An access point, however, is a sub-device within the local area network that only provides access to the router's established network. Unambiguously speaking, a wireless router, playing the role of "Ethernet hub," helps in establishing a local area network by linking and managing all the devices connected to it. In a word, wireless routers can function as access points, but not all access points can work as routers. While a wireless access point usually comes as an inbuilt component of devices like routers, or Wi-Fi network extenders. In General, most wireless routers combine the functionality of a wireless AP, an Ethernet router, a basic firewall, and a small Ethernet switch. The differences between the two will be illustrated in the following. Actually, these two network devices are more like cousins than twins. Wireless access point and wireless router, both support Wi-Fi network connectivity and perform similar roles. Wireless Access Point vs Router, What Are the Differences? Additionally, a WAP can also be used for extending the wireless coverage of the existing network in case of the future increasing access requirements.įigure 2: Wireless Access Point Network Connection Scenario That is to say, the signals run from a router to an access point are transformed from wired to wireless. Generally speaking, a wireless AP enables devices that don't have an inbuilt Wi-Fi connection to access a wireless network with the aid of an Ethernet cable. The wireless AP can act as a stand-alone device or can be a component of a router.Īdditional Learning Resource: Distinguishing Fat APs & Fit APs Before Networking
#SOHO ROUTER VS ROUTER PASSWORD#
Besides, they also have firewalls and password protection functionality for defending against the potential threats outside of the LAN.įigure 1: Wireless Router Network Connection ScenarioĪ wireless access point, also known as wireless AP or WAP, stands for a networking hardware appliance that adds Wi-Fi capability to the existing wired network by bridging traffic from wireless stations into wired LAN.
#SOHO ROUTER VS ROUTER TV#
For enterprise routers, they support IPTV/digital TV services and can be used for Voice over IP (VoIP) calls. Over time, wireless routers, providing a user-friendly installation without cabling, are increasingly becoming the "darling" for many homes and small offices.Ī wireless router refers to a network device that performs the functions of a router by connecting WiFi-enabled devices, like laptops, smartphones, tablets, and such wirelessly. Traditionally, a router was connected to other LAN (local area network) devices through Ethernet cables for wired networking. As an intelligent device, the router is enabled to direct incoming and outgoing traffic on the network in an efficient way. Then what about the wireless AP (access point)? Is it the SAME thing with the router? Absolutely not! Wireless access point vs wireless router, we'll help you distinguish the two different wireless network devices in the following content.Ī router is a network device that can transfer data in a wired or wireless way. Wait half a jiff, have you ever thought about what wireless equipment is working for your unimpeded network? Surely, you've heard people around talking about "routers" from time to time. At 9:00 PM: you're watching a live show with your phone at home. At 9:00 AM: you're having a video conference via your laptop at your office.
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