A Wi-Fi range extender is a device between a base router, or wireless local area network (LAN) access point, and a client computer or device that is outside the signal range or blocked by a signal barrier. The extender works as a wireless relay or repeater by receiving access point signals, which are retransmitted to the client.
This term is also known as range expander.
The computer or device using a Wi-Fi range extender experiences a latency increase, that is, delay time when sending and receiving signals. The thinking is that clients that receive weak access point signals find Wi-Fi range extenders more effective than clients unable to receive any signal at all.
Synonyms
Range Expander
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