With the advancement of technology, different devices have been designed and manufactured. Some devices are designed to help you easily access Wi-Fi and give you the opportunity to experience the ultimate network performance. These devices include wireless access points and wireless routers. The functions, performance and efficiency of their runtimes are different. Let’s take a look at the differences between these network devices in enhancing your Wi-Fi experience.
What is a wireless access point?
A wireless access point is a network device designed to be used as a gateway through which you can connect the device to a local area network. You can use wireless access points to extend the wireless coverage of your existing home network. In addition, you can also use it to increase the number of users that can connect to your network.
The wireless access point device can be used as a hotspot for all Wi-Fi devices. To transmit signals via its built-in radio, you need to connect it to the router with an Ethernet cable.
There are two types of wireless access points, stand-alone access points and access points used in combination with existing routers. You can use a standalone access point in a small office or a large enterprise, or you can use a combined access point in your home.
What is a wireless router?
A wireless router is a network device designed to serve you in two ways. The first feature is that it can help you connect multiple devices-your phone, laptop, tablet, and any other electronic devices you own to set up a managed local area network (LAN). Second, it provides you with Internet access to all devices that have been connected to the router.
To set up a local area network, you need to install a router and connect the device to it. You can use Wi-Fi or Ethernet cables to accomplish this. The router then distributes and transmits data within the established local area network, but it must be connected to the device by your Internet provider via an Ethernet cable.
What is the difference between a wireless access point and router?
The difference between wireless access points and wireless routers is reflected in their functions, performance, and efficiency.
Function
The access point is used to expand the existing network, and the router is used to manage and control the path through which the signal passes when data is forwarded.
Performance
Wireless Router
The wireless router helps you connect the smart devices in the local area network by passing data packets between the two. This is done by assigning a local IP address to each device on the network. The wireless router can be used with or without a repeater, and can also be used as a repeater.
Wireless access point
The access point is directly connected to your network switch or main router via a data cable or Ethernet cable. By doing so, it provides the required bandwidth and Internet connection to the access point. When completed, it will transmit and pick up wireless signals in two frequency ranges, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The router can be used as an access point, but the access point cannot be used as a router.
Efficiency
Wireless access point
On the other hand, wireless access points allow more users to access. Compared with routers that can support connection logs of about 10 to 20 devices at the same time, a wireless access point allows you to connect to more than 50 devices at the same time because of its high ability to send and receive Wi-Fi signals.
Wireless Router
A technologically advanced router is usually efficient because it has different characteristics such as throughput speed, frequency band, and range coverage. Where this is not the case, there are alternatives, such as combining it with the use of extenders, repeaters, and wireless access points.
Comparison between access point and router
| Comparison | Access point | Router |
| Functionality | It provides a second centralized hub after a router where multiple devices join to connect to an existing local area network. | It is a hub that creates a local area network and controls all devices and their communication with the router. |
| Type of network | Broadcasts its own network | Joins two networks and creates its own signal |
| Suitable for | Homes networks and large businesses | Home networks and large businesses |
| Efficiency | Maintains network quality and expands user access | Maintains network quality but can be adjusted it is not efficient |
Conclusion
The network equipment you choose between routers and access points is largely affected by your network requirements.
Want to know more, please click here: Cisco Wireless, HPE Wireless, WiFi Routers, Huawei WiFi Routers, Xiaomi WiFi Routers
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