In order to improve the Internet connection, you can use different options. One of the most common is to have a Wi-Fi repeater. It connects to the router wirelessly and boosts the signal in a certain area. However, there is also the alternative of having a Wi-Fi access point. But when is it appropriate to use each of them? In this article, we are going to discuss this topic.
The objective is that you can choose a suitable device to have a better wireless connection. If you see that the speed is not good, that you have interruptions or any problem when connecting, it is important to look for a solution. A mistake is to use anything, so it is necessary to see what suits you best.
When to use a repeater
First of all, let’s talk about the Wi-Fi repeater. It is the most common. It is a device that connects wirelessly to the router and, from there, allows it to emit a signal to other devices that you connect. The problem is that, if you move too far from the router, that signal will decrease significantly and, therefore, will affect the speed and quality.
The ideal is to use a repeater when you need to boost a single area of the home and, in addition, you are going to place it in a space where it receives a good signal from the router. For example, if you need to have better Internet on your television, but this device does not have enough capacity to reach the router. You use that repeater as a “bridge”.
It is also interesting if what you are looking for is ease and you don’t care about speed. For example, if you are simply going to connect home automation devices, such as light bulbs or sensors, that do not require high speed. You connect them to that repeater, they receive a good signal and you can use them remotely.
Therefore, in summary we can say that a Wi-fi repeater is a simpler option, ideal for improving coverage in a specific space, not too far from the router and if you do not need to have maximum speed.
In what situations is an access point suitable?
An alternative is to have a Wi-Fi access point. There is a key difference: this device does not connect wirelessly to the router, but rather via an Ethernet cable. In this way, you will be able to gain stability and overcome some of the limitations that we have mentioned previously.
It’s a good option if you need to take the connection further. It could be a room that is too far from the router, for example. You are going to use an Ethernet cable of several meters and you will be able to create that Wi-Fi access point. You can connect other devices to it, in the area where you have it located.
It is also interesting if you want the speed to be maximum. Although it is always important to have a device that has good features, because of how it works it will be better than a Wi-Fi repeater. At least, in general terms. You will be able to bring a faster connection to the area where you place it.
In short, as you can see, there are differences between using a simple Wi-Fi repeater, connected wirelessly to the router, and an access point, which will be connected via Ethernet cable and will have more stability.
