What are the differences between a Wireless AP and a wireless router? (1)

Today, we distinguish between a wireless router and a Wireless AP in terms of functions, applications, networking, and costs.

The current Wireless AP can be divided into two types: Hybrid AP and extended AP.

The routing function is relatively simple for balanced AP. It can only be equivalent to a wireless hub. For such Wireless AP, no products can be connected !! The extended AP is also a wireless router on the market. Because of its comprehensive functions, most extended APS not only have Routing Switching functions, but also DHCP and network firewalls.

Most wireless APS on the market now belong to extended APs. For extended APs, they can be interconnected within a short distance. If you need to transmit far distances, you need Wireless Bridges, dedicated antennas, and other devices !! In fact, wireless bridges are also a type of Wireless AP.

First, differentiate Functions

Wireless AP: AP is short for AccessPoint, which is generally translated as "Wireless Access Node". It mainly provides wireless workstation access to wired LAN and wireless workstation access from wired LAN, A wireless workstation within the access point can communicate with each other. In general, Wireless AP is a bridge between wireless networks and wired networks. Because the coverage of a Wireless AP is a circular area that spreads outward, the Wireless AP should be placed in the center of the wireless network as much as possible, in addition, the linear distance between each wireless client and the Wireless AP should not exceed 30 meters to avoid communication failure due to excessive signal attenuation.

Wireless Router: a wireless router is a combination of a balanced AP and a Broadband Router. With the help of the router function, it can achieve Internet Connection Sharing in the home wireless network, to achieve wireless shared access between ADSL and residential broadband. In addition, the wireless router can allocate the terminals that use it for wireless and wired connection to a subnet, in this way, it is very convenient for various devices in the network to exchange data.

You can say this:

A wireless router is a collection of AP, routing functions, and switches. It supports wired and wireless networks to form the same subnet and connect directly to the MODEM.

A Wireless AP is equivalent to a wireless switch that is connected to a wired switch or vro and gets an IP address from the vro for the wireless Nic connected to it.
Then distinguish from the application

Independent APs are widely used in companies that require a large number of APs for large-scale coverage. all APs are connected over Ethernet and connected to independent Wireless LAN firewalls.

A wireless router is used much in the SOHO environment. In this environment, an AP is enough. In this way, the wireless router that integrates the Broadband Access Router and AP provides a single machine solution, which is easier to manage and cheaper than the two separate machine solutions. A wireless router generally includes a network address translation (NAT) Protocol to support network connection sharing among Wireless LAN users. This is a useful feature in the SOHO environment. They may also have basic firewalls or information packet filters to prevent port scanning software and other attacks against broadband connections. Finally, most wireless routers include an Ethernet converter with four ports to connect several wired PCs. This is very convenient for managing routers or connecting a printer to a LAN.