Wireless access points - what are they and how do they work?

Internet of things (IoT) is a collection of electronic, software, sensor, and network-connected devices, vehicles, buildings, and other items that can receive, send, and exchange data wirelessly via the internet.

It is becoming increasingly common to use IoT devices in both our personal and professional lives. In the modern world, everything from our cars to our homes, offices, and factories is connected to the Internet and equipped with sensors that collect data about our daily activities.

 

Access points are a key component of an Internet of Things system. A device that connects IoT devices to the internet and lets them communicate with each other is an access point.

In this sheet, we are going to share about differences between router, access point, their workflow, and how they are used in IT enterprises.

Difference Between Wi-Fi Router and Wireless Access point:

Despite their similar functions, wireless access points and wireless routers support Wi-Fi network connectivity. It is therefore natural to be confused. There is more like a twin pair here than a cousin pair between these two network devices. In the following, we will illustrate how the two are different.

In technology, two terms may seem synonymous, but they are not. Wireless Routers and Wireless Access Points are examples of such a pair. Understanding these technologies is important in today's wireless world. Therefore, we will look at the differences between Wireless Router and Wireless Access Point.

Wi-Fi Router:

Routers are devices that create networks so that all appliances within their range can connect to them. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) provide ethernet cables that connect your computer to the modem. In this case, we are creating a Local Area Network, or LAN.

A  WiFi router replaces wires with radio signals and works similarly to a wired router. In the past, internet connections required an Ethernet cable. Using this cable, you connected the router to the device you wanted to access the Internet. 

Wireless Access Point:

An access point is a piece of networking hardware that enables wireless devices to connect to wired networks. WiFi signals are transmitted in an area by a wireless access point connected to a wired router via Ethernet. There can be over 60 connections at once on an access point. Providing WiFi signals to users outside the router's range helps them stay connected.

To roam freely between different locations without experiencing network interruptions in large buildings and areas, access points must be placed in different locations. In addition to moving from one access point to another, users' devices also remain connected even if they switch between access points. Switching networks will not even be noticeable to users.

Wireless access points allow other devices to connect to an existing wireless network by creating an access point. There are various types of access points that connect the physical and digital worlds.

Indoor access point: Small businesses and homes typically use indoor access points. It is easy to set them up, they are small, and they are unobtrusive.

Outdoor access points: Access points designed for outdoor deployments, such as parks and city streets, are suitable for large-scale deployments. In addition to being weather-resistant, they can also withstand the elements.

Remote access point: When a wired connection isn't practical or possible, remote access points are used. Disaster recovery or rural areas are common uses for them.

Your IoT device and software need to be compatible with whatever type of access point you choose.

Difference:

Wireless Access Point	Wi-Fi Router
Expands your existing network wirelessly on one network.	Extending your network requires multiple routers or repeaters.
Wireless Access Points are used in a larger enterprise, where the area is large for one router to cover. Most large businesses will require many access points to provides services.	Using a wireless router, all users in a home or small office can be connected. Wireless routers can cover a large area, but when it comes to WiFi signals, there will still be weak signals and dead spots.
It is for users who are tired of redundant portions of their office due to dead zones.	To solve those dead spot and weak signals need an Wi-Fi router Extender.
Access point will not have a WAN port.	Wireless router will have a WAN (internet) port.

 

The main difference between both devices is pretty clear. A Router is used to initiate the Local Area Network, whereas, Wireless Access Point is used to extend it.