IN THIS ARTICLE
- What is a Router?
- The Role of a Router in Your Home Network
- Why an Updated Router Matters
- What is a WiFi Extender?
- Router vs WiFi Extender: Pros and Cons
- When to Choose a Router vs. a WiFi Extender
- Scenarios for Choosing a WiFi Extender
- The Mesh WiFi System Alternative
- The Best Option for Most Homes
What is a Router?
Routers are the go-between for providing a strong WiFi signal from your internet service provider (ISP) to your devices. WiFi 7, introduced in 2023, elevates wireless internet to the next level of performance, almost equal to wired connections. Today’s best WiFi 7 routers and mesh systems from NETGEAR allow you to establish a large UK home network without WiFi dead zones or unsightly cables.
The Role of a Router in Your Home Network
Your router receives data from your ISP and distributes the data in a useable form for your WiFi devices and smart home applications. The router manages network traffic and can communicate with WiFi extenders and WiFi mesh network satellites. WiFi routers also have Ethernet cable ports for dedicated wired connections. The best WiFi routers for home use deliver unparalleled multi-gigabit speeds with wider bandwidth, multi-link operation (MLO), and other exclusive WiFi 7 technologies.
Why an Updated Router Matters
If you are buying a new router, or upgrading your current home internet, there are several considerations to ensure you get the best possible wireless connection and WiFi performance.
- Upgrade your router to a modern one rather than relying on an ISP-provided one.
- Make sure your ISP plan has the speeds and performance levels you need.
- Consider compatible WiFi 7 devices for a future-proofed network upgrade.
Modern routers like the NETGEAR Nighthawk RS300 and the Nighthawk RS700S offer better speeds, range, and security features that only WiFi 7 can deliver. If yours is a small/medium sized UK home, a standalone Nighthawk router may be all you need for seamless internet connections, without the need for adapters or additional range extenders (WiFi boosters, WiFi repeaters).
What is a WiFi Extender?
A common method of extending a wireless router signal for better wireless network coverage is to use one or more WiFi range extenders. WiFi extenders are unobtrusive and can be located on a shelf at a distance from your main router, from where they can relay a strong signal for more WiFi-enabled devices.
How WiFi Extenders Work
Range extenders pick up the WiFi signal and rebroadcast the signal for extra WiFi coverage. The extender needs to be close enough to your router for receiving a strong signal. A second extender can also be used to eliminate dead spots, although there is potential for signal overlap and interference. Extenders offer some advantages and are an inexpensive way to improve the WiFi signal.
Router vs WiFi Extender: Pros and Cons
Advantages of Using a Router
- Comprehensive coverage for the entire home.
- Better speed and reliability compared to extenders.
- Advanced features such as parental controls, guest networks, and security settings.
Disadvantages of Using a Router
- Can be more expensive upfront.
- May require more technical knowledge to set up advanced features.
Advantages of Using a WiFi Extender
- Cost-effective solution for small coverage issues.
- Easy to set up and move around as needed.
Disadvantages of Using a WiFi Extender
- May reduce internet speed by half.
- Coverage is limited to specific areas, not ideal for whole-home solutions.
Often creates multiple network names and SSIDs, complicating connectivity for devices.
When to Choose a Router vs. a WiFi Extender
At this point, you may be wondering, ‘should I get a WiFi extender or a new router?’ Knowing how to choose between a router and extender is important, so let’s explore a little more.
Scenarios for Choosing a Router
State-of-the-art Nighthawk WiFi Routers are all-in-one systems for expansive home WiFi coverage up to 3,000 sq. ft. and blazing-fast speeds up to 19Gbps. The investment in a single router is often the best option for the strong WiFi coverage required for multi-player gaming, high-definition streaming, and smart home device integration. If you are looking for future-proofed WiFi solutions, a WiFi 7 router such as Nighthawk RS300 or Nighthawk RS700S will tick all the right boxes.
Scenarios for Choosing a WiFi Extender
A WiFi extender can be a worthwhile addition for smaller households where a dedicated connection is required for a home office, extra bedroom, or lounge area. Extenders are a great temporary fix during holidays when guests arrive, a good solution for entertainment for sports events, and a quick fix for the study/office to ensure the tech is connecting.
The Mesh WiFi System Alternative
Mesh Router WiFi has been on the uptake in UK homes for the past few years, and with good reason. Leading NETGEAR Orbi Mesh Systems deliver the comprehensive coverage of a router with the flexibility of extenders. NETGEAR Mesh Systems such as Orbi 970 and Orbi 770 include the main router and multiple router satellites with 360° antennas for whole-home connectivity and ultra-fast speeds up to 27Gbps. An upgrade to WiFi 7 mesh is a quantum leap into the future of home networking.
The Best Option for Most Homes
Choosing the best WiFi router or extender isn’t complicated. Although WiFi extenders can be useful in specific situations, upgrading to a Nighthawk router with updated router benefits is the better option for most homes. WiFi technology moves fast, and WiFi 7 is way ahead of WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E, so there has never been a better time to invest in a high-quality router like the Nighthawk RS300 or Nighthawk RS700S. Fast, reliable, and seamless WiFi are all entirely possible with NETGEAR.