What is a Wi-Fi Booster?
A Wi-Fi booster is a device that expands the reach of your Wi-Fi signal. Improving your Wi-Fi coverage eliminates dead spots in your home and creates a more stable connection.
What are the different types of Wi-Fi Boosters?
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Wireless repeaters
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Wireless range extenders (Wi-Fi Extenders)
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Wireless network extenders
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Wi-Fi Mesh
Wireless Repeaters
Wireless repeaters rebroadcast the Wi-Fi signal received to a finite localised area. The quality of Wi-Fi signal strength received by the wireless repeater will be distributed as the same Wi-Fi signal strength. However, this does have an impact on the network speed and stability of connected devices. These are adequate if you limit the number of devices connected to five and ensure you are not streaming.
Wireless Range Extenders
Wi-Fi extenders rebroadcast your router’s existing Wi-Fi signal. You place the extender between your router and the dead spot area. The extender receives the existing Wi-Fi signal and extends its reach. An important note is that a Wi-Fi range extender will not strengthen the Wi-Fi signal, so you must ensure the signal is already strong.
Wireless Network Extenders
While repeaters and range extenders rebroadcast existing Wi-Fi signals, network extenders connect to your router through an ethernet cable to broadcast an extended connection. The cable allows for the fastest and most stable connection, as ethernet is less susceptible to interference. However, your home layout may not allow you to run a cable where you need it.
Wi-Fi Mesh Network
The repeater and extenders create an extension of the network, which you must choose on your device, but mesh networks make this easy by managing this process. They are made up of multiple access points, and the built-in software manages your connection to keep you connected to the access point to which your device has the most robust connection. Your device will only show that it is connected to the main network and all the changes are happening behind the scenes.
Which Booster is Best for you?
The best option for you depends on the size of your home and how many dead zones there are. If you have a smaller property and are just finding one or two areas with poor connectivity, it would be cheaper and easier to install a single extender/repeater between your router and the dead zone. Whereas, if you have a large property that requires expansive coverage, it would be best to implement a Wi-Fi Mesh network because your devices can easily switch between access points as you move around the property.
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