In today’s modern world, technology everything is almost everything online. And a good internet connection is not optional but mandatory. Different types of networking devices are used for the purpose of enhancing the quality of the network. Wifi Extenders and Wifi Boosters are two of the most popular networking devices.
Wifi Extender vs Wifi Booster
The main difference between Wifi Extender and Wifi Booster is that Wifi Extender works by increasing the signal strengths for reaching the destination. Whereas Wifi Booster works by eliminating the dead spots for reaching the destination. There are other differences between the two in terms of establishment utilization, purpose, placement, and cost.
A wifi extender is a type of networking device that helps in the extension of the range of the Wifi network. It assists by increasing the signal amplification as and when it drops. This is a device that is set up between the router and the user device. It is popularly used by private organizations.
Wifi boosters are types of networking devices that assist in boosting the range of the Wifi network. It assists by extending the network range and making it powerful. Wifi repeaters and wifi extenders are the two main types. The booster is chosen depending on the space and purpose.
Comparison Table Between Wifi Extender and Booster
| Parameters of Comparison | Wifi Extender | Wifi Booster |
| Meaning | Networking devices helping signals reach dead zones. | A general or collective term for both WiFi repeaters and WiFi extenders. |
| Relation | Wifi Extender is a type of Wifi Booster. | Wifi Extender and Wifi Repeaters are types of Wifi Booster. |
| Working | It works by increasing the signal strengths for reaching the destination. | It works by extending the wifi network and creating a new wifi network. |
| Placement | It is placed between the Wifi router and the user’s device. | Wifi repeaters are placed where there’s wifi and extenders are placed between router and the user’s device. |
| Utilization | Mostly utilized by large organizations. | The utilization depends on the type of organizations. |
| Establishment | The procedure for setting up an extender is complex. | The procedure for setting up a repeater is easy and extender difficult. |
| Price | Their establishment is costly. | Repeaters are cheaper than extenders. |
What is Wifi Extender?
Wifi Extender refers to a device that is used for increasing the strength and reach of a network signal. As the name suggests, it increases the extent of the wifi. This device is established between the wifi router and the user device. This is done with the help of an Ethernet cable or coaxial cable. This can be used in places where there is completely no signal or a place with too much interference. The interferences can be of different types caused due to different objects.
This is also helpful in a case where there is a big distance between the wifi router or access point and the device. The device is also helpful in cases where there are multiple networks, devices, and interferences. They help in increasing the strength for the network signal to reach the destination. They use the technique of signal amplification. These are mostly purpose-built.
The device helps in better connectivity. It has other characteristics like its drawbacks, compatibility, security attack possibility, and so on. These networking devices are mostly used by private organizations. The procedure for establishing a wifi extender is very complex. The establishment is not only complex but also costly.
What is Wifi Booster?
A WiFi booster refers to the networking devices that help increase the connectivity of a wifi network. Wifi repeaters and Wifi extenders are the two types of wifi boosters. These devices boost the signal of the network. The wifi repeater works by connecting the network wirelessly and rebroadcasting it to the original or existing network signal. These work as an antenna.
A new network is created. Example: Network & Network1. While using a wifi repeater, the network bandwidth is also decreased. This will result in the device being slower. The signal is affected by thick walls, metal, and electronic objects as well. Which makes it unsuitable for big homes and offices.
The wifi extender works by extending the main router’s signal to a different location. This is done with the help of an Ethernet cable or coaxial cable. This helps the wifi reach places which are the dead zones. A wifi extender does not affect the speed of the internet. It is also not affected by the thick walls or other electronic objects. This makes it suitable for offices and big homes. In comparison, it is also more costly. There are certain boosters that can work as both repeaters and extenders.
Main Differences Between Wifi Extender and Booster
- Networking devices helping signals reach dead zones are extenders. A general or collective term for both WiFi repeaters and WiFi extenders.
- The wifi Extender is a type of Wifi Booster. Wifi Extender and Wifi Repeaters are types of Wifi Booster.
- The extender works by increasing the signal strengths for reaching the destination. The booster works by extending the wifi network and creating a new wifi network.
- An extender is placed between the Wifi router and the user’s device. Wifi repeaters are placed where there’s wifi, and extenders are placed between the router and the user’s device.
- Extenders are mostly utilized by large organizations. Boosters are mostly used according to space and purpose.
- The procedure for setting up an extender is complex. The procedure for setting up a repeater is easy.
- Extenders are costlier than repeaters.
Conclusion
The wifi Extender is a type of wifi booster. There is a lot of confusion when it comes to these technical terms. If we look at the main purpose of strengthening and increasing network connectivity, both wifi repeaters and extenders are the same. They both just work differently.
One helps in reaching destinations with no signal, and the other by creating a new network. Extenders are also more powerful than repeaters. This is because either internet speed is not decreased and the signal is not affected by objects.
References
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/4299663/
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/63649