A WiFi repeater is a device that extends the range of a wireless network by repeating the signal from a router. A mesh network, on the other hand, is a system of interconnected wireless access points that work together to provide a seamless wireless network.

While a WiFi repeater and a mesh network both aim to improve wireless coverage, they function differently. A WiFi repeater simply repeats the signal from the main router, whereas a mesh network uses multiple access points to create a single, continuous wireless network.

In theory, a WiFi repeater could be used with a mesh network, but it is not recommended. This is because the repeater would essentially create a new network, separate from the mesh network, which could cause confusion and connectivity issues for devices trying to connect to the network. It is best to use mesh network nodes to extend the coverage of the mesh network.