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Difference between WiFi Repeater and WiFi Extender

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WiFi Repeater connects to the WiFi network wirelessly and re-broadcasts the signal. It is just like a relay system that connects to our WiFi network and rebroadcasts the signal to a larger area of our home/office where we have a poor connection or weak signal. WiFi repeaters are easier to set up and configure because it can be placed anywhere at home, even if there is no wired network port. It is often referred to as a network repeater. This helps to boost the wireless signal strength where the signal strength is weak. That’s why it is also called a WiFi Signal Repeater. 

WiFi Extender connects to Wired network through a wired connection may be Ethernet or coaxial cable to connect to the router. But nowadays newer WiFi Extenders don’t require these. It helps in extending the home/office network to cover more area. Once it is set up and connected then we can move it as per our requirement wherever we want a better WiFi signal. Mainly it boosts the range of existing WiFi and creates a stronger signal in the poor coverage areas. That’s why it is also called a WiFi Range Extender. 

Difference between WiFi Repeater and WiFi Extender:

WiFi Repeater WiFi Extender
WiFi Repeater re-broadcasts the signal in weaker signal areas means existing signal strength is weak. WiFi Extender extends the range of existing network coverage area and creates a bigger network coverage area.
It is also known as WiFi Signal Repeater. It is also known as Wifi Range Extender.
It boosts the signal of WiFi strength of the existing network in the weaker signal areas without the availability of wired port. It uses a wired connection port to connect with the existing network for extending the range of your WiFi.
WiFi repeater is more cost-effective than a WiFi extender. A the WiFi extender is not cost-effective as a , WiFi repeater.
Setup and configuration of WiFi Repeater is quite easy than that of WiFi Extender. Setup and configuration of Wifi Extender is also easy but not as easy as a WiFi Repeater.
By the use of WiFi repeater the Bandwidth may not stays at its full potential as the devices are connected wirelessly. By the use of WiFi extender the Bandwidth stays at its full potential as the device is connected through a wired connection.
WiFi repeaters are not more expensive than WiFi extenders. WiFi extenders are usually more expensive than WiFi repeaters.
We should use WiFi repeater when  we need strong and reliable connection from router if there is the router and repeater distance is less and no obstacle comes in between them. We should use WiFi extender when we need same strong and reliable connection from router.
Thick walls and electronic devices interfere with the signal. Thick walls do not affect the signal.

Last Updated : 22 Nov, 2022
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