We explain the difference between access point and extender with table. In recent years, there has been tremendous growth in the use of the Internet. In turn, this has facilitated the growing popularity of the use of wireless networking devices, especially in workplaces that allow workers to perform their work from remote areas without even being physically present at the site in question. Some of the main examples of these wireless network devices are Access Points and Extenders. access point and extender
An access point is the technical term used to describe a centralized wireless fidelity (WiFi) hub. Allows multiple wireless networks and devices to connect to the same local area network via an Ethernet cable and present a Wi-Fi signal in a selected area.
An extender, on the other hand, is used to expand the range of a wireless network. To do this, the extender replicates the signals coming from a WiFi router and generates an additional network. Consequently, it acts as a booster for existing WiFi networks. access point and extender
The difference between an access point and an extender is that the former serves as a centralized hub to which various devices and wireless networks are connected. The latter, on the other hand, serves as a connection amplifier to eliminate any type of disturbance from the network.
Comparison table between access point and extender (in tabular form)
Comparison Access Point Extender Parameter
| Definition | It is like a base station that allows multiple wireless devices to join the same LAN. | It is a wireless network device that provides reinforcement to an existing connection so that its coverage area can be expanded. |
| Network type | Create your network. | Replicate an existing network. |
| Useful for | Large companies and residential networks. | Home Networks. access point and extender |
| Network quality | It does not compromise the quality of the network. | The quality of the network deteriorates by 50 percent. |
| Feasibility | It is quite expensive and difficult to create new access points. | It is cost effective and easier to use multiple extenders. |
What is the access point?
It is a wireless network hardware device that allows other WiFi networks and devices to connect to the wireless local area network (WLAN) created by it. An accent point simply connects to a router, modem, or switch using an Ethernet cable to transmit and receive signals through built-in radios. However, it can also be used as a standalone device. access point and extender
As an access point, it provides and supports the network of various wireless devices such as laptops, smartphones and tablets, etc. But they are distinguished from hotspots because the latter is a specific place where a WiFi connection can be found.
Access points are often mistaken for ad hoc networks. But it is important to note that the latter connects two or more devices directly when they are in range and do not require an accent point. Also, in stark contrast to access points, ad hoc networks work well with only a small number of devices and also when they are closer to each other.
Standalone access points are primarily used in large companies or small offices to extend the range of an existing WiFi network. While those combined with an existing router are mainly used in residential areas. access point and extender
Some of the main advantages of access points are as follows:
- Access points provide the freedom to scale the number of devices that will be supported on a particular network, especially on sixty simultaneous networks each.
- Enterprise-grade access points can be placed anywhere an Ethernet cable can be installed. Consequently, no separate power line or contour is required near the access point.
- With the help of additional features such as access control list support and captive portals, guest access can be limited without disturbing connection security, while easily managing multiple devices within a WiFi network.
- The selected access points are part of a clustering feature that enables IT administrators to observe, configure, deploy, and secure a wireless network as a single unit rather than as a set of separate access point configurations.
Despite these important advantages, access points also have some limitations. access point and extender
- They need to be wired into the router by deploying a network cable.
- A Power over Ethernet (POE) or outlet is required to power them in case there is no easy access to the power supply.
What is Extender?
Acts as a wireless repeater. As the name suggests, it is used to extend the range of an existing wireless connection. It creates a replica of the existing WiFi network that serves as additional support and thus helps to increase the WiFi coverage of the main router. Consequently, they are placed between an access point and the most distant client on an existing connection.
It is quite evident that the Extender also performs the task of a WiFi amplifier but they are not the same. What distinguishes a WiFi extender from a WiFi extender is that the former becomes useful in those situations and areas where the latter is not enough. In other words, a WiFi Extender is more efficient and stable than a WiFi amplifier. access point and extender
Extenders are primarily used to achieve a small increase in the range of a particular network. They serve best when the customer does not need a strong connection to operate or when they are not using urgent applications such as those used for streaming or gaming. In other words, extenders are not very useful for high-performance networks.
In addition, extenders can be useful primarily for residential spaces that connect only a few devices and without the intention of providing networks to those outside the home. By capturing and relaying the network from an existing router, they help to transmit the signal to the corners of the house where the connection is non-existent or weak.
Despite being a very stable WiFi network source, Wireless Extenders have their downsides:
- They can perform their functions efficiently only when they are compatible with the wireless networking capabilities of the existing router.
- They require two-way communications, that is, capturing the signal provided by the router and then waiting for client devices to wake up after you’ve thrown the signal at them.
- They should be carefully placed near the router; otherwise, signal speed and performance may experience a 50 percent loss.
Main differences between the access point and the extender
- Both terms are related to wireless networks. But an access point acts as the centralized hub for networks, while an extender acts as a booster for existing networks.
- An access point creates its own wireless local area network. Whereas an extender creates a replica of an existing network. access point and extender
- Access points are useful for large or small offices and residential areas. While extenders are useful for home networks, but not so much for large offices.
- Despite expanding the coverage area of an existing connection, the use of multiple extenders can degrade the performance and speed of the existing network. While the creation of new access points not only extends the reach of a network but also ensures that the quality of the connection does not deteriorate.
- It is easier and cheaper to use multiple extenders instead of building new access points.
Final Thought
There is a lot of confusion about the use of the term access point and extender. These confusions are generated by the fact that certain wireless network devices perform both the functions of acting as a centralized network hub and an amplifier for existing WiFi networks. access point and extender
However, they are completely different from each other not only in terms of their meaning, but also in terms of their role in networking.
