Router Vs. Access Point

Out of the plethora of devices that are used in wireless networking, a router and an access point have important roles to play. The confusion between these two devices arise because of one similarity in their functioning - they both are designed to provide Internet access. If you are setting up a wireless network, you will need to know the difference between these two devices.

Difference Between Router and Access Point

A wireless network is an unplugged computing network, where the link between various computers and intermediary devices is established through radio signals. Let us see what are the roles played by wireless routers and access points in this setting.

Basic Differences
A router connects two or more than two computer networks together and controls the data traffic between them. It has an embedded operating system within, to intelligently control data traffic to and from any network. A wireless router does more than just providing Internet access to a computing network. It acts as a DHCP server assigning dynamic IP addresses to connected computers.

They encrypt data transmitted over the wireless network to prevent hacking attacks. These devices usually transmit over dual band frequencies and provide wireless Internet access over a long range, enabled by their powerful transmitters. It comes with a built in firewall that reduces the vulnerability of your network to hacking. Another function is port forwarding, that lets you assign different Internet protocols to specific computers on networks.

While external networks only see the WAN IP address assigned to your wireless router, it assigns different IP addresses to connected computers, through network address translation (NAT) feature. This masks the IP addresses from direct exposure and provides a level of security to your network.

An access point is a wireless receiver and transmitter, designed to provide computers in a network with Internet access. A wireless access point (WAP) is used in association with a router to provide wireless Internet access. It functions as a link between a router and devices connected in a wireless networks. Its prime function is that of a relay between the wireless or wired router and devices connected in the network. It may use a bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection link. A wired router plus an access point connected together make a wireless router. That's why, in wireless networks, using a router as an access point is a common feature.

Features & Uses
Even though wireless routers are an integration of routers and access points, individual points are still used in industrial setting. They come with built in security features like WAP2 security and firewalls. The best wireless routers are an integration of wired routers, ethernet switches and wireless access points. Individually, an access point cannot be used to integrate networks. It functions only at the level of a local area network (LAN). On the other hand, a router functions at the level of a wide area network (WAN). To conclude, an access point acts purely as a radio link for Internet access, while a router provides connectivity between multiple networks.

A wireless router is certainly a more superior device compared to access points as they provide more advanced features to secure your wireless network and provide extra facilities.