When it comes to boosting your home’s WiFi signal, you have two main choices: a WiFi booster or a WiFi extender. So which one is right for you? Let’s find out!
WiFi boosters, repeaters, and extenders aremostly the same thing– they are all devices to improve Wi-Fi coverage!
What is a WiFi booster?
A WiFi booster is a device that helps to amplify the signal of a wireless router, extending the reach of the network into areas where the signal is weak. In many cases, a WiFi booster can be used to eliminate dead zones in a home or office, providing consistent coverage throughout the space.
Additionally, a WiFi booster can be used to improve the performance of streaming video and gaming applications by reducing latency and ensuring that data packets are delivered more reliably.
For businesses, a WiFi booster can also help to improve employee productivity by ensuring that employees have consistent access to email and other business-critical applications. Ultimately, a WiFi booster can be an invaluable tool for anyone who relies on a wireless network for their daily activities.
What is a WiFi extender?
A WiFi extender is a device that helps to improve the signal strength of a wireless network. By amplifying the signal and extending its reach, a WiFi extender can help to eliminate dead spots and improve coverage in a home or office.
In addition, a WiFi extender can also help to improve connection speeds and reduce interference from other devices. As a result, a WiFi extender can be an essential tool for anyone who wants to get the most out of their wireless network.
How does a WiFi booster work?
The booster works by receiving the signal from the router and then transmitting it at a higher power, which helps to extend the reach of the signal. In addition, the booster can be used to improve the quality of the signal, making it more reliable and less likely to drop out. As a result, a WiFi booster can be an invaluable tool for anyone who wants to improve their WiFi coverage.
How does a WiFi extender work?
A WiFi extender works by receiving the signal from the router and then amplifying it before transmitting it back to the router. This helps to extend the reach of the signal and improve coverage in a home or office. Additionally, a WiFi extender can also help to improve connection speeds and reduce interference from other devices. As a result, a WiFi extender can be an essential tool for anyone who wants to get the most out of their wireless network.
Which one should you buy?
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to buy a WiFi booster or WiFi extender.
- One is the range that you need to cover. If you have a large home or office, an extender may be a better choice, as it can extend the range of your existing network without the need to boost the signal. However, if you have a smaller space, a booster may be all that you need.
- Another factor is the speed of your internet connection. If you have a high-speed connection, an extender may be a better choice, as it can help to ensure that your devices can take full advantage of your connection.
- Finally, consider the price. Boosters are typically less expensive than extenders, so if cost is a concern, a booster may be the better option.
Ultimately, the decision of which to buy depends on your specific needs and budget.
Alternatively, get in touch with one of our WiFi installation expert.
Pros and cons of a WiFi booster
WiFi boosters are a popular way to extend the reach of a wireless signal, but they don’t always provide the desired results.
One potential issue is that the booster will amplify both the signal and any interference, which can reduce the overall quality of the connection.
Additionally, boosters can be expensive, and they require a fair amount of technical knowledge to set up correctly.
If you’re considering a WiFi booster, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully to determine if it’s the right solution for your needs.
Pros and cons of a WiFi extender
A WiFi extender can be a great way to boost the signal of your home network. By placing the extender in a central location, you can extend the range of your WiFi signal and reduce dead spots in your home. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing an extender.
- First, check to see if your router is compatible with the extender.
- Second, consider the size of your home and the number of devices that will be using the network.
- And finally, make sure to review the return policy in case the extender does not work as expected.
With these factors in mind, you can decide whether a WiFi extender is right for you.
WiFi Booster vs Extender: Which is better for your home?
If you’re looking to boost your home WiFi signal, you may be wondering whether a WiFi booster or extender is the right choice for you. Both devices can help to amplify your signal and extend your coverage, but there are some key differences to take into account.
WiFi boosters are typically small, standalone devices that are placed near your router. They work by amplifying the signal from your router and then broadcasting the amplified signal.
WiFi extenders, on the other hand, connect to your router and then re-broadcast the signal. They tend to be larger than boosters and can provide more coverage, but they may also introduce some latency.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and situation. If you’re looking for a quick and easy boost, a booster may be the way to go.
If you need maximum coverage, an extender may be a better option.
WiFi Booster vs Extender: Which is better for gaming?
When it comes to gaming, every millisecond counts. That’s why many gamers choose to hardwire their gaming PCs directly to their routers with an Ethernet cable. But what if you’re not able to use a wired connection? In that case, you’ll need to rely on either a WiFi booster or a WiFi extender to improve your signal. But which is better for gaming?
In general, WiFi boosters are better than WiFi extenders for gaming. That’s because they provide a stronger, more stable connection that is less likely to experience lag or interference. However, WiFi boosters can be more expensive than WiFi extenders and may require professional installation. If you’re on a budget or don’t want to deal with the hassle of installation, then a WiFi extender may be a better option. Just keep in mind that you may experience some degradation in performance.
WiFi Booster vs Extender: Which is better for streaming?
When it comes to streaming HD video or gaming online, latency is key. A small amount of lag can mean the difference between a fun experience and a frustrating one. That’s why many people choose to use a WiFi booster or WiFi extender to get the best possible signal. But which is the better option?
A WiFi booster amplifies the signal from your router and rebroadcasts it. This can be helpful if your router is in a central location but you want coverage in other areas of your home. However, boosters only work with 2.4GHz frequencies and can’t be used with the newer 5GHz frequencies that are becoming more common.
A WiFi extender, on the other hand, connects to your router and creates a new network. This can be helpful if you want to extend your coverage to a different floor or another part of your home. However, you will need to connect to the new network whenever you want to use the extender, which can be inconvenient.
Both WiFi boosters and WiFi extenders can help improve your signal. However, there are trade-offs to consider before choosing one over the other. If you need help making a decision, consult with a qualified technician who can assess your specific needs and make a recommendation.
WiFi Booster vs Extender: Which is better for your office?
If you’re looking to improve your office’s WiFi signal, you may be wondering whether a WiFi booster or a WiFi extender is the best option. Both devices can be effective in boosting your WiFi signal, but there are some key differences to consider.
A WiFi booster connects directly to your router and amplifies the signal. A WiFi extender, on the other hand, rebroadcasts the signal from your router. So, if you’re looking for a straightforward way to boost your office’s WiFi signal, a booster is the way to go.
If you’re looking for more flexibility in where you place your device, an extender may be a better option. Ultimately, the best choice for your office will depend on your specific needs and layout.
Case Study 2023: We compared both these devices for a large two-story house!
Our client – Paul and his lovely wife – Marie have a large two-story house that was having Wi-fi repeaters all around to amplify the wireless coverage and you guessed it right – there were a lot of drop-outs on a 100mbps / 40 Mbps line.
We surveyed the house and kindly told Paul that a wifi repeater may not work in his situation – being a very large home. We suggested that we move those repeaters to his shed at the back ( which was huge too! ) and install a mesh system in his house that would give him enough bandwidth and wireless range.
Fast forward to the shed install:
He had two sets of repeaters and two sets of boosters.
We first set up his repeaters ( TL-WA850RE ) and got 52.4 Mbps download / 23 Mbps upload speeds – better than the result below.
Next, we tested with his boosters ( DAP-1720 ) and got 20.5 Mbps download / 15 Mbps upload speeds – good but not good enough.
So in theory, while WiFi boosters would probably work for smaller houses, for a medium to large area – wifi repeaters would provide better Wi-Fi coverage, improved bandwidth, and speeds.
Q: Can a WiFi booster improve my internet speed?
A: While a WiFi booster can amplify the WiFi signal strength, it does not directly increase your internet speed. The speed of your internet connection is determined by factors such as your internet service provider and the plan you are subscribed to. However, by improving the signal strength, a WiFi booster can potentially enhance your overall WiFi experience and reduce lag or buffering.
Q: Will a WiFi extender or a WiFi booster work with my existing WiFi network?
A: Yes, both a WiFi extender and a WiFi booster are designed to work with your existing WiFi network. They can be easily set up to amplify the signal from your router and extend the coverage to areas that were previously out of range.
Q: Can a WiFi booster or a WiFi extender support multiple devices?
A: Yes, both a WiFi booster and a WiFi extender can support multiple devices simultaneously. As long as the devices are connected to the same WiFi network, they can benefit from the amplified signal and extended coverage provided by the booster or extender.
Q: What is the difference between a WiFi repeater and a WiFi router?
A: A WiFi repeater, or extender, is a device that amplifies and rebroadcasts an existing WiFi signal. It does not have the capability to create a new network. On the other hand, a WiFi router is the main device that creates a WiFi network. It connects to the internet and allows devices to connect to it wirelessly.
Q: Should I consider investing in a mesh WiFi system instead of a WiFi booster or extender?
A: A mesh WiFi system is a newer technology that offers seamless WiFi coverage throughout your home or office by using multiple devices called nodes. It is a more advanced solution compared to a WiFi booster or extender, as it creates a single, unified network. If you have a large space with multiple dead spots or require consistent, reliable WiFi coverage, a mesh WiFi system may be a more suitable option.
