Internet Boosters: How Does It Work And Should You Get One?
Interest in Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi booster, also known as a signal booster, work?
Have you ever had difficulty connecting to Wi-Fi in certain parts of your house? Are you finding that your Wi-Fi tends to lag in certain areas but works just fine in others? If so, then a Wi-Fi booster might be the right solution for you.
In this quick guide, we'll explain what Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi.
What is Wi-Fi?
Before we dive into the significance of Wi-Fi boosters, let's take a step back first. What is Wi-Fi, and how was it invented?
To put it simply, Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi stuck as a marketing term that's easier to use and understand.
You can use Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi 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, Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi Booster?
Now that you've got a good understanding of how Wi-Fi works, it's time to answer your main question: How do Wi-Fi boosters work? To properly understand the inner workings of Wi-Fi boosters, it's helpful to start with a basic understanding of the structure of these boosters.
You'll typically find two main types of Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi signal in one specific room, while the latter is better for boosting the Wi-Fi signal in multiple rooms. However, as technology advances, you'll find that both are becoming pretty powerful.
Both types of Wi-Fi boosters use external antennas to amplify the Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi, of course, but how do they do that?
A Wi-Fi booster takes your existing internet or Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi Booster Work?
You're learning so much here it's almost a shame to throw even more at you. However, understanding how a Wi-Fi booster works can help you harness the power of these network-boosting devices.
So, let's move on to learning how your Wi-Fi booster gets connected with networks to provide you access to faster internet. To connect to a Wi-Fi network, the booster must first be connected to an existing router. For optimal performance, consider connecting your Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi extender? They're pretty similar, yeah. They are both devices that help improve Wi-Fi coverage, but they work in different ways.
The biggest difference is that a Wi-Fi booster amplifies the signal from the router, while a Wi-Fi extender rebroadcasts the signal. Typically, you'll notice that a Wi-Fi booster plugs into an outlet, while a Wi-Fi extender does not need to be plugged in.
Benefits of Using a Wi-Fi Booster
Using a Wi-Fi booster can bring numerous benefits to your home or office network. Here are some of the advantages of using a Wi-Fi booster:
- Improved Wi-Fi Coverage: A Wi-Fi booster can extend the coverage area of your Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi signal, a Wi-Fi 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: Wi-Fi 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: Wi-Fi 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: Wi-Fi boosters are a cost-effective solution for improving your Wi-Fi 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.
Wi-Fi Repeater vs. Wi-Fi Booster: What’s the Difference?
While both Wi-Fi repeaters and Wi-Fi boosters are designed to improve your Wi-Fi coverage, there are some key differences between the two:
- Wi-Fi Repeaters: Wi-Fi repeaters are devices that receive the existing Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi network, but it may not always improve the signal strength.
- Wi-Fi Boosters: Wi-Fi boosters, on the other hand, are devices that amplify the existing Wi-Fi signal to improve its strength and coverage. They are more powerful than Wi-Fi repeaters and can provide a stronger and more reliable connection. By boosting the signal, they help ensure that your Wi-Fi network is robust and consistent throughout your home or office.
- Key Differences: The main difference between Wi-Fi repeaters and Wi-Fi boosters is the way they handle the Wi-Fi signal. Wi-Fi repeaters simply repeat the signal, while Wi-Fi boosters amplify it. This means that Wi-Fi boosters are generally more effective at improving Wi-Fi coverage, especially in areas with weak signals.
Common Misconceptions About Wi-Fi Boosters
There are several common misconceptions about Wi-Fi boosters that can make it difficult to choose the right one for your needs. Here are some of the most common misconceptions:
- Wi-Fi Boosters Are Expensive: While some Wi-Fi boosters can be expensive, there are many affordable options available on the market. In fact, many Wi-Fi boosters are priced similarly to Wi-Fi routers, making them a cost-effective solution for improving your Wi-Fi coverage.
- Wi-Fi Boosters Are Difficult to Install: While some Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi booster quickly and easily, without needing professional help.
- Wi-Fi Boosters Are Not Effective: This is simply not true. Wi-Fi boosters can be highly effective at improving your Wi-Fi coverage, especially in areas with weak signals. By amplifying the existing Wi-Fi signal, they can provide a stronger and more reliable connection throughout your home or office.
Should You Get A Wi-Fi Booster?
A Wi-Fi booster is a device that helps to improve the range and strength of your home Wi-Fi signal. If you have ever experienced frustration due to a weak or patchy Wi-Fi signal, a Wi-Fi booster is an essential device for you and your family that can ensure better connectivity.
Overall, there are many benefits of using a Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi coverage in every room
- Boosters are easy to set up and usually require little special technical know-how
If you are considering purchasing a Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi 6 booster if you can).
Ultimately, if your Wi-Fi performance could be better, you may need to invest in a Wi-Fi booster. The type of booster you'll need depends on the issue with your Wi-Fi.
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 Wi-Fi booster.
Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 6 is going to be faster and better at managing more devices, but it's also going to be more expensive. Wi-Fi 5 will be cheaper, but it will not be able to handle as many devices or achieve the same speeds as Wi-Fi 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, Wi-Fi 6 is currently the way to go.
Just make sure to match your booster with your router. If you have a Wi-Fi 5 router, you'll need a Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi a Boost?
Let's recap what you've learned!
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet without needing a physical, wired connection. And how does a Wi-Fi booster work? A Wi-Fi booster is a device that helps to amplify the Wi-Fi signal and improve Wi-Fi connectivity.
Wi-Fi boosters work by amplifying the Wi-Fi signal and improving the Wi-Fi signal strength. This can help to improve Wi-Fi connectivity and help reduce interference from other devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
When it comes down to it, a Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi 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.
