Internet Boosters: How Does It Work And Should You Get One?
Interest in WiFi boosters is expected to grow by nearly 10% over the next decade, spurred by a mix of interest in smart home connectivity and remote work needs. While this is great and all, you might still be wondering, How does a WiFi booster, also known as a signal booster, work?
Have you ever had difficulty connecting to WiFi in certain parts of your house? Are you finding that your WiFi tends to lag in certain areas but works just fine in others? If so, then a WiFi booster might be the right solution for you.
In this quick guide, we'll explain what WiFi boosters do, how they work, and whether or not you should get one for your home network. Keep reading to learn more about harnessing the power of properly boosted WiFi.
What is WiFi?
Before we dive into the significance of WiFi boosters, let's take a step back first. What is WiFi, and how was it invented?
To put it simply, WiFi is a wireless technology that connects devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices to the internet. While the original technology was referred to as IEEE 802.11, the term WiFi stuck as a marketing term that's easier to use and understand.
You can use WiFi to connect computers, laptops, smartphones, and other devices to the internet. How does that work, though? It uses radio waves to connect devices to the internet.
Let's say you're trying to connect your smartphone to your home's wireless internet network, for example.
Your phone sends out a radio signal. This signal is picked up by a WiFi router, which then forwards the signal to the internet. The router also sends out a signal back to your device, which allows you to access the internet.
All in all, WiFi is convenient because it allows people to connect to the internet without having to connect their devices physically or to a network. In this sense, it has completely revolutionized our daily lives.
What is a WiFi Booster?
Now that you've got a good understanding of how WiFi works, it's time to answer your main question: How do WiFi boosters work? To properly understand the inner workings of WiFi boosters, it's helpful to start with a basic understanding of the structure of these boosters.
You'll typically find two main types of WiFi boosters regarding the physical shape of these devices: those that plug directly into an outlet and those that sit on a flat surface like a table or shelf (wireless boosters).
The former is great for improving the WiFi signal in one specific room, while the latter is better for boosting the WiFi signal in multiple rooms. However, as technology advances, you'll find that both are becoming pretty powerful.
Both types of WiFi boosters use external antennas to amplify the WiFi signal, but the models that don't plug into outlets tend to have larger antennas (that look like a little alien or odd bunny). Overall, they tend to look like a Glade plug-in or a laptop charger when plugged in.
So, what do these little devices actually do? You know they boost WiFi, of course, but how do they do that?
A WiFi booster takes your existing internet or WiFi signal and essentially amplifies it. The result is that your signal will reach all areas of your home.
Does this affect the network connection in other areas of the house? Not at all. A WiFi booster assigns local IP addresses to each device to boost the speed of the internet. This means that there is no disruption to your network connectivity.
How Does a WiFi Booster Work?
You're learning so much here it's almost a shame to throw even more at you. However, understanding how a WiFi booster works can help you harness the power of these network-boosting devices.
So, let's move on to learning how your WiFi booster gets connected with networks to provide you access to faster internet. To connect to a WiFi network, the booster must first be connected to an existing router. For optimal performance, consider connecting your WiFi booster to the router using an Ethernet cable, which can provide a more stable and faster connection.
Once connected, the booster will amplify the signal and extend the WiFi range, giving you better coverage in your home or office. What are we talking about when we use the word boost here? They make the existing signal from the router stronger so that it reaches the end device.
Boosting the WiFi signal allows for faster data transfer speeds and fewer dropped connections. As a result, you will experience a better and more reliable internet connection.
Is this the same as using a WiFi extender? They're pretty similar, yeah. They are both devices that help improve WiFi coverage, but they work in different ways.
The biggest difference is that a WiFi booster amplifies the signal from the router, while a WiFi extender rebroadcasts the signal. Typically, you'll notice that a WiFi booster plugs into an outlet, while a WiFi extender does not need to be plugged in.
Benefits of Using a WiFi Booster
Using a WiFi booster can bring numerous benefits to your home or office network. Here are some of the advantages of using a WiFi booster:
- Improved WiFi Coverage: A WiFi booster can extend the coverage area of your WiFi network, ensuring that you have a strong and reliable connection throughout your home or office. No more struggling with weak signals in certain rooms or areas.
- Increased Speed: By amplifying the existing WiFi signal, a WiFi booster can increase the speed of your internet connection. This makes it ideal for streaming, online gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities that require a fast and stable connection.
- Reduced Dead Zones: WiFi boosters can eliminate dead zones in your home or office, ensuring that you have a strong and reliable connection even in areas that were previously difficult to reach. Say goodbye to frustrating dropouts and interruptions.
- Easy to Install: WiFi boosters are relatively easy to install, and most models come with a simple setup process that requires minimal technical expertise. You can have your booster up and running in no time, without needing to call in a professional.
- Cost-Effective: WiFi boosters are a cost-effective solution for improving your WiFi coverage, especially when compared to the cost of upgrading your router or installing a new network. They offer a budget-friendly way to enhance your internet experience.
WiFi Repeater vs. WiFi Booster: What’s the Difference?
While both WiFi repeaters and WiFi boosters are designed to improve your WiFi coverage, there are some key differences between the two:
- WiFi Repeaters: WiFi repeaters are devices that receive the existing WiFi signal and rebroadcast it to extend the coverage area. They are relatively simple devices that do not amplify the signal but rather repeat it. This can help extend the reach of your WiFi network, but it may not always improve the signal strength.
- WiFi Boosters: WiFi boosters, on the other hand, are devices that amplify the existing WiFi signal to improve its strength and coverage. They are more powerful than WiFi repeaters and can provide a stronger and more reliable connection. By boosting the signal, they help ensure that your WiFi network is robust and consistent throughout your home or office.
- Key Differences: The main difference between WiFi repeaters and WiFi boosters is the way they handle the WiFi signal. WiFi repeaters simply repeat the signal, while WiFi boosters amplify it. This means that WiFi boosters are generally more effective at improving WiFi coverage, especially in areas with weak signals.
Common Misconceptions About WiFi Boosters
There are several common misconceptions about WiFi boosters that can make it difficult to choose the right one for your needs. Here are some of the most common misconceptions:
- WiFi Boosters Are Expensive: While some WiFi boosters can be expensive, there are many affordable options available on the market. In fact, many WiFi boosters are priced similarly to WiFi routers, making them a cost-effective solution for improving your WiFi coverage.
- WiFi Boosters Are Difficult to Install: While some WiFi boosters may require a bit more technical expertise to install, many models come with a simple setup process that requires minimal technical knowledge. Most users can set up their WiFi booster quickly and easily, without needing professional help.
- WiFi Boosters Are Not Effective: This is simply not true. WiFi boosters can be highly effective at improving your WiFi coverage, especially in areas with weak signals. By amplifying the existing WiFi signal, they can provide a stronger and more reliable connection throughout your home or office.
Should You Get A WiFi Booster?
A WiFi booster is a device that helps to improve the range and strength of your home WiFi signal. If you have ever experienced frustration due to a weak or patchy WiFi signal, a WiFi booster is an essential device for you and your family that can ensure better connectivity.
Overall, there are many benefits of using a WiFi booster, including the following:
- A stronger signal means faster internet speeds and better streaming quality
- A booster can help to eliminate dead zones in your home, so you can enjoy reliable WiFi coverage in every room
- Boosters are easy to set up and usually require little special technical know-how
If you are considering purchasing a WiFi booster, it is important to do some research to find the right model for your needs. However, there are many affordable and effective options on the market, so you should be able to find a booster that suits your needs and budget.
What should you be looking for in a good WiFi booster? While it can be tempting to snag the cheapest option, it's best to invest in a high-quality booster that'll help you improve your connectivity now and in the future (so, yes, opt for a WiFi 6 booster if you can).
Ultimately, if your WiFi performance could be better, you may need to invest in a WiFi booster. The type of booster you'll need depends on the issue with your WiFi.
If your signal is weak, you need a device to boost your signal. If your signal is strong but doesn't reach far enough in your home, you need an extender or mesh system. Here are a few other things to consider when choosing the right WiFi booster.
WiFi 5 vs. WiFi 6
WiFi 6 is going to be faster and better at managing more devices, but it's also going to be more expensive. WiFi 5 will be cheaper, but it will not be able to handle as many devices or achieve the same speeds as WiFi 6.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your budget and your needs. If you have a lot of devices that need to be connected, WiFi 6 is currently the way to go.
Just make sure to match your booster with your router. If you have a WiFi 5 router, you'll need a WiFi 5 booster (and vice versa). And finally, keep in mind what kind of speeds you're getting from your ISP.
Dual-Band vs. Tri-Band
Dual-band boosters provide both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connections, while tri-band extenders have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band and an extra (third) 5 GHz band.
The benefit of a tri-band extender is that you can connect more devices, but it's usually more expensive than a dual-band unit. Does this mean you shouldn't consider a dual-band internet booster? If you don't have many devices, it should be just fine.
Ready To Give Your WiFi a Boost?
Let's recap what you've learned!
WiFi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet without needing a physical, wired connection. And how does a WiFi booster work? A WiFi booster is a device that helps to amplify the WiFi signal and improve WiFi connectivity.
WiFi boosters work by amplifying the WiFi signal and improving the WiFi signal strength. This can help to improve WiFi connectivity and help reduce interference from other devices on the same WiFi network.
When it comes down to it, a WiFi booster helps to extend the reach of your wireless network, providing stronger and more consistent coverage. If you've been struggling with a spotty signal, a booster can make a world of difference.
Ready to boost your WiFi and enjoy improved connectivity, faster speeds, and seamless internet browsing? The best way to ensure you have the best wireless coverage throughout your home is to use a managed WiFi solution, like EPB Smart Net Plus.
With free installation, network set up, and ongoing 24/7/365 support, you'll find that your internet experience has been forever changed for the better. Click here to learn more about EPB Smart Net Plus.
