The network has made our life so easy that now we can connect to anyone no matter where they live and can share our data like photos, videos, and other important documents in a minute.
Earlier cables were used for transferring data, but now wireless networking is used, which saves both time and cost.
Router and Booster are both related to the wireless fidelity of the network. All these terms are related to wireless networking, which uses infrared rays to transfer data from one device to another.
The data which is transferred remains encrypted until it reaches the authenticated person.
Key Takeaways
- A booster, or Wi-Fi extender, expands the coverage area of an existing wireless network by amplifying and retransmitting the signal.
- A router is a networking device that connects devices to the internet, managing and directing data traffic between the devices and the internet.
- Use a booster to extend the Wi-Fi range in larger areas, while a router is the central connection point for devices accessing the internet.
Booster vs Router
A booster is a device used to enhance a router’s wireless signal strength. It amplifies the signal and extends its coverage. A router is a device that connects multiple devices to the internet by creating a wireless network. It serves as the gateway between the devices and the internet.
Booster creates a bridge between the initial path and the fairway connections. It mainly increases the coverage area of a device, and can be installed in both wireless and wired devices.
It is also known as an amplifier because it amplifies the radio waves that send the data to faraway places.
A Router creates data packets, which divides data into small packages for easy transfer. It is also beneficial because it separates the data and saves the data from any unusual mix-ups.
And the data is sent by following the queue form, which means one is sent after another data packet.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Booster | Router |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Booster increases the bandwidth of the local area network and is used to gain a smooth internet connection. | Booster eliminates the data packets, which slows down the networking speed thus making the network pace more. |
| Functions | This device functions as a fragmented network and works both as hardware and software for a specific device. | Booster makes the proper arrangement of the data sent by the Router or Wi-Fi router which boosts the network strength. |
| Bandwidth | This device does not relate to the device’s bandwidth as it only provides a clear path for connecting two devices. | Booster is used to change weak connections into solid connections and to distribute network speed wisely. |
| Uses | The Router runs through a single network connection layer and acts as a secured link between two different networks. | Booster sets its particular range and obstacles like walls, houses do not affect its strength. |
| Obstacles | The Router makes network addresses, and it is used for setting up a private virtual network. | The Router makes network addresses, and is used to set up a private virtual network. |
What is Booster?
A Booster replaces those signals which are of no use and may affect the quality of the network speed. And after returning those signals, it boosts the sound signs and rebroadcasts them to the desired or the required areas.
The Booster has several categories, like phone network boosters, vehicle boosters, short-range signal boosters, etc.
There is an installation process for the Booster installation and, it includes three pieces of equipment: an external antenna, amplifier, indoor antenna.
All three components have their functions an external antenna detects weak signals and eliminates them, an amplifier improves signal quality, and an indoor antenna rebroadcasts the improved signals.
The components of the Booster are connected with the coaxial cables because coaxial cables supply electrical signals very fast and without interruptions.
What is Router?
The Router follows a physical layer out of seven open system interconnection models. The layers are divided into several parts like cables, optical fibre cables, wireless networks, etc.
Every Router contains routing rules which specify their path and provide communication regarding information.
The devices that use Routers comprise two units: the control plane and the forward plane.
As the Router sets up the private virtual connection, it comes with a firewall and a virtual network handler which maintains the ‘s securityrelationship and protects the network from unwanted interactions.
Routers are also categorized based on the operation they do. Like if the Router is operating in a local area network, then it is called an Internal Router, and if the Router is using the wide-area network, then it is called a Gateway Router.
Main Differences Between Booster and Router
- Booster expands the radio band of the local area network and is used to acquire a stable network connection. On the other hand, the Router runs through a surface layer of network connection and acts as a connector between two networks running in different planes.
- The Router needs a defined route for data transfer or connection between two networks. Whereas, Booster sets its specific radius and obstacles like walls, houses do not affect its signal strength.
- The Router makes network addresses. With the help of those addresses, it sends data and is used to set up a private virtual network. At the same time, Booster is used to change weak connections into strong connections and to distribute network speed wisely.
- Router functions as a device that fragments networks and works both as hardware and software for a specific device. Whereas, Booster eliminates the data packets, which slows down the networking speed, thus making the network pace more.
- Booster does the sophisticated organization of the information sent by the Router or Wi-Fi Router, which boosts the network power. While Router does not relate to the radio waves of the device as it only provides a defined road for connecting two devices.
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6824968/
- https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/354871.354874?casa_token=HTiN2mLJpZMAAAAA:wAZs-q2GlUxV6O31cdZ6CDAGC4QVntZxMTT2X-_dP_BNcTB0KV_1dJsuTK0fuW-s9pjscYf4axst
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The article does a fine job of explaining the intricacies of boosters and routers. I appreciate the level of detail presented in a systematic manner making it easier to comprehend.
The article provides clarity on the differences between a booster and a router and how each works. This type of articles helps to understand the functions of devices we use daily and take for granted.
This post is insightful and provides valuable information for anyone interested in the technical aspects of network connectivity. Well done!
Information is presented in a clear and concise manner. It provides a detailed comparison between boosters and routers. Great read!
The explanations in the article are crystal clear and have enhanced my understanding of the topic. The comparison table is especially useful for quick reference.
I greatly enjoyed reading the detailed comparison provided in the article, it significantly helped in clarifying the differences between a booster and a router. Very well written!