Fi repeater, or a Wi-Fi extender

If your home Wi-Fi network suffers from poor reach then you can boost the signal with a Wi-Fi booster. However, if you are unsure how to choose between them, here are a few things to consider.

1. Size of your home

A Wi-Fi repeater might be the best option if you have a small home as it can be placed closer to the router and won’t be required to cover a large area.

2. Number of devices to connect

If you have a lot of devices connecting to your wireless network then you need a strong Wi-Fi signal and an extender will work the best by providing more bandwidth than a repeater.

3. Home layout

You should also consider the layout of your home while choosing a Wi-Fi booster. If your home has multiple floors or walls blocking the Wi-Fi signal then you need to get an extender or Wi-Fi booster to amplify the reach of your Wi-Fi signal across different areas.

4. Budget

A Wi-Fi extender tends to be more expensive than a repeater and if you are on a tight budget then a repeater will be the best option.

You can choose a Wi-Fi extender for larger homes and extend the reach to distant corners. Similarly, you can choose a Wi-Fi repeater for smaller spaces and boost the signal through an entire area. Regardless of which device you choose, you will be able to improve your home’s internet coverage.