Choosing the right WiFi access point for your home. The difference between a router and an access point
Wireless networks have enveloped our homes and apartments. It is difficult to imagine a modern apartment, office or even a cafe without the presence of wireless wired network Wi-Fi access. Wi-Fi networks provide fast and convenient connection to the network with a minimum of labor costs. But wireless networks cannot appear on their own; special network devices are needed to create them. One such device is a Wi-Fi hotspot. I will tell you what it is and how to choose it in this article.
First, you need to define the terminology.
Wireless access point- This base station, designed to provide access to already existing network(wireless or wired) or creating a new wireless network.
The access point cannot independently distribute network settings IP, it does not have functions like a firewall, traffic routing, etc.
The access point receives the Internet from the router/modem and distributes it via Wi-Fi. Of course, there are more advanced models that are equipped with DHCP, Firewall, and network segmentation functions, but these are often quite expensive models, and it’s not at all a fact that you need them. It is also important to remember that the access point has only one network connector with all the ensuing consequences.
Router(router, router (from English router) or router) - specialized network device having two or more network interfaces and forwarding data packets between different network segments. A router is a device into which a cable from your Internet provider (WAN port) is connected, and then distributes the Internet to all devices of your home network.
It would seem, what do access points and routers have to do with it? Everything is very simple - most modern routers already have built-in functions for creating wireless networks, which means that to create your home wireless network, a router that will take on all the necessary functions will be enough.
However, it is not always possible to get by with just a wireless router. Very often situations arise when it is necessary to create an additional wireless network based on an existing wired network, or your router cannot cover the entire required amount of space, and often it is simply necessary to transfer the functions of creating a wireless network to separate devices, to reduce the load on the main router. In addition, using access points, you can connect two segments of a wired network - “bridge” mode. There are many uses for a wireless access point.
Specifications
External designBased on their external design, access points can be divided into those intended for external placement (outside premises) and for indoor placement. Placing an access point outdoors imposes certain specifics on the external design - a stronger and more protected case, standard wall mounts, etc.
Installation
Also, the type of placement of the access point may depend on the external design. To standard wall or tabletop versions in in this case an option for installation in a socket is added. The last option is perfect for repeaters. It allows you to place the access point compactly and without unnecessary wires by simply plugging it into an outlet.
Operating frequency
Transmitter operating frequency – the frequency at which the access point operates. There are two options - 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. There are also access points capable of operating at both 2.5 GHz and 5 GHz.
Wi-Fi standards
Wi-Fi standards allow you to evaluate maximum speed wireless network operation and, in most cases, the frequency range used (but actual speed performance depends on many factors, so the supported standard can only give an approximate idea of speed performance).
· 802.11 - original 1 Mbit/s and 2 Mbit/s, 2.4 GHz and IR standard (1997).
· 802.11a - 54 Mbit/s, 5 GHz standard (1999).
· 802.11b - improvements to 802.11 to support 5.5 and 11 Mbit/s (1999).
· 802.11g - 54 Mbit/s, 2.4 GHz standard (backwards compatible with b) (2003).
· 802.11n - increased data transfer speed (600 Mbit/s). 2.4-2.5 or 5 GHz. backward compatibility from 802.11a/b/g (September 2009).
· 802.11ac - new standard IEEE. Data transfer speed is up to 6.77 Gbps for devices with 8 antennas. Approved in January 2014.
· 802.11ad - a new standard with an additional 60 GHz band (frequency does not require licensing). Data transfer speed - up to 7 Gbit/s.
Transmitter power
The output power of the transmitter affects the strength and distance of the signal. The higher the power, the theoretically, the longer distance the signal spreads, including better penetration of room walls. But you can’t just go out and buy the most powerful access point. The thing is that in Russia the law limits the transmitter power to 100 mW (20 dBm). Anything more powerful must be registered and permission to use the frequency obtained. For this reason, almost all access points have a transmitter whose power is exactly 20dBm. More powerful models This is usually professional equipment.
Maximum wireless connection speed
The access point's support for any Wi-Fi standard allows us to draw only approximate conclusions about the possible network speed. So, for example, 802.11n promises us up to 600 Mbit/s, but this is only with simultaneous use 4 antennas (MIMO technology), respectively, to predict possible data transfer rates, it is best to pay attention to the declared speed characteristics of the access point.
Number of antennas
A parameter inextricably linked with the previous discussion point. The more antennas the access point has, the higher the maximum speed of the wireless network, but remember that on the side of the client device (for example, your laptop) there must also be the same number of antennas, otherwise some of them will simply not be used.
In addition, antennas operate in different frequency ranges. For example, if an access point has 6 antennas, then most likely 4 of them are used in the 2.5 GHz range, and 2 in the 5 GHz range.
Antenna type
Antennas can be internal or external. External ones, in turn, can be either removable or non-removable. A removable antenna or its absence will allow you to later install an antenna that is more suitable for your characteristics. For example, with a high gain or the radiation pattern you need, which will improve the signal quality in your area.
Ethernet port speed
The access point is connected to a wired network via an Ethernet port, and accordingly this parameter can become a “bottleneck” if selected incorrectly. If active interaction with a wired network is expected, creating backup copies, working in “bridge” mode, transferring “heavy” files, etc., it is recommended to select an access point with high Ethernet speed port, for example 1000 Mbit\s. If you are using a wireless network just to access the Internet, and your provider cannot provide you with a speed of more than 100 Mbit/s, then a 100 Mbit/s port will be enough for an access point. This parameter is also important when it is intended to work in the “reverse” mode, when Internet access is provided via a Wi-Fi network, and it must be distributed via a wired network.
PoE support
PoE (Power over Ethernet) is a technology that allows you to transmit to a remote device electrical energy along with data, via standard twisted pair V Ethernet networks. Allows you to power the access point from the router/switch to which it is connected. This technology will be useful if the access point is located far from electrical outlets, and running a separate cable for power is problematic. But PoE support increases the cost of the device, and is usually found in professional solutions.
Operating modes
Access point
The simplest and most understandable mode of operation is to simply create a wireless network to which your devices connect. Creating a network based on the existing wired network to expand its capabilities. 
Bridge Mode
This mode serves to connect two wired networks independent from each other. So to speak, a “wireless Ethernet extender” for combining two network segments. 
Repeater Mode
Repeater mode (also known as repeater) is a simple signal repeater designed to increase the range of a wireless network. 
WISP
An operating mode in which the access point receives the Internet not via wire, but via wireless channel, and then distributes it both over a wired interface and over a wireless network.
Router
The mode of operation of the access point as a router allows you not only to create a wireless network based on the existing wired network infrastructure, but also to independently route networks, including distributing network settings (DHCP), filtering traffic (firewall), etc.
Signal amplifier
In essence, this is the repeater operating mode, but in some cases such devices work exclusively to amplify the existing signal, and are not capable of operating in bridge mode. Also, some models may not have an ethernet port.
If you need to expand your existing wireless network, or in the far corners of your apartment there is a signal level, but it is too weak and unstable, then you should pay attention to signal repeaters (amplifiers). Moreover, in the simplest version it will be a fairly compact device that simply plugs into an outlet.
After determining the type of access point, you need to select speed indicators.
There are many Wi-Fi standards that differ not only in speed, but also in the frequency at which the wireless network operates. When selecting an access point this moment also needs to be taken into account. The most common is the 2.4 GHz band. Most client devices support these frequencies and will be able to work with such access points without problems. Creating a Wi-Fi network at 5 GHz has both its pros and cons. This frequency range is less congested (at the moment), and therefore is able to provide you with better speed performance. One access point can support both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, but there are also devices designed exclusively for the 5 GHz band. You also need to check whether your devices support this range. Support for a second frequency range increases the cost of the device, but also provides more capabilities. You can create several wireless networks in different frequency ranges and use them depending on the workload.
As for the supported Wi-Fi standards, the situation is somewhat similar to ranges - all devices on your wireless network must support the same standards. So, for example, if your laptop only supports 802.11b/g/n, then you just need to buy an access point that supports only these standards. Naturally, no one forbids you to buy a more advanced access point, so to speak for the future, for example with support for 802.11a/ac/b/g/n. But you can feel the effect of increased speed when using more advanced standards only after replacing your laptop with a more advanced one that supports these standards wireless communication. The same is true for mobile electronics (smartphones, tablets).
Don't forget about the maximum data transfer speed. In most cases for Internet surfing, including viewing streaming video, 150 Mbit/s will be enough, and for more demanding customers, for example, for Reserve copy or transfer large files over the network - from 600 Mbit/s. A high speed wireless network is also needed when the access point is operating in repeater mode, and if active interaction between devices in the wireless network itself is expected.
I would advise residents of high-rise buildings to use access points capable of operating in the 5 GHz range (don’t forget that your devices should also be able to do this) simply because it is less loaded and you can get more high speeds.
There are also non-standard situations, for example, you need to connect a remote segment of a wired network, and the distance is so great that two access points in bridge mode simply cannot see each other. Then one solution could be to install a signal amplifier in the middle of the circuit, resulting in a mixed bridge-repeater-bridge circuit. 
Results
When choosing a Wi-Fi access point, you need to clearly determine in what mode it will operate (access point, repeater, bridge), understand which devices you are going to connect to the wireless network, and which Wi-Fi standards they support (to create a bridge connection, it is advisable to select identical devices or at least one manufacturer). And based on this data, select a specific device.In addition to all of the above, it is worth adding a few words about the transmitter power. In general, the higher the power, the greater the distance the Wi-Fi signal will travel (although in reality a lot depends on the presence of obstacles and the radiation pattern of the antenna, but this is a topic for another discussion). Accordingly, if you think that you may encounter insufficient signal strength, then it is better to immediately pay attention to more powerful access points, or access points with removable antennas. Then, if necessary, it will be possible to install an antenna with a higher gain. But you shouldn’t immediately buy an access point with the highest transmitter power and high antenna gain, firstly, the more powerful the access point, the more expensive it is, and secondly, powerful access points create strong interference others, which means one of your neighbors will experience problems with their wireless network.
It's no secret that despite the stated transmission capabilities Wi-Fi signal at a distance of up to 400 meters in open space and up to 100 meters indoors, the actual figures are significantly lower.
What is the problem with Wi-Fi
The culprit is barriers in the form of walls, interference with other wireless networks that are teeming with modern world, and the very power of wireless devices is often limited due to legislative regulation and banal economic reasons.
As a result, many users encounter problems when wireless connection over Wi-Fi in the form of slowdowns, freezes and periodic “dropping” of the Internet.
Surprisingly, this is faced not only by owners of large estates and office workers, but also by relatively small apartments, since the signal in them is often interrupted by interference from neighboring routers. I have seen this picture more than once in a Wi-Fi analyzer.
The most common Wi-Fi standard, 802.11n, operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz and provides only 3 non-overlapping bands. This means that if there are more wireless networks that you see on your laptop or smartphone, they begin to interfere with each other. There are several ways out of this situation.
Transition to 5 GHz frequency
This option is more radical and involves moving to the more modern 802.11ac standard with a frequency of 5 GHz, which provides significantly more non-overlapping bands. In addition, this frequency is not yet overloaded by other networks.
But the transition to the 5 GHz frequency also has several significant disadvantages. First of all, this is the need to purchase a more expensive Wi-Fi router.
You will also have to purchase a separate 802.11ac adapter for each device (computer, laptop) that does not support this standard. This is still a considerable additional expense.
Many smartphones and tablets cannot be connected at all, since they do not support the 5 GHz frequency, and connecting an adapter to them is quite problematic and inconvenient.
In addition, Wi-Fi at 5 GHz has significantly less range and is more likely to be blocked by obstacles. So in the case of even an average-sized apartment, 2-3 walls from the router can significantly drown out the transmitter signal.
2.4 GHz Signal Boost
In this case, everything is much simpler and cheaper; you only need to amplify the signal in the widespread 802.11n range, which is supported by all modern devices.
More strong signal It will be better at breaking through walls, over greater distances, and dominating competing networks without being overwhelmed by interference.
Often, this is enough to change the router to another one with a more powerful transmitter and antennas with higher gain.
You don't have to purchase additional adapters for other devices, and smartphones and tablets will connect without any problems at all.
But this method also has several disadvantages. More powerful router will cost 1.5-2 times more than usual. By installing such a router, you will disturb your neighbors and interrupt their Wi-Fi. In addition, excessive radiation in the 2.4 GHz range is not very good for health.
Installing an access point
The most reasonable and the right option There will be an installation of an additional access point, which can be found both in the 5 GHz band and in the good old 2.4 GHz. This method has a number of significant advantages.
An access point usually costs less than a similar router in the same frequency range and it is specifically designed for signal relaying, while not all routers can operate in bridge mode.
In a large house or apartment, you can install several additional access points that will provide good coverage throughout the room. They are usually small and can be hung anywhere - on the wall, ceiling, or just placed on the nightstand.
The access point is quite compact, does not require laying an information cable, it only needs an outlet nearby or a separate power cable, and some can simply be plugged into an outlet.
The power of the access point is limited to standard values; it will not interfere with your neighbors or provide unnecessary Negative influence for health and at the same time will ensure a reliable connection of your devices to the Internet, as it will simply be closer to them.
You can purchase an access point at any computer store. But, if you are interested in high-quality professional equipment for a large residential premises or office in Ukraine, we recommend visiting the website http://www.technotrade.com.ua/catalog-654, where you can also purchase separate powerful antennas for remote areas or rural areas and a variety of network equipment.
Nowadays, the Internet has become so integrated into the lives of ordinary people that the first thing that arises when moving to a new home is the question of running an Internet cable there. But if previously most people had only one computer in their apartment, now each family member has a separate personal gadget with Internet access, and they are all connected not via a cable, but via a Wi-Fi interface, so the problem of purchasing equipment arises. which can satisfy these needs. When you come to the store you will see great amount various types devices (routers, access points, repeaters) that are similar in functionality, and how can you buy exactly what you really need from everything presented?
Network equipment, although it performs similar tasks, differs in its functionality and capabilities
When choosing wireless communication equipment for their home, many users do not see the difference between Acess Point and Router and often buy the wrong thing. It would seem that both equipment distributes a Wi-Fi signal, but the difference between them is colossal.
What is an access point?
An access point is a regular wireless interface splitter that allows you to cover a certain area of your apartment with a radio signal. Most often, the device is used to:
- Receive Internet traffic and broadcast it to other gadgets via Wi-Fi. That is, we connect our AP to existing network equipment (to a router that does not have a wireless interface or to a computer) and it, in turn, transmits a signal via radio frequencies to your gadgets.
- Receive radio signals from your gadgets and transmit them further via cable (feedback).
- Acess Point is also used in repeater (repeater) mode to increase the coverage area of an existing Wi-Fi. That is, if you already have a Router and you need to transmit the signal further to client machines, then installing a TD will help solve this problem.
What is a router?
Routers, or routers as they are also called, are a much more complex device. Among other things, they differ in that with their help you can organize new network, and the TD is already built in there. Router features:
- Distribution of Internet data packages between devices.
- Assignment and distribution of IP addresses for gadgets connected to it.
- Defence from hacker attacks With external network(built-in firewall).
- Internet speed limit for various devices your network, as well as filtering MAC addresses, IP addresses and other parameters to limit the penetration of other clients into your network.
From this we can conclude that a Wi-Fi router is a router with a built-in access point, and the AP itself cannot do anything except distribute Wi-Fi. That is, if we need to provide ourselves with a wireless interface in our apartment, then we need to buy a router. You can limit yourself to purchasing an AP only if you already have a router without Wi-Fi function.
Wireless networks today are used not only to connect a computer to the Internet. Tablets, smartphones, smart TVs and other “smart” equipment use this technology to connect to the Internet. Well, to organize a home Wi-Fi network you will need a device such as a wireless access point.
What you need to know to the average user when purchasing a device for creating Wi-Fi home networks
For a small apartment or private suitable for home Almost any Wi-Fi access point or router, therefore, if you have a small home, you can purchase the cheapest device.
More a difficult situation- spacious a private house or a multi-room apartment in an old building. In a spacious home, the cheapest Wi-Fi access point may not reach every room, especially if the walls between rooms are solid. In such a situation, you will have to purchase more powerful Wi-Fi access point or router. Another solution is to buy two cheap points and set them up working together. Another method to consider is purchasing an access point and repeater. The specific location of access points or point and repeater (repeaters) is individual and depends on the configuration of the housing, the number of floors, and the materials from which the floors and walls of the house are made.
Is it worth buying more expensive access points?
To create a Wi-Fi network in a room or small apartment, budget equipment is quite suitable. Yes, today you can find devices on sale that support the most modern standards and frequency, but the increase in operating efficiency will be noticeable only if they are supported by client devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones).
You may also have the following questions:
Is it worth buying an access point with multiple ? It is desirable to have at least two antennas.
Is it important that the antenna on the point is removable? This is convenient if in the future you want to change it to one that has a higher gain.
Do you need additional features access points? For ordinary home use- no, but the ability to work with 3G or 4G USB modems will be a plus.
Laptop owners prefer to create their own wireless point at home access with the possibility of access to Internet. This allows you to preserve the main advantage of using mobile devices.
Instructions
First select the Wi-Fi router (). This device must have a sufficient signal propagation area and must also be suitable for wireless adapters laptops. Read the instructions for mobile devices.
If you do not have a paper version of the manual, then visit the official website of the manufacturer of your laptop model or of this adapter wireless communication. Buy a suitable Wi-Fi router.
Install this device in the required location. Connect it to the mains. Connect the connection cable to the WAN (DSL) or Internet connector located on the device body.
Turn on your laptop or desktop. Connect it network card with the Ethernet (LAN) connector of the router. Launch your browser. Fill in the web address input field Wi-Fi IP address router. You can find it in the instructions for the equipment.
Now create your own Wi-Fi hotspot access. To do this, go to the Wireless Setup menu. Set the password (password) and name (SSID) of your wireless point access. Choose from the available types of data encryption the one that your laptops can handle. Save point parameters access.
Video on the topic
To connect to the Internet mobile computers and other devices working with Wi-Fi networks, use special equipment. It is necessary to create a point access to a wireless network.
Usually wireless dots access They call the devices themselves with which the network is created. Their main purpose is to connect several computers, tablets and communicators into a wireless local network. Modern points access can perform a variety of functions.Usage wireless technologies eliminates the need to lay a large number of network cables. Naturally, when using Wi-Fi routers, users can maintain the mobility of laptops, because there is no need to connect cables to them access to the Internet. Routers and routers can be used to create a common network that includes both wireless devices, so desktop computers. Now wireless points access became widespread in public places. These could be cafes, airports, libraries, and so on. The use of wireless technologies allows us to provide customers and visitors free access on the Internet. You can often find wireless points access, used to create home networks. Installing your own Wi-Fi router allows you to connect several devices to the Internet at once, combining them into single network. This method allows you to save money without having to pay a large number of agreements with the provider. Large enterprises sometimes install several points access. They are combined into shared network, thereby ensuring communication between all computers and laptops located in this area. This method allows you to organize a single wireless network even in residential areas. It is worth noting that wireless points access allow you to quickly control the local network they form. Sometimes this makes the task much easier for network administrators.
The widespread use of laptops has led to the fact that many people prefer to use wireless networks inside their own home or apartment. To create a Wi-Fi access point, it is recommended to use certain devices.
Nowadays WiFi wireless network is used for almost all devices: laptops, Cell phones, netbooks, PDAs. This technology makes it more convenient for us and quick access to the Internet. Many providers now offer WiFi access in Internet. To take advantage of the technology wireless access, You need to use a router or access point. Both of these devices use WiFi channel and are designed to provide radio coverage (AP mode), but, nevertheless, they are fundamentally different from each other. Although the router can operate in access point mode and has more advanced functions than just an access point. The router mode is determined by its settings. By default, the router is set to access point mode and there are many instructions on how to configure the router as an access point.
So what is the difference between a wireless router and an access point? This difference is determined by the capabilities of the device and the visual difference. The access point functions practically as a radio cable extender. You simply transfer the signal from the provider cable to the computer. This gives you the opportunity to use the wired connection with the Internet of your computer. If you use an access point, then you will have to set the provider settings in the tcp/ip protocol settings, and it is quite difficult to connect more than one laptop to such a device. After all, for the second laptop you will have to use a different IP address. And a device like wireless router is a router that already has an access point built into it. With its help, you can already create a network at home and connect several devices without any problems.
In addition, using an access point in itself will not provide you with protection from network intrusions. In this case, for protection, you will have to use the firewall capabilities on your computer. In the router you can configure protection against network attacks. Some of the advantages of using an access point include the fact that you don’t have to configure port forwarding for torrents and dc. A standard access point provides signal reception within a radius of 200-250 meters, if there are no obstacles in the signal path that reduce the signal power (concrete walls, iron structures).
If we visually compare the router and the access point, we can note that the access point is equipped with only one Ethernet port, and standard routers there are five of them (four LAN ports and one WAN port).
As a rule, the WAN port is separated from the rest and is connected to network cable from the provider. On the front panel of the router are usually installed indicator lights, signaling that a cable is connected to a particular port. LAN ports are connected via twisted pair to clients of your local network, created by the router.
By default, access points have a DHCP server disabled by default, and therefore, to connect to it via WiFi or Ethernet, you must assign it a static IP address. Using an Ethernet port, the access point can connect via Static IP or DHCP. You definitely need to know what connection protocol your provider has installed.
WiFi routers are more functional in this regard. In addition to the usual Static IP and DHCP protocols, they can also support a VPN connection with the PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP protocols.
You can often hear that WiFi routers are also called routers and gateways. During their operation, routers act as a gateway to access the Internet, because they connect several networks (WAN, LAN, WLAN) and are installed exactly at the junction. This ability to connect multiple networks is provided by the NAT translation protocol. Access points do not have this function. Using the NAT protocol, the router can convert the IP address received from the ISP into local IP addresses order 192.168.0.0-192.168.255.255. Using a router, you can, through one contract with the provider, simultaneously connect several more clients to the channel. Thus, the provider can get by with fewer IP addresses, and you can connect several clients per channel.
From all that has been said, we can conclude that a WiFi router has a greater number of application possibilities and is therefore more versatile. With its help you can build a home or small office network. Access points have broader functionality for setting up a network. Their use is justified in creating large networks over a large area of premises.
Router operating modes
The design of the router allows it to be used in different modes work (access point, bridge, repeater, client).
Router as an access point
Router mode wi fi access point is the main one for WiFi work equipment and is called AP (Access Point). The router, in access point mode, creates a radio coverage area around itself at a certain distance, determined by the signal output power. All devices located within this zone and capable of working as an AP client ( WiFi adapters and selected access point models) can be connected to a WiFi network.
Thus, a wifi router access point is used to connect to a WiFi network and this mode is set by default in routers.
Router in client mode
In the main mode, AP-client is available only for WiFi routers. Selected models access points are also equipped with this functionality and can operate in this mode. In this mode, the router allows you to connect a computer or other devices to WiFi networks. For example, if you receive the Internet via a radio channel, and then it is distributed via cable to desktop computers.
Router - bridge mode
In this mode, you can connect two remote segments of an Ethernet network via a radio channel, if in certain places you cannot make a wired connection or you simply do not want to lay a cable. When you connect two access points with a bridge connection, the network formed by them will be invisible. This feature greatly increases the protection of your network from outside connections.
Setting up a bridge router requires that the SSID, channel, and encryption type of these devices match.
Setting up a router in bridge mode
To configure the router in bridge mode, you first need to change the password on the router and configure Wi-Fi. And then go to the router settings and open the SETUP menu and select Network Setting. In the window that opens, you need to set the Wan Port Mode to Bridge Mode.
A connection with the same functionality can be created if
make a circuit of two devices. On one side there should be a device operating in AP mode, and on the other side there should be an access point connected that operates in AP-client mode.
This connection can provide very good performance. The only drawback here is that the network's SSID is broadcast over the air, depriving your network of its invisibility properties.
Router in repeater mode
Very often a situation arises when you need to expand your network access area. There are many options for solving this problem, including using a router as a repeater.
In this mode, the router works as a signal amplifier of the main router. A router configured in repeater mode receives the signal and accordingly transmits it further, thereby increasing the reception radius. In this mode, to obtain best results you need to position the repeater, wifi router in the middle, at the same distance from the main router (or access point) and your computer.
What is the difference between a router and a WiFi access point?