What are the Difference between a WiFi Extender and a WiFi Booster?
What are the Difference between a WiFi Extender and a WiFi Booster?
Blog Article
Nowadays, a strong internet connection is very important for every home. But sometimes, due to large homes, a router’s signals do not reach every corner of the house. To solve this problem, you can use the WiFi extenders and WiFi boosters.
Many people think that the WiFi extenders and boosters are the same, but there are a many differences between these devices. Let’s take a simple look at how they are different from each other.
What is a WiFi Extender?
WiFi extenders are help to extend the signals of your existing router, and provide that signals to low network area in your home. This helps you stay connected in rooms that are far from the router.
What is a WiFi Booster?
A WiFi boosters are improves your existing WiFi. It could be a repeater or an extender. Most people use the word “booster” to describe something that makes the WiFi stronger. It’s helpful when your signal is weak and needs a little push to reach more areas.
The Key Differences
Even the people think the extenders and boosters are the same term, here we provide some key differences that make a difference between the WiFi extender and WiFi booster.
Function
- A WiFi extender works by extending your signal to reach further.
- A WiFi booster works by improving the existing signal or repeating it to make it stronger.
Network Name
- Extenders often create a second network name. For example: "HomeWiFi_EXT."
- Boosters may keep the same name, making switching between rooms easier.
Setup
- WiFi extenders need to be placed in a spot where they can catch a strong signal from the router.
- WiFi boosters can be placed in weak signal areas to help repeat and strengthen the connection.
Use Case
- Use a WiFi extender if you want to cover a far room or part of the house that gets no WiFi.
- Use a WiFi booster if your signal is weak but still exists, and you want to make it stronger.
Which One Should You Choose?
Now, we know what the best option between WiFi booster vs extender, depending on your needs.
- If there are dead zones in your home where WiFi doesn’t reach at all, go for a WiFi extender.
- If your WiFi works but is slow or weak, then a WiFi booster is a better choice.
- Also, check your router type and home layout. Big homes or ones with thick walls may need both for better coverage.
Tips to Improve WiFi with These Devices
If you are using a WiFi extender or a WiFi booster, then use these tips to improve your WiFi devices.
- Make sure the device is not too far from the router or too close to the dead zone area.
- Do not place extender or booster near to thick walls and metal objects like refrigerators that block WiFi signals.
- Timely update the firmware of your devices to make sure they work properly.
- Restart the device once in a while to keep it running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
A WiFi extender and a WiFi booster are both helpful tools to improve your home coverage. A WiFi extender is better for pushing your signal to weak area of your house. A WiFi booster is better for making a weak signal stronger. Both are easy to set up and can save you from dealing with slow or dropped connections. Report this page