Do you ever feel like your wifi connection isn’t strong enough? Are there areas of your home that seem to be dead zones where data can’t reach? If so, then it might be time for you to consider an access point or an extender. But how do these two pieces of technology differ from each other? In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between an access point and an extender and explain which one is better suited for various scenarios. Read on to find out more about how these tools can help improve your overall internet experience!
What is Access Point?
Access Point is a device that connects users to a wireless local area network (WLAN) which enables them to access the internet without having to connect through an Ethernet cable. Access Points are most commonly used in businesses as they provide secure, remote, and reliable connections to employees, allowing them to stay productive while away from their desks.
They can also be used in homes, enabling multiple devices to have access to the same home Wi-Fi connection. Access Points are gaining popularity because of their easy setup, low cost, and other useful features such as increased range and throughput. They offer a fast, reliable way of keeping you connected on the go, allowing you to stay updated regardless of where you are.
What is Extender?
An Extender is a wireless networking device that extends the range and coverage of an existing wireless network. By connecting it to an access point or router, Extenders essentially create “mini-networks” within the parent wireless network, providing users in areas with limp Wi-Fi signals reliable internet access.
Extenders are particularly useful for large buildings and other locations with challenging layouts that make it difficult to establish strong, consistent Wi-Fi connections, such as those with multiple walls or long hallways. An Extender also can be used to separate distinct networks within the same building so information is further secured without needing to set up additional hardware. Extenders offer a simple yet effective way to provide users connection to their desired wireless networks.
Difference between Access Point and Extender
Access points (APs) and extenders are both used to increase the range of a WiFi network, but they are different devices with different functions.
- Access points connect directly to a router (or modem) using an Ethernet connection and allow for multiple connections, while extenders extend the existing network by relaying the signal from a router or access point to hard-to-reach places.
- Access points tend to be more expensive, offer higher data speeds than extenders, and provide better-extending coverage compared to their extended counterparts; however, they require more setup and can cause interference when placed too close together.
- On the other hand, extenders eliminate all that trouble by simply grabbing onto an existing wireless signal, and rebroadcasting it with better coverage and reliability than before, but at lower speeds.
Conclusion
An extender is typically going to be cheaper and can be plugged into an outlet closer to your devices for a better connection. However, if you have the budget for it and are looking for the strongest possible WiFi signal throughout your home, certainly consider investing in an access point.
