Whenever your wireless Internet starts to take a dip, the first thing you hear is that you need to boost your Wi-Fi. But what does that mean? How do you do that?
When you look for answers, you will come across a handle of terms that all sound similar. Let’s define the terms and the differences between them:
Wi-Fi booster
A Wi-Fi booster is a device that helps improve your Wi-Fi network. “Wi-Fi Booster” is a catch-all term that covers a few different devices:
- Wireless repeaters (Wireless range extenders)
- Wireless network extenders
They all extend the reach of your Wi-Fi signal but in a different way.
Wi-Fi repeater
A Wi-Fi repeater, sometimes also referred to as a Wi-Fi range extender, is a Wi-Fi booster device that re-broadcasts the same quality of Wi-Fi signal that it receives. You would use a repeater to extend the reach of your Wi-Fi by creating a second network. You should not use a repeater in an area that doesn’t have strong, reliable Wi-Fi signal connection.
Wi-Fi extender
Wi-Fi extenders are used to stretch the wireless signal reach and coverage in your home. They are similar to a repeater in that they also re-broadcast the existing signal. But Wi-Fi extenders are different than repeaters because they re-broadcast without impacting the network’s bandwidth output and do not create a new network for connectivity.
Wi-Fi mesh
A Wi-Fi mesh network, or mesh Wi-Fi, is a whole-home Wi-Fi system. It consists of a mesh router that connects directly to your modem, and a series of satellite modules placed around your house for full Wi-Fi coverage.
Which should you use and why?
Like most home network solutions, the best option for you is the one that matches your situation and preferences.
If you are looking to upgrade your entire Wi-Fi setup and want a whole-home system solution, mesh Wi-Fi may be the better solution for you. Mesh systems are usually a complete replacement for your home Wi-Fi.
If you are looking for a cost-effective solution and you have a strong Wi-Fi signal, but you just need it to go farther, choose a repeater (Wi-Fi range extender) or Wi-Fi extender. You can add a repeater or range extender to your existing Wi-Fi network.
Hitron’s offerings of Wi-Fi Boosters are easy to use and install and eliminate dead spots inside and outside of your home. Hitron Wi-Fi range extenders are a flexible solution to getting the high-performing network you want, whether that is through Ethernet, MoCA, or Wi-Fi. Ask your Internet service provider about Hitron’s Wi-Fi boosters today.
Want more like this? Check out Hitron’s Learn Page.