At a glance, access points and network routers can appear similar to many people, and they even share a few similar tasks, however they function quite differently and take on distinct responsibilities within the network. Understanding these differences is key to crafting a network that is fast, dependable, and secure, as it helps you select the right gear for the right job. In this blog, we’ll break down what each device does, point out how they different, and guide you to the option that best suits your particular networking requirements. 

What is a Router? 

A router is the most important device for home and small business networks, serving as a traffic manager. It is a small computer and networking device that forwards data packets between distinct networks. Its primary job is to funnel the internet connection into your network. After linking to your internet service provider (ISP) via a modem, the network router directs traffic to other devices using a combination of wired Ethernet lines and Wi-Fi signals.  Routers carry out several important tasks: 

• Internet routing: They route traffic between your home devices and the internet, ensuring data flows in both directions.
• IP address management: Routers issue unique IP addresses to each device on the network, enabling them to identify and talk to each other.
• Security: Many routers come with built-in firewalls and security protocols to help safeguard the network from unauthorized access.
• Device coordination: Routers facilitate communication between devices on the same network, allowing, for example, seamless file sharing between computers.

Most home routers are designed as compact all-in-one units, combining routing, Wi-Fi, and sometimes modem functionality into a single device. 

What’s an Access Point? 

An access point (AP) is a hardware unit that expands a wired network by allowing Wi-Fi devices to connect. It serves as a wireless doorway to the LAN without controlling internet traffic, extending the network’s reach while leaving routing to the main router. 

Access points are commonly used in large homes or office spaces where one router’s signal cannot cater to all the rooms in the space. They are also used for networks that need more simultaneous device connections than one router can provide in an efficient manner. They are also used by business or enterprise networks with many users and high demands.

Access points help to increase your network’s wireless coverage by connecting to your router and spreading Wi-Fi signals. The primary roles of access points are connectivity, Extending Wi-Fi coverage in an existing network, network management, handling routing and security, relaying data between devices and router, Wi-Fi capability. However, to provide the wifi, they require routers. Access points are for standalone use and require an existing router to be operating. 

When Should You Use a Router? 

You need a network router if you are setting up a new home or office network. If you want to connect multiple wired or wireless to the internet. If you need basic network management features like firewall protection, parental controls, or guest networks. 

A router is the foundation of your network in most cases. Even if you are using access points, you need the router as access points rely on the router for IP assignment and internet access. 

When Should You Use an Access Point? 

You should consider adding an access point when your Wi-Fi signal is weak in certain areas of your home or office. If you are supporting a large number of wireless devices. You are running a wired network and want to provide Wi-Fi access in specific areas or if you are building a large enterprise network with multiple access zones. Access points are especially useful in larger environments or buildings with multiple floors where a single router’s signal can’t reach all corners. 

Which Should You Choose?

For most home users, a quality router with strong Wi-Fi capabilities is enough. If you live in a large house or experience dead zones, adding one or more access points can solve coverage issues. For offices or businesses, you’ll often need both. Using a central router with multiple access points distributed across the space for consistent coverage and better performance. 

If you are not sure what to use in the beginning, start with a router and expand your network with access points only if you feel like you need them. Many modern routers also support access point mode, which can help repurpose old routers to expand Wi-Fi range. 

Conclusion

Routers and wireless access points have very different roles, but they compliment each other greatly in a network. Choosing the right setup depends on your space, your need for usage, and the number of devices that will be connected to your server. For home users, wireless routers are the best option as they do not need to cater to a larger server. However, for people who have a widespread space with many users, they could add wireless access points to existing networks to increase efficiency. Before choosing to get additional gear, assess your current setup. That can help you decide whether a new router, an access point, or both will deliver the network performance you need.