A WiFi repeater and a WiFi extender are the keys to help maintain strength and stability in areas that were previously not covered by the internet. Although both maximize the expansion of internet connection, WiFi repeater and extender have some significant differences.
The differences between WiFi repeater and extender include several aspects, such as how they work, performance, bandwidth, requirements, and price.
This article will delve into the important differences between WiFi repeater and extender to expand the internet connection.
What is a WiFi Repeater?
As the name suggests, a WiFi repeater is an electronic device used to extend the range of a WiFi signal. In other words, a repeater acts as an amplifier and rebroadcaster of WiFi signals, enabling them to reach areas that were previously difficult to reach with the main signal.
A WiFi repeater amplifies and rebroadcasts WiFi signals by receiving signals from the main router and rebroadcasting them to a wider area with greater strength.
What is a WiFi Extender
A WiFi extender is an electronic device used to extend the range of a WiFi signal to a new network. This device receives signals from the main router via a connected Ethernet cable to amplify the signal and broadcast it to a wider area.
By creating a new network, the WiFi extender does not reduce the bandwidth of the main router. This means that the signal strength remains the same before and after installing this device.
The Difference Between WiFi Repeater and Extender
A WiFi repeater and extender are both used to help maintain strength and stability in areas that were previously not covered by the internet, but they have some differences. Here are five differences between WiFi repeater and extender:
1. How it works
WiFi repeater: Receives WiFi signals from the router wirelessly and rebroadcasts them.
WiFi extender: Receives WiFi signals from the main router using an Ethernet cable and extends the range.
2. Performance
WiFi repeater: Usually results in lower internet speeds.
WiFi extender: Usually results in internet speeds that are as good as the main signal source.
3. Bandwidth
WiFi repeater: Reduces the main router's bandwidth.
WiFi extender: Does not reduce the main router's bandwidth. 4. Requirements
WiFi repeater: Suitable for expanding limited areas without requiring high speeds.
WiFi extender: Suitable for larger and more complex areas with more stable speeds.
5. Price
WiFi repeater: More affordable than a WiFi extender.
WiFi extender: More expensive than a WiFi repeater.
That’s the difference between WiFi repeater and extender that you can consider when choosing according to your personal needs.
If you need an affordable device to expand the WiFi signal in limited areas without requiring high speed, a WiFi repeater is a good choice. However, if you need a larger and more complex area to expand the WiFi signal with more stable speeds, you can choose a WiFi extender.