WiFi Extender vs Booster: Find Your Perfect Solution

Last Updated: September 5, 2024By Tags: , ,
WiFi Extender Vs Booster

Table of content

Introduction:

It is a common phenomenon in homes, offices, and other workplaces that people have to face internet issues, such as weak signaling or going off of the internet. To deal with such problems, two types of devices are employed: WiFi extenders and WiFi boosters. These devices strengthen and broadcast your internet signals to extend their range and speed. In most cases, they come along with a cable called ethernet cable that can be plugged into your device to get better internet access. But, many people don’t know whether they should choose a WiFi extender with ethernet ports or a WiFi booster with ethernet ports. This blog is meant for you for you. Thus, read ahead and learn about WiFi extender vs booster differences, their definition, and appropriate applications.

WiFi Extender:

WiFi extender

A Wi-Fi extender, as the name implies, extends the range of your internet that is already in your use. Whenever there is a drop in the pre-existing internet, it extends the range of your internet signals by increasing the amplification. Basically, it is employed between a router and a user’s device, where it strengthens the signal coming from the router.

WiFi Booster:

WiFi booster

WiFi booster is responsible for modifying the range of your internet signal. Unlike WiFi extenders, it is not established between a router and a user. Instead, it is placed on a WiFi router where it acts like an antenna that makes internet signals more powerful and increases their range. In other words, a WiFi booster is a wireless extender that narrows the gap between two or more two hosts when they are willing to establish a mutual connection over a long distance.

WiFi Extender vs WiFi Booster: How Do They Work?

Wifi extender and booster work

Now, as we have explored some core responsibilities of both WiFi extender vs booster, it is time to shed light on how they work. So, let’s look at both devices separately and make it easy for you to go with the one that is right for you:

Working Of WiFi Extender:

WiFi Extender Working

First of all, it is worth noting that WiFi repeaters and WiFi extenders are used interchangeably for the same device. Hence, there should not be any confusion related to these two alternative terms. While WiFi extenders have been shifted from ethernet to wireless connection, there are still some areas where using a WiFi repeater or WiFi extender with ethernet is effective. When it comes to its fundamental application, you can think of a WiFi extender that serves as a bridge between a router and the dead zone of your home and office. For example, if you need a separate corner in your home to make a video call, a WiFi extender can guarantee that your video call will be seamless and smooth by broadcasting the internet signals from a router.

Working Of WiFi Booster:

Working of WiFi Booster

A WiFi booster with an ethernet port does the same as an extender. However, the difference lies in their functions. A WiFi booster is placed in an area of your home or office where signals are weak or there is no internet access at all. It acts like an antenna for the router to broadcast its signals and hence supply them in the dead zones. (areas with weak internet signals). There are some points to note whenever it comes to the function and activity of a WiFi booster. These points include the speed of your internet, the distance from your router, and the number of connections.

Quick Comparison Of WiFi Booster Vs WiFi Extender:

Comparison of wifi extender vs booster

It has been observed that people cannot differentiate between WiFi boosters and WiFi extenders even after having read about them in a number of articles, eBooks, and blogs. The main reason is they never look at them in contrast. Therefore, we have put a quick comparison to make things easy for you:

Feature WiFi Extender WiFi Booster (Repeater)
Function Extends WiFi via a wired connection Amplifies existing WiFi signal
Connection Method Wired (Ethernet/Powerline) Wireless
Speed Full-speed connection 50% speed reduction
Best For Large homes, high-speed needs Small to medium areas with weak signal
Latency Low latency (due to wired backhaul) Higher latency (wireless interference)
Setup Moderate (needs wiring) Easy (plug-and-play)
Signal Range Longer, more stable Shorter, dependent on signal strength
Price Higher cost, better performance Affordable, but lower performance

Why Do You Need Them?

WiFi Extender VS WiFi Booster

Do you really need a WiFi extender or booster? It depends on the needs and requirements of your network setup. A WiFi extender and booster are your requirements if you want to expand your network to fewer rooms or want to send signals to distant locations. To make the process easier, here are some factors you should consider:

  • There are some dead zones in your home where you want the intent access.
  • Weak broadcasting of signal in some corner of your home/office.
  • You need a faster WiFi speed.
  • You own a bungalow or a large campus.
  • You want WiFi outside.

Conclusion:

WiFi extenders and boosters are crucial when you need to expand your network without spending a lot of money. Both devices help you expand your network by amplifying signals and increasing their strength. WiFi extender vs booster share some similarities but the differences are real and have an effect. WiFi extenders and boosters have different features and capabilities suitable to different environments. Therefore, you should consider your needs and network requirements before choosing them. The present blog provides research-based and insightful information on the topic.

If you want to read about further topics such as Ethernet Extender, Ethernet Cables, and more or want to check network accessories like routers, switches, and firewalls, you can visit Buyrouterswitch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

WiFi extender vs booster, which is better?

Depending on your needs and network setup, both can be good options. However, if you want to connect more devices at once with efficient speed and signal transmission, a WiFi booster is a perfect choice.

Does a WiFi booster make WiFi stronger?

Yes, a WiFi booster makes WiFi stronger, eliminating the dead zones in offices and homes. It provides faster internet speed and the best quality streaming.

What does a WiFi booster do?

Also known as a Range Extender, a WiFi booster repeats the wireless signal from your router to expand its range and coverage, covering all the dead areas in your vicinity. It acts like a bridge, taking the WiFi from your router and rebroadcasting it to the dead zones. That’s how it improves the performance of your home WiFi.

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