There is often confusion surrounding the difference between WiFi boosters and WiFi extenders. In reality, these two terms refer to the same type of device: hardware that is designed to improve the coverage of a WiFi network. However, different manufacturers may use the terms “booster” and “extender” interchangeably, making it difficult to determine the specific meaning of each term. In this article, we will clarify the definitions of these terms and explain how they are used to improve WiFi coverage.
What is a WiFi “Booster”?
In the past, devices that extended a WiFi signal were referred to as WiFi boosters. Today, a wireless range extender is a more realistic description of a WiFi booster. Boosters are pieces of equipment that receive signals from a wireless router or access point and then broadcast them again to establish a second network, essentially extending the range in which the signals will travel. A wireless booster can be used to close the gap when two or more hosts need to connect to one another via the IEEE 802.11 protocol but the distance is too great for a direct connection to be made.
What is a Wifi “Extender”?
A WiFi extender on the other hand can be used to extend the coverage within your WiFi network through different means. An extender utilises amplification to take the signals coming from your Wifi network and send out a strengthened signal, unlike WiFi Boosters this does not establish a second network. With a WiFi extender, you can practically double the size of your WiFi network’s service area, extending it to remote areas of your house or workplace, various floors, and even your garden. The wireless signal from your router or switch is intercepted, amplified, and then retransmitted by an extender. Using a wifi extender, you can extend a wired network connection from the primary router to the desired location.
Why do you need a booster or extender?
In modern lives, it can be difficult to get fast, reliable WiFi throughout the entire house. Your children may encounter dead spots in an upstairs bedroom where they wish to stream a movie, or perhaps the signal is weaker in the backyard since Metal appliances and architectural details in your home can cause interference.
Here are five typical situations where a WiFi booster/extender might help you have a better wifi experience.
| Common Situations for needing a booster/extender | What it resolves |
| Some portions of your house have no WiFi signal. | Dead zones and dead spots are the names for these regions. These are the locations in your home where the WiFi signal completely vanishes. In some situations, you could be unable to connect to the wireless router or the signal might be blocked by your home’s structure. |
| Several locations in your house have slow WiFi. | You may have your WiFi network in the home office upstairs, but you probably don’t spend most of your time there. In this case, wifi extenders will offer an immediate (and affordable) performance boost, enabling you to reevaluate how you use a specific area of your home. |
| You desire the quickest WiFi available. | Although WiFi extenders and boosters are typically used to cover dead spots, they can also be used to upgrade your WiFi network’s speed and add new capabilities. Without having to replace your WiFi router, you may upgrade to the newest WiFi technologies, including 802.11ac speeds, by adding a booster or extension to your current network. |
| The size of your house | Modern homes are now almost twice as big as they used to be. |
| Wi-Fi is desired outside | It seems sensible that as our reliance on WiFi increases, we would want to start utilising it in additional locations, like the screened porch at the back of the home, outside by the pool, in the front yard, or maybe in a detached garage. |
View our range of different Wifi extenders below and turn your ‘dead zones’ into fun zones.
Buy Netgear WiFi Range Extenders
Buy D-Link WiFi Range Extenders
Buy TP-Link WiFi Range Extenders
Buy Linksys WiFi Range Extenders