WiFi Booster vs WiFi Repeater: Understanding the Difference

This page compares WiFi repeater vs WiFi booster and describes the difference between them. It covers the basics of WiFi repeaters and boosters, including their definitions and how they work, to highlight their differences.

Introduction

Any device that operates according to WLAN standards is considered a WiFi device. As we know, different WLAN standards like 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad have varying distance coverage and data rate limits depending on the modulation technique used. Any wireless signal will experience attenuation as it travels from one place (the transmitter) to another (the receiver).

The amount of attenuation depends on the frequency and the distance the signal travels. This is also known as path loss and can be calculated using the Friis Formula:

$P_r = P_t * G_t * G_r * (\frac{\lambda}{4 \pi R})^2$

The core difference between a WiFi booster and a WiFi repeater is that a booster only amplifies the WiFi signal, while a repeater amplifies the signal and also performs channel frequency conversion before transmitting it.

Let’s use the example of WiFi channels in the 2.4 GHz frequency band to further understand the difference. This band supports a total of 14 channels spaced 5 MHz apart. For example, Channel 1 is around 2412 MHz, and Channel 3 is approximately 2422 MHz.

Image courtesy: Aerohive Networks

WiFi Repeater

A WiFi repeater receives the signal at Channel 1, amplifies it, and then transmits the signal on Channel 3. It changes the frequency channel it operates on.

WiFi Booster

A WiFi booster receives and transmits the signal on the same channel frequency. It only amplifies the signal without changing its frequency.

Refer to the basic function of a repeater used in VHF, UHF, and microwave communication for a deeper understanding.