Dedicated WiFi Range extender vs. Router with repeater mode

sanjaychak · Feb 16, 2017

Is there any performance benefit to be had from a dedicated wifi range extender (the one that directly plugs into the wall) vs. using a router in repeater mode? I find some of the routers cheaper, so I am not sure why.

bill001g · Feb 16, 2017

You should not use either really. A repeater will degrade your signals a lot. You pretty much have to look at this as even a crappy repeated signal is better than no signal. Powerline networks with a AP on the end or a powerline network with a built in AP are better options for many people to get better coverage.

Most routers do not have repeaters mode but if you get one I would think it would be better. You can place it anywhere compared to the ones that only go into wall outlets. Most the small wall outlet ones have almost no features. Some require you to set them up using WPS which is a massive security exposure that needs to be turned off.

sanjaychak · Feb 17, 2017

Thanks bill001g. But I am still wondering that if a dedicated repeater takes the original signal and throws it back, and so does the router with a repeater mode, what is the difference? There are really no features associated with the repeater mode, are there? It is pretty much take in and throw out.

bill001g · Feb 17, 2017

If you only look at that one feature then they are the same. A router may have for example the ability to limit which devices can connect via something like a mac address filter. There are a few other security type of features and things like the device acting as a NAS still work in repeater mode.

Still the largest problem I have with some of the wall mount units is the only "feature" they have is the WPS button to configure them. They can not be configured via any other method. Sure this is simple for stupid people but it is the stupid people that need protection from hackers the most. If WPS is enable someone can break into you network in seconds in many cases.

sanjaychak · Feb 17, 2017

Thanks, bill001g. What you say is not exactly correct. I have used Netgear WN3000RP, and it does have a web interface to configure it. You can select networks, etc. After all, not all routers have WPS. I still have the Netgear WGR614 at home from 2006, which does not have WPS. But I was able to extend its range using the web interface of the WN3000RP.

bill001g · Feb 17, 2017

sanjaychak :

I can't possible know every single equipment, I can very clearly link some strange chinese brand that does not ability to configure it and only works with WPS button.

That is whole point you do not want WPS and you want equipment that you can set it up without WPS

Buy what every think is best.

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