Wireless Access Point vs. Wi-Fi Extender: Which One Is Better for You?

Both wireless access point and Wi-Fi extenders can improve wireless network coverage and performance, but they work differently. This article aims to explain the main differences between access points and range extenders in terms of features, benefits, and application areas. By understanding the differences about wireless access point vs. Wi-Fi extender, readers can deploy the wireless solution that works best for them.

    

What is a Wireless Access Point in Networking?

     

Wireless AP Definition

     

Wireless AP (Access Point)  is a wireless switch used in wireless networks and is also the core of wireless networks. Wireless clients can access the wired network through it. It is mainly used in broadband homes, inside buildings, and inside parks. Typical distances cover tens to hundreds of meters. The current main technology is the 802.11 series.

 

How Access Point Works?

AP is usually connected to AC (Access Controller), which is the brain of AP and is used to centrally control the wireless APs in the LAN. Access controller manages APs including security and policy management such as automatic configuration, identity authentication, and access control lists. AP does not need to be configured separately. It is equivalent to a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks. Its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to Ethernet to achieve network coverage.

  

Advantages of WAP

  

Seamless roaming: This is the most essential advantage of WAP, in areas where WAPs are deployed, seamless roaming ensures smooth switching of connections between different access points, guaranteeing uninterrupted network connectivity.

 

Support more user access: Enterprise or commercial wireless APs can support more than 50 or even hundreds of user accesses, while having stronger signal transmitting and receiving capabilities.

 

Wider transmission range: The transmission distance of enterprise-grade wireless AP can reach more than 100m, and the signal transmission range is wider.

 

Multi-AP interconnection: Enterprises can flexibly design the required wireless program according to their own actual situation. Multi-AP interconnection can give full play to the advantages. Multi-AP applications are generally found in the enterprise, the family will rarely come into contact with. In order to expand the coverage area of wireless network and achieve the purpose of seamless roaming of clients in the network, multi-AP interconnection is chosen in order to expand the coverage area of wireless network.

 

Flexible networking: Wireless AP has a variety of networking methods, such as pure AP mode, bridge mode, multi-AP bridging, AP to AP bridging, etc., which can be used flexibly according to the environment and requirements.

       

Disadvantages of WAP

  

Currently not widely used: Many people think of wireless routers when setting up wireless networks, and few think of wireless APs, except for large hotels, guesthouses or public places. This is mainly because wireless APs cannot be used alone and often need to be used in conjunction with switches or ACs, which is troublesome. 

  

Expensive: The price of a wireless AP is often more expensive than that of a wireless router, so many people choose wireless routers instead of wireless APs. In addition, wireless APs require additional positioning equipment, which is more expensive.

 

What is a Wi-Fi Range Extender in Networking?

   

Wi-Fi  Extenders Meaning

   

A Wi-Fi extender is a device that works by receiving the original Wi-Fi signal and processing it, in the process, the strength of the signal is boosted in order to allow for a larger coverage area and better signal quality. When you share the same Wi-Fi network with your family or friends, you may encounter the problem that the signal is not strong enough or the coverage area is not wide enough, at this time, a Wi-Fi extender can solve your troubles and provide your network with a stronger signal and wider coverage area.

  

How Wi-Fi Extender Works?

  

The principle of Wi-Fi range extender is to extend the coverage of a wireless network by receiving signals from the original wireless router, then amplifying and re-sending them.

Specifically, the working principle of Wi-Fi range extender includes the following key steps:

   

Receive signal: Wi-Fi extender will first receive the wireless signal from the original wireless router, which is equivalent to a receiver.

   

Amplify signal: The received signal will be processed to enhance the original signal.

      

Resend the signal: The amplified signal will be resent by the Wi-Fi range extender to form a new Wi-Fi signal. Wi-Fi range extender is equivalent to a transmitter, spreading the enhanced signal.

      

Extended wireless network coverage: New Wi-Fi signals extend the coverage of wireless networks, allowing for better wireless coverage in areas where the signal is originally weak or inaccessible.

  

It should be noted that Wi-Fi range extender essentially extends the network range by re-transmitting the original signal, so when using Wi-Fi range extender you need to maintain good signal transmission between the amplifier and the original wireless router. At the same time, the performance and coverage of Wi-Fi range extender will also be affected by environmental interference, obstacles and other factors.

   

Advantages of Range Extender for Wi-Fi

   

First of all, it can enhance the signal strength, the Wi-Fi extender can make the Wi-Fi signal more powerful, so as to improve the stability and transmission speed of the network. Secondly, it can expand the coverage area, the extender can make your wireless network cover a wider area, especially very effective for homes with multiple rooms or floors. Thirdly, it's easy to install, most wireless extenders have a simple installation process that usually involves plugging them into a power outlet and synchronizing them with your existing wireless network in a few simple steps. Lastly, it's low cost. Compared to directly replacing a higher-performance router, using an extender is a much more cost-effective solution to improve the performance of your wireless network without upgrading your existing equipment.

   

Disadvantages of Range Extender for Wi-Fi

  

WiFi extender also has some drawbacks. First, because it extends based on the original signal, performance and speed may suffer, and the latency may become worse as the distance increases. Secondly, with multiple devices connected, the Wi-Fi extender may cause network congestion, which can slow down the entire network.

      

Range Extender vs Access Point: What's the Difference?

  

The following table details the differences between the range extender vs access point.