Wireless access points (AP) and routers are often thought of as the same thing.
While a wireless access point is indeed similar to a router, there are some differences.
What is a Wireless Access Point?
Over the years, AP have evolved to mean something different than they did when Wi-Fi first arrived on the scene.
Routers haven’t always had built in Wi-Fi. Before this came as standard, an AP was often added to a network to enable wireless devices to connect.
This addition means that devices that only have hard-wired connections can get wireless network ability. For example, a printer with no built-in wireless capability can have an access point added to with it wireless ability.
This was done by plugging in an Ethernet cable – the AP would than communicate with Wi-Fi devices, giving them network access.
Nowadays most routers have built in Wi-Fi and play many roles including being an AP, and so many don’t use dedicated AP as they have in the past.
However, many networks still use Access Points – they are particularly useful when dealing with Wi-Fi dead spots and extending wireless networks.
What is a Router?
A router is a network device that can transfer data wirelessly or wired – Anyone who has an internet connection has a router.
A router can be an access point, but an access point can’t be a router.
Routers forward data packets to the desired device and control LAN (Local Area Networks) or WAN (Wide Area Networks) networks.
An access point can be compared to a modem; While it can get online, a modem is limited in its functionality on managing multiple devices or controlling an entire network with many devices.
On the other hand, an entire home or small business can be managed by a router, giving network capability to many computers and devices simultaneously.
So Why Do People Buy Access Points?
Any network can have weak Wi-Fi signals or dead spots, which a router alone cannot manage.
An access point can be added in a particular location that has bad wireless network ability and result in good coverage throughout a home or business.
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