Difference Between Access Points and Range Extenders
Parameters | Access Point | Range Extender |
---|---|---|
Definition | It acts as a centralized hub point for the linking of wireless devices and networks to a wired network. | It extends the range of wireless signals to ensure no interruptions in the wireless network. |
Network Type | Access points are used to create wireless networks. | Range Extenders are used to repeat the existing wireless network. |
Network Coverage | Network coverage is increased to 100% using access points in a particular area. | Network coverage is increased to only 50% using range extenders in a particular area. |
Speed | Internet speed is not affected with access points as bandwidth is not reduced. | The Internet bandwidth is affected by range extender if the internet speed is more than the Wi-Fi coming from the router then it will lower the speed of the Internet. |
Functionality | It functions by making connections with wireless devices. | It expands the network coverage area by boosting the strength of the signal. |
Space | Access points are used for the network coverage of larger areas. | Range Extenders are used for the network coverage of smaller areas. |
Usage | The access points find their application in the corporate world like offices, etc. | The range extenders find their applications at home like increasing the performance of your wireless network. |
Better Option | For individuals, access points are not a better option. | For individuals, range extenders are a better option. |
Cost | It is not cost-effective in comparison to the extender. | It is cost-effective in comparison to access points. |
Support | Access Points support 60 devices which are three folds than range extenders. Thus fit for larger areas. | Range Extenders support 20 devices so does not fit the larger areas. |
Efficiency | Efficiency does not suffer. | In range extenders, throughput is reduced because as data travels, the wireless links using the same frequency will reduce the throughput to nearly half of its capacity. |
Access Point vs Range Extender
Wireless communication takes place over free space through RF (radio frequency), one device, the Transmitter sends a signal to another device, Receiver. Two devices (transmitter and receiver) must use the same frequency (or channel) to be able to communicate with each other. In this article, we will see, the basic difference between Access Point and Range Extender.
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