Counting all the various WiFi devices in the tech landscape would be a monumental task. But don’t worry! This blog won’t cover them all. Instead, it focuses on two key networking gadgets: WiFi extender or a repeater. By comparing these products across different parameters, we aim to help you understand their functionality and choose the right one for your home network enhancement needs. So, let’s compare WiFi Extenders and Repeaters.
Understanding Repeaters and Extenders:
Whether you’re thinking about setting up a WiFi extender or a repeater, you’ll need a central networking device, usually a router.
Both WiFi extenders and repeaters effectively eliminate internet dead zones in a house, providing internet access to wired client devices as well.
Now that you understand the basics of WiFi extenders and repeaters, let’s focus on the main topic: WiFi extender versus repeater. Examining the points below will help you make informed decisions.
Differences Between WiFi Extender and Repeater:
| No. | Parameter | WiFi Extender | Repeater |
| 1 | Functionality | It connects to the current network and broadcasts the signal to cover a larger area. | It shares a connection with an access point and repeats its signals. |
| 2 | Connection Source Utilized | It only connects to the router using an Ethernet cable. | It uses either a wired or wireless connection between the repeater and the router. |
| 3 | Impact on WiFi Speed | It extends the range of the network with minimal impact on the final WiFi speeds. | It repeats signals with minimal impact on the resulting WiFi speeds. No complications. |
| 4 | Installation | It connects to the router using an RJ45 cable and accesses the web panel via the default IP address. | Usually installed by pressing the WPS button on both the repeater and the router, or through a browser-based method. |
Assuming you’ve carefully reviewed these differences, let’s shift our focus to the installation and usage steps for both devices.
Setting Up and Using a WiFi Extender:
Follow these steps to set up a Netgear WiFi extender (or any brand) via its default IP address 192.168.1.250:
1. Connect an Ethernet cable between the router’s LAN1 port and the extender’s WAN port.
2. Power on the extender and then the router, allowing the LEDs to stabilize.
3. Connect to the extender’s WiFi network on a computer and access the default IP address through a web browser.
4. Complete the login process and follow the on-screen instructions.
Setting Up a WiFi Repeater:
Installing the repeater is simple and can be done using a wireless connection with the router. Follow these steps:
1. Turn on both the router (access point) and the repeater.
2. Press the WPS button on each device.
3. Allow the connection to be established.
4. Connect your wireless client devices to the repeated WiFi network.
Quick Tip: The WPS method can also be used for WiFi extender installation, but it assigns a random SSID and password. Manual setup via IP address is recommended.
Conclusion:
After carefully considering this post, you’ll realize that WiFi extender or a repeater essentially serve the same purpose but through different connection sources. Choose the one that aligns with your specific connection requirements.
With that, we conclude this blog, hoping to bring clarity to the WiFi extender vs repeater concept. Select the option that best suits your home network needs!
