WiFi Repeater Vs Extender: Which One Do You Need?

Introduction:

Do you have some areas in your office where WiFi signals fail to reach? Do you want to supply WiFi signals to dead spots in your workplace or home? You need to consider a WiFi repeater or a WiFi extender, two devices that boost your network and amplify WiFi to the areas you want fast internet access. A WiFi extender, as the name implies, extends your WiFi signal’s range to cover a larger area or provide internet access to dead spots in your vicinity. A WiFi repeater boosts the speed of WiFi signals by amplifying them twice. Both these devices perform similar actions but in their own way and nature. This blog is meant to provide an in-depth paper on ‘WiFi repeater vs extender’ to give you a complete picture of the scenario.

WiFi Repeater vs Extender: From a Closer Look

Although both WiFi repeaters and extenders work in similar ways, it is of huge significance to reveal the differences in their work, performance, and nature. It has always been witnessed that many network administrators are confused when it comes to picking the right option from ‘WiFi repeater vs extender.’ We don’t want you to do that. Here is a simple yet technical explanation of both:

What is a WiFi Repeater?

WiFi repeater is a device that works like an antenna in collaboration with your existing router to give extra speed to your WiFi signals. It is also called a WiFi booster since it boosts WiFi signals by amplifying them. Unlike a WiFi extender, it is not supposed to be positioned between a WiFi router and the device. Instead, it is placed on the router itself, where it acts like an antenna to amplify and boost WiFi signals. It increases the range of WiFi signals by increasing the response time and latency.

Working Principle of A WiFi Repeater:

signals from the primary source and then forwards the boosted signals after amplifying. It has two small WiFi routers; one is responsible for receiving primary signals, and the second one is present to forward the amplified signals. The fact about ‘WiFi repeater vs extender’ is a repeater doesn’t increase the the signal strength; it just enhances response time and latency to a greater extent.

What is a WiFi Extender?

A WiFi extender is a type of WiFi booster that extends the WiFi range to make it available in dead zones of workplaces or households. Basically, it is connected to the user’s network through an Ethernet or coaxial cable. The best part of a WiFi extender is it doesn’t lower bandwidth or weaken the speed because of natural disasters or distances since it uses a cable connection. Luckily, WiFi extenders are now available in wireless form where no cable connection is required, yet the performance remains the same.

Working Principle of A WiFi Extender:

A WiFi extender is established between a user’s device and the router to extend the signal’s range. It collaborates with any existing router in your office or home to extend the internet range. Placed right, it can even provide a smooth network connection in the backyard or on the terrace. Imagine your employees want to go to the terrace to relax and play their favorite songs, but they get a weak internet connection. You can get rid of all these hurdles by applying a WiFi extender to your system.

WiFi Repeater vs Extender: What is the Difference:

• Wondering how they differ when doing the same action? Here is a simple answer to your question:
•   WiFi extenders are reliable as they use a fresh wireless connection. In contrast, WiFi repeaters aren’t as dependable. 
• Extenders require technical know-how to install, whereas repeaters are simply plug-and-play devices. 
•   You need some technical expertise to manage WiFi extenders.
•  WiFi extenders offer more stable and fast internet connections than WiFi repeaters.

WiFi Repeater vs Extender: Pros and Cons:

Going with the right option when it is ‘WiFi repeater vs extender’ depends on the needs of your business and networking architecture. What is the area you want to cover under a WiFi connection? How much bandwidth do you need to continue your work efficiently? Such questions should always be in your mind when choosing between a WiFi repeater and an extender. Besides, the pros and cons offered/caused by both these devices should always be in the front of the eyes. Hence, here are some pros and cons of WiFi repeater and extender:

WiFi Extender Pros:

Reliable: It provides a strong and fast internet connection to the dead zones of your workplace or home. Using a new wireless or wired connection has proven itself to be dependable and reliable.

Compatible With Conventional Routers: A WiFi extender can also be used as a separate router. It is compatible with normal conventional routers.

Pocket Friendly: It doesn’t break the bank when you consider it in your system. A WiFi extender can be deployed without spending a bigger amount of money.

Cons of WiFi Extender:

Latency concerns: You can face latency concerns using a WiFi extender since it has some additional throughput requirements.

Interference with Equipment: When installed in your networking system, a WiFi extender can create interference problems with other gadgets.

Bandwidth Issue: Since extenders rebroadcast WiFi signals, they can lower the bandwidth, creating a second network to reach the dead zones.

WiFi Repeater Pros:

Easy-To-Manage: The WiFi repeater is pretty simple to set up. It is a plug-and-play device that can be easily deployed in a networking environment.

Eliminates Dead Zones: It is understood that a repeater supplies signals to the dead zone of your office or home smoothly.

Improve Latency: Other than increasing strength, WiFi repeaters increase response time and improve latency.

Cons of WiFi Repeater:

Cannot Deployed Everywhere: A repeater may not offer your desired performance when installed in a large building with multiple floors or vice versa.

Requires Multiple Routers: If you want to cover a larger area, a repeater will demand a number of routers to configure.

Not Compatible With Each Router: A WiFi repeater might not work properly with some routers and requires a particular one.

WiFi Repeaters vs Extenders: Quick and Comprehensive Comparison:

Conclusion:

There are always some areas in your office or home called dead zones where WiFi signals are absent or weak. You can tackle this particular problem using a WiFi repeater or a WiFi extender. With our guidelines, it is no longer a big issue for you to choose the most suitable option from ‘WiFi repeater vs extenders.’ Keep visiting our website for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which is better, a WiFi repeater or an extender?

Both of them can be beneficial for you when you deploy them after recognizing your needs and network requirements. In general, you can use a WiFi repeater for quick response and improved latency, as well as a WiFi extender for enhanced bandwidth to cover the dead spots.

When Should I use a WiFi repeater?

Repeaters are when there are some dead zones in your office or home where you want a smooth internet connection. Or, if there are obstacles like walls to block WiFi signals, you can handle this problem using WiFi repeaters.

Do WiFi extenders work with any router?

The best part of WiFi extenders is that they will perform extraordinarily no matter which brand of router you are using. WiFi extenders collaborate easily with Cisco routers and more.

Can I move the WiFi extender to another room?

Yes, a WiFi extender can be moved easily from this corner to that once it is set up to work properly. All it requires is a power outlet to be connected to it.

How far can a WiFi extender reach?

It depends on the model and natural factors that surround the system. However, a range extender can add an additional 30 to 50 meters (98 to 164 feet) indoors.