![]() ![]() The main difference being that the extender rebroadcasts on a different wireless channel to the one that is used by your router. Just like with a repeater, an extender receives an existing Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcast it. The signal that is transmitted from the repeater will be the same strength as what is received, but latency and response time will inevitably increase.Įxtenders are stand-alone devices that must be located between your router and the area of your home in which you want better Wi-Fi coverage. Wireless repeaters rebroadcast a Wi-Fi signal to a relatively small, localized area of your home. ![]() The difference between a Wi-Fi repeater and an extender is often not clearly defined, so let’s compare the two now: This is what can lead to confusion for buyers one manufacturer may describe a device as a repeater, whereas another would describe it as a booster, despite them being the exact same device. Whereas repeaters and extenders are subtly different, the term Wi-Fi booster has been used to simply categorize any device used to extend the reach of a Wi-Fi signal and isn’t necessarily its own product. What’s the Difference Between a Wi-Fi Repeater, Extender, and Booster?Įssentially, Wi-Fi repeaters and extenders perform the same function of extending the coverage of a Wi-Fi network. Related article: How to Setup Two Routers on the Same Network ![]() Once broadcast, the wireless network is available to connect to just like how you are used to with just a router. During this transfer, the signal gets amplified and then the second router broadcasts it. One of the routers is used to pick up the Wi-Fi signal and then transfer it to the second router. You probably wouldn’t know just from looking at it, though. Similarly to your existing router, a Wi-Fi repeater contains two wireless routers. They are a simple and affordable way of being able to improve your Wi-Fi coverage, potentially allowing you to receive a signal in the deepest, darkest corners of your home, and perhaps even in the backyard. You may also like: What is MU-MIMO Wi-Fi? How Does a Wi-Fi Repeater Work?Ī Wi-Fi repeater works to extend the overall coverage of your Wi-Fi network by receiving the Wi-Fi signal, amplifying it and then transmitting the boosted signal. So as you can see, it’s a pretty complicated field to wade into it.Regardless of the make and model of a Wi-Fi repeater, they are all designed to simply extend the Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. ![]() In fact, hardware like the devolo Magic 2 WiFi next Whole Home Powerline Kit is a hybrid system that uses both Powerline and a Wi-Fi band as a backchannel to create a mesh network. To make things even more confusing, many Wi-Fi repeaters can also function as a Wi-Fi extender if you run a cable to them. What makes things even more confusing is that companies will often use the three terms interchangeably. What Is a Wi-Fi Booster?įor the most part, a Wi-Fi “booster” is a catch-all term for both an extender and a repeater. Ultimately, backchanneling and the use of multiple bands can mitigate some of the issues that come with using a Wi-Fi Repeater. Thankfully, there are some solutions, and most modern routers tend to use a specific band and frequency for something called “backchanneling.” This backchannel is specifically dedicated to transmitting the internet between router and repeater and often tries not to use the same frequency as your regular Wi-Fi connection. ![]()
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