We all are familiar with this amazing technology named WiFi that lets us connect to the internet. While this useful invention helps us stay online from our homes and offices, a weak signal can be an annoying problem.
As insufficient internet stops us from doing whatever is important, people always look for a remedy, which is, getting a WiFi repeater or extender.
Both these are some of the best wireless devices. The devices might seem similar, but these are totally different. Check out this discussion on WiFi repeater vs extender for better knowledge.
What Is a WiFi Repeater?
A WiFi repeater is one kind of network booster that extends your WiFi signal range. It comes with antennas for receiving WiFi signals from your existing router that also rebroadcasts it over a wider area.
Most WiFi repeaters can be used by simply plugging into an outlet, but these should be placed in an area where the WiFi signal is already available.
What Is a WiFi Extender?
A WiFi extender is basically a WiFi booster that extends the internet signal of your router to another area or location. It uses coaxial cable or Ethernet cable to connect the devices to your home network.
Thus, it functions like another router for the WiFi dead zones of your home. It retains the original bandwidth and signal strength as it makes the connection reach the dead zones.
WiFi Repeater vs Extender: What Are the Differences
Now, have a look at how these two devices differ from each other:
WiFi repeater is also known as WiFi signal repeater. People also call a WiFi extender a WiFi range extender.
WiFi repeater re-broadcasts the signal in areas with weaker signals. On the other hand, WiFi extender expands the existing range of network coverage and ensures a bigger coverage area.
It boosts the WiFi strength in the weaker signal areas where wired ports are unavailable. However, a WiFi extender needs a wired connection port to extend the range of your WiFi.
A WiFi repeater is the best choice when you need to have a strong and reliable connection from the router and the distance between the router and the repeater isn’t much and doesn’t involve any obstacle. On the flip side, you should use a WiFi extender to get a strong and reliable connection from the router.
A WiFi repeater is a cost-effective option compared to a WiFi extender.
When it comes to setting up and configuring, even non-technical users can use WiFi repeater. On the other hand, Wifi extender is comparatively difficult to use.
While using a WiFi repeater, you may not get the Bandwidth at its full potential since the devices are connected wirelessly. On the contrary, the WiFi extender uses a wired connection which ensures the Bandwidth stays at its full potential.
Final Words
If you’re facing trouble getting an uninterrupted and strong WiFi signal in some areas of your home, you can always choose a WiFi extender or a WiFi repeater. While both devices are capable of boosting your WiFi signal, you need to determine which one you need in your situation.
By reading about WiFi repeater vs extender and their differences, you can make the right decision and get the device you want.
Tamal is a freelance writer at AddictiveTips. After gaining substantial experience in technology, finance, and business processes in his previous job in an IT consulting company, he adopted writing as a full-time profession 3 years ago. While not writing about the latest technology, he loves to play COD and binge-watch
