RFWiFi Extender vs Router: Key Differences Explained
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This article compares WiFi Extenders and WiFi Routers, highlighting the key distinctions between these devices in the context of WiFi standards.
Introduction:
WiFi devices adhere to WLAN standards defined by the IEEE 802.11 series of specifications. These include 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac (WiFi 5), 11ax (WiFi 6), and the emerging 11be (WiFi 7). The WiFi Alliance, a consortium of companies, certifies WiFi products based on a specific set of tests.
Common WiFi products include WiFi routers, WiFi dongles, WiFi extenders, WiFi switches, WiFi sensors, WiFi cameras, WiFi laptops, WiFi monitors, and WiFi smartphones.
Key Differences Between WiFi Extender and Router
The following table summarizes the differences between a WiFi extender and a router across several parameters:
| Features | WiFi Router | WiFi Extender |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Improved coverage | Better than router as it broadcasts WiFi signal to a broader area |
| Internet Connection | Can be directly connected to wired fiber-optic or broadband line, or cellular (if it is a wireless router) | Can be connected to a router for internet connectivity |
| Standalone Operation | It works independently. | It does not work independently and requires a router for its operation. |
| Ethernet Ports | Most routers support up to 5 ports. Wired IP devices can be directly interfaced with the router. | Most WiFi extenders support only one Ethernet port. This port is mainly connected to a WiFi router for a wired connection. |
| Cost | Expensive | Cheaper compared to a router |
| Examples | • TP-Link Archer C64 router supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac • D-Link DIR-841 supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | • TP-Link model TL-RE200 and D-Link model DAP 1610 both support 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Vendors |
As the table illustrates, both a router and an extender can work together to provide greater WiFi coverage for larger homes or office spaces.
A WiFi Extender picks up the router’s signal, amplifies it, and re-broadcasts it to reach areas where the original router’s signal is weak or unavailable due to distance or obstacles (path loss).
