It is important to know to the maximum the capabilities of our internet to be able to take advantage of it as it deserves, especially now that companies are offering high capacity fiber optics. For this reason, we must know in depth the difference between the different systems for improving the WiFi network for our home, and that is that the routers offered by companies, despite the fact that they are increasingly modern, present problems to offer great reach, especially when there are many connected devices in the home. We are going to explain to you what are the differences between a PLC and a WiFi repeater, so you will know which one you should use each time.
It is important, first of all, to know what the definition is, that is, to know what a PLC is and therefore also know what a WiFi repeater is, without further delay we will go with the explanations.
What is a WiFi repeater?
A WiFi repeater is the simplest and usually the least expensive way to extend the WiFi signal of your internet network at home. The operation is what its name indicates, it repeats a WiFi signal that it captures. So, a WiFi repeater is a device that has a wide-range antenna with which it captures a weaker signal than normal, and transforms it into a new signal with some power to be able to expand the capabilities of the network. This type of device will be placed halfway between the router's WiFi signal and the place where we want to get a network and it does not arrive.
For know the exact point where to place a WiFi repeater We can use applications designed for this purpose, or simply take advantage of our devices to see where an average signal quality arrives to locate it and use it as a bridge. The problem with these repeaters is that they are subject to a power source, so we will not have much leeway. In Actualidad GadgetAs it could not be otherwise, we have analyzed some WiFi repeaters that you can see in this link.
As an advantage, WiFi repeaters do not need systems that are connected to the router, but with a single device you can receive the WiFi signal and extend it to more rooms. Therefore, the space it occupies is less, and of course, the economic investment is less since the WiFi repeaters are usually much cheaper.
As a disadvantage, take into account that WiFi repeaters work on the wireless network, so when expanding it, despite granting greater connection capacity, the quality of the network, the ping and especially the bandwidth, decrease proportionally to the WiFi extension. Therefore, it is not advisable to use a WiFi repeater if we need low latency, as is the case with online video games.
What is a PLC?
PLCs are more complex devices, their capacity is to transmit the signal of our internet connection through the electrical wiring of our home, since except for the direct connection to the router, the normal thing is to transmit the internet connection through copper, as used to happen with ADSL. For this reason, the PLC will need at least two devices, one that will be connected near the router, capturing the signal through an Ethernet cable (the most recommended) or through the WiFi itself, and will emit it through the electrical wiring. Once the transmission starts, it is necessary to place the other PLC at the point where we want it to start broadcasting the WiFi network, although many PLC receivers also have Ethernet outputs, even of high quality.
The systems PLCs are usually more expensive, but its performance in quality electrical installations with few interferences is usually impeccable, in addition, they generally do not require any configuration, we simply need to plug it in and start using it. Whom Actualidad Gadget We have analyzed some Devolo PLC that has generated great feelings for us and that you can see in this link.
As an advantage, A good PLC is capable of transmitting almost the entire bandwidth that you have contracted, without limitation problems. In addition, they generally have Ethernet outputs, which make them ideal for example for game consoles or smart TVs due to the low latency they produce. It is undoubtedly the most stable solution, on the other hand, it is the only solution in very large spaces where it would be difficult to concatenate several WiFi signal repeaters.
As a disadvantageIn general, a good quality PLC is usually quite expensive, and at least it will need two power sources, so it will occupy several sockets (some have a built-in plug so you don't lose one). They are indicated for more demanding environments, although combining the kits the result usually improves.
Is a PLC or a WiFi repeater better?
Well, that will depend on your needs, your connection and also the money you want to invest, we are going to make a small summary of the areas where each one is better and it is recommended to use it:
- It is better to use a PLC
- If your electrical installation is modern or efficient
- If you are going to use the new connection to play video games
- If you are going to use the new connection to consume multimedia content in 4K
- If you need good latency (low ping)
- If you need to connect directly via LAN cable (PLCs usually include Ethernet)
- It is better to use a WIFI repeater
- If you want to save some money and you are not very demanding
- If you only want to browse or consume standard multimedia content on the internet
- If the space to be covered is not excessively large
This is all that we have been able to help you to choose between a PLC or a WiFi repeaterNow the decision is in your hand, choose what best suits your needs, although personally PLCs have always given me a better result, or at least more efficient given the demands of my work. We hope that any of the options we have given you will help you improve the WiFi connection in your home thanks to these famous devices available in any store.