WiFi Extenders and WiFi Booster: How They Differ From One Another

It is a common phenomenon in homes, offices, and other workplaces that sometimes people have to face internet issues, such as weak signaling or going off of the internet. To deal with the internet problems in your homes and offices, two types of devices are employed: WiFi extenders and WiFi boosters. Both these devices carry the same responsibility: to strengthen or broadcast your internet signals. In most cases these devices come along with a cable called ethernet port that can be plugged into your device to get better internet access. But, there are people who don’t get the idea whether they should choose a WiFi extender with ethernet ports or a WiFi booster with ethernet ports. In case, you are one of these people, this article holds much for you. Thus, read ahead and learn about WiFi boosters/extenders, their definition, differences, and appropriate applications.

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 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 than two hosts when they are willing to establish a mutual connection over a long distance.

How Do A WiFi Extender and WiFi Booster Work?

Now, as we have explored some core responsibilities of both WiFi extenders/boosters, it is not empty of significance 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 lives up to all your requirements.

Working Of WiFi Extender:

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 extender or WiFi repeater 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:

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 Extenders Vs WiFi Boosters:

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. The main reason is they never look at them in contrast. Therefore, we have put a quick comparison to make things easy for you:

WiFi Extender:

• It is a networking device used to extend the range of the existing WiFi network.
• It increases the signal strength to reach the destination.
• It is established between the WiFi router and the user device.
• It does not work as an antenna.
• It is used in private organizations for improvement in range.
• It is used at places where WiFi signals can’t reach at all.

WiFi Boosters:

• It is also a networking device used to extend the range of WiFi networks.
• It eliminates the dead spots to reach the signals to the destination.
• It is established on the WiFi router itself.
• It works as an antenna.
• It is used in large organizations and residential buildings for improvement in range.
• It is used where WiFi signals reach but are weak.

WiFi Extender vs WiFi Boost: Which Is The Best Option For You:

How can I pick the best WiFi extender or booster for me? If this query is bubbling in your mind, you may need a proper check of your network set up and internet needs. Whether you choose a WiFi extender with ethernet ports, WiFi repeater with ethernet, or you want to extend WiFi ethernet, all these endeavors depend on the nature of your set up. Let us make it easy for you to decide whether you should go for a WiFi booster/extender or not. So, use a WiFi booster or extender if:

• 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.