Wireless AP vs wireless router, what's the difference?

When deploying a network, many people may feel confused about the wireless AP and wireless router and don't know how to choose the right one. In this article, we will talk about their difference. Now let's get started with what they are exactly!

Part I. What are wireless AP and wireless router?

Wireless AP (Access Point) refers to enterprise wireless AP, which is also called "Fit AP". The issuing range of signals is. Therefore, it would be better to place it on high to cover more areas.

The wireless router is also called "Fat AP". In general, it means the family wireless router with wireless coverage for users to access the Internet.

Part II. Wireless AP vs wireless router, what's the difference?

1. Function

?

The wireless AP itself cannot directly connect to the Internet and needs to be used with AC products. The function of the wireless AP is to convert the wired network from the AC product into a wireless network. The popular saying and understanding are: the wireless AP is connected to the wired network. Network and Wi-Fi bridge.

?

A?wireless router?is a combination of an AP and a broadband router. With the help of the routing function, it can realize Internet connection sharing in the home wireless network. It can also be understood as a repeater to connect the broadband network connection to the home wall. The signal is forwarded to nearby wireless network devices (laptops, wifi-enabled mobile phones, and all devices with WIFI functions) through the antenna, that is, products that can directly convert wired networks to wireless networks. In addition to the wireless access function, it generally has two interfaces of WAN and LAN, supports address translation (NAT) function, and mostly supports security functions such as DHCP server, DNS, VPN access, and firewall. Some wireless router supports WiFi 6 and mesh networking. So?WiFi 6 router?would provide better Internet speed.

?

2. Application Scenarios

?

Wireless APs are generally used in medium and large-scale wireless network construction. A certain number of wireless APs and AC products are used to build a larger wireless network coverage. The usage scenarios are generally large shopping malls, supermarkets, scenic spots, hotels, corporate offices, etc.?Generally, it covers tens of meters to hundreds of meters. At present, the main technology is the 802.11 series.

?

Wireless routers are generally used in small wireless network construction and can work independently without the cooperation of AC and other products. Wireless routers are generally used in the home or home office scenarios.

?

3. Performance

Wireless APs can cooperate with AC products for centralized management. Thousands of wireless APs can be managed in a centralized manner, and the roaming function can be realized. Under the condition that the network is not dropped, the wireless network covers a wider area.

?

Wireless routers cannot be managed centrally, and need to be configured one by one. The configuration work is cumbersome, and the roaming function is not available. The wireless network coverage area is limited and the network is prone to disconnection.

?

4. Advanced features

?

Wireless AP cooperates with AC products for wireless network roaming, making wireless network connections more secure.

Wireless AP can cooperate with AC products to perform functions such as radio frequency optimization, making the wireless network faster and more stable.

The wireless AP can also cooperate with AC products to carry out wireless network marketing functions so that visitors connected to the wireless network can receive the advertisements sent by the wireless AP.

?

All in all, it depends on your demands to choose the wireless AP and wireless router. Comment below if you have any questions!