What’s the difference between a booster antenna, a cellular repeater, and Wi-Fi extenders?
Difference between Wi-Fi Boosters vs Extenders vs Repeaters – Best Solution
A booster antenna, a cellular repeater, and Wi-Fi extenders improve the strength of your installed mobile broadband connection. But they do so in three different ways. One of these devices could be the ideal solution you need to improve your internet speeds. But which one?
To find out, let’s take a closer look at the differences between a booster antenna, a cellular repeater, and Wi-Fi extenders.
A booster antenna improves cellular coverage.
If you’re struggling with poor coverage, a booster antenna is the fastest way to connect reliably to the nearest cellular tower. There are two types of booster antennas:
- Like our Super Duo-Yagi MIMO Antenna, a directional booster antenna strengthens the connection with the nearest cellular tower. This antenna setup minimizes signal loss and maximizes potential download and upload speeds.
- An omnidirectional booster antenna, like our Panel MIMO Booster Antenna, increases your internet speeds by strengthening the cellular signals from nearby towers. Unlike directional antennas, omnidirectional antennas can connect with multiple towers at once.
Ready to explore your options? Learn more about our Panel MIMO Booster Antenna or our Super Duo-Yagi Antenna.
A cellular repeater improves the cellular network range
A cellular repeater system is an apparatus that uses two antennas to amplify a cellular signal and send that signal efficiently from one location. For example, from outside your building to another (typically inside your building). Each repeater system consists of the following:
- An antenna is placed where the cellular signal is strongest, which transmits directly to the nearest cellular tower
- A signal amplifier amplifies the signal that the antenna sends and receives
- A second antenna, which transmits with the signal amplifier and with cellular devices
- A cable which transports the signal from the first antenna to the amplifier to the second antenna
Typically, cellular repeater systems are the most effective way to improve the strength and range of your cellular signal. On the downside, they’re often more difficult to use than booster antennas.
Wi-Fi extenders improve the Wi-Fi network range.
A Wi-Fi extender is an antenna that extends the range of your Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi extenders connect to your wireless router, amplifies your Wi-Fi signal, and repeat that signal to extend the range of your network. In many ways, it works like a cellular repeater system, except it repeats Wi-Fi signals instead of cellular ones.
Want to learn more about Wi-Fi extenders? Check out our External Wi-Fi Extenders.
Wi-Fi Booster vs Extender vs Repeater – Which solution is right for you?
- If you’re struggling with poor coverage, a booster antenna is the best way to connect reliably to the nearest cellular tower.
- If you get a better cellular signal outside a building than inside it, a cellular repeater improves the range of your cellular network for better indoor coverage.
- If you get a better Wi-Fi signal in one part of your building, Wi-Fi extenders improve the range of your Wi-Fi network for more even coverage.
