Access Point VS Range Extender – Which Is Better?

Are Wi-Fi dead zones and sluggish internet speeds disrupting your connectivity? Many people face this issue, and the most common solutions to enhance wireless network coverage are access points and range extenders. While both aim to enhance Wi-Fi coverage, they work differently, fit different network needs, and offer varying levels of performance. This article will explain the key differences between these options, helping you choose the right solution for seamless and reliable Wi-Fi in your home or office.

Let’s find out which device best meets your specific network needs.

What Is Access Point?

An access point (or Wireless Access Point) is a wireless networking device that allows users and compatible wireless devices to connect to a network via Wi-Fi or a wired connection. It creates a wireless local area network (WLAN) by broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal. It serves as a centralized hub that broadcasts information over a localized network and connects users within the network.

Unlike range extenders, access points establish a new connection point within your existing network, requiring additional wiring. This setup is ideal for larger areas, making access points perfect for businesses, offices, multi-story homes, colleges, and large outdoor spaces that demand robust, seamless Wi-Fi coverage. While they might be overkill for typical home use, access points are highly beneficial in expansive spaces like large yards or garages.

It’s important to note that access points are different from ad hoc networks, which only connect a few devices within a limited range, restricting the number of connected devices.

Working: Here, an Ethernet cable is used by the access points to build up a connection with a wired router and then provide Wi-Fi in that particular area. The access point is installed in cases where you need to extend the Wi-Fi connection in areas where the router signal is quite weak. This WAP will make the connection with the router via an Ethernet cable.

Pros And Cons Of Using Wireless Access Points

Wireless Access Points offer strong Wi-Fi coverage but come with their own pros and cons. Here’s a quick look at the benefits and drawbacks of using WAPs for your network.

Pros/Benefits Of Wireless Access points:

• Users can use the wireless Access Point (AP) at any location, given that the ethernet cable is provided. Wireless APs also do not require additional power lines or outlets as they are already compatible with the PoE standards, and an Ethernet cable can be used to connect it to PoE switches for power and data.
• Compared to a wireless router, this wireless Access Point offers an extended coverage by hundreds of meters.
• Its flexibility can accommodate different networking devices and networking protocols, making it quite suitable for large spaces (offices, large businesses, warehouses, and commercial buildings).
• More than a dozen and even up to hundreds of people can access the WAP at a single time without any issue.
• Wireless AP is capable of supporting Improved wireless network performance as opposed to a range extender. The wireless signal also doesn’t get affected as the numbers of AP add up.
• Additional features like Access Control List (ACL) can be used to improve the security aspects, and it also helps to manage the users within the wireless network with ease. It supports and captive portals for account management access, and restricts the limitation on guest access.

Cons Of Wireless Access Points:

• If the user does not have easy access to the power supply, you might need to use the Power over Ethernet [POE], PoE injector, or a power socket.
• Cable management is required as the user needs to hardwire the router by deploying the network cable.
• This isn’t a cost-effective option. This makes most companies prefer to use the less efficient connection with lower costs, if needed for a large number of access points.
• Unlike cable networks, these wireless networks lack stability and speed, resulting in slowing down the Wi-Fi network.

What Is Range Extender?

A range extender (or a wireless repeater) is designed to boost or extend the reach of your existing Wi-Fi network. It works by receiving the wireless signal from your router and creating a secondary network, often with a distinct wireless SSID (e.g., NETGEAR_EXT or router wireless name). This effectively extends your Wi-Fi coverage to areas where the router’s signal is weak, such as garages or small yards.

The extender repeats the wireless signals that it keeps on receiving from the router, and then it makes a secondary network which leads to the improvement of the main router’s coverage. Given that the extender has to interact between the router and the user as a medium, it can lead to a decrease in the overall internet speed by almost 50%.

While range extenders are a cost-effective solution for eliminating dead spots, they can reduce overall internet speed by up to 50% due to the need to relay signals between the router and connected devices. For example, if your router provides 20 Mbps near it, the speed may drop to 10 Mbps near the edge of the extender’s coverage.

Range extenders are easy to set up and don’t require additional wiring, making them ideal for home use. However, they may not deliver the same robust performance as access points, especially in larger or more complex environments.

Working: Range extenders capture the signal from your existing Wi-Fi router and broadcast a new network on a different wireless channel. This secondary network helps improve coverage in areas where the original signal is weak, providing a stronger connection where it’s needed most. This amplifies and extends the existing signal to enhance the wi-fi coverage.

Pros And Cons Of Range Extender

When considering ways to boost your Wi-Fi coverage, range extenders offer a straightforward and cost-effective solution. However, they come with both advantages and disadvantages. Here we have explained the pros and cons of using a range extender to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your network needs.

Pros Of Range Extenders:

• Extenders provide more boost to your Wi-Fi signal as compared to the Wi-Fi booster.
• Yes! Those two are different things, an extender is more efficient than a normal Wi-Fi booster in terms of amplifying the Wi-Fi signal.
• It enables the users to use their devices anywhere in their homes, and up to any corner, in short, the extender gives movement freedom to the users.
• Comparatively cheaper than the Access Point (AP).
• They don’t require any additional wiring and offer a plug-and-play setup, making them user-friendly.
• They effectively extend your Wi-Fi network’s reach, providing better signal strength in previously unreachable areas.
• Range extenders are suitable for users with moderate internet usage who require basic connectivity throughout their homes.

Cons Of Range Extenders:

• Achieving optimal performance requires careful placement. The extender should generally be positioned midway between the router and the area with a weak signal. If not, its signal strength will be reduced.
• Incompatibility with the router can hinder performance and cause connectivity problems. So, check whether the extender is quite compatible with your router before proceeding further.
• Due to the signal amplification process, range extenders typically result in reduced internet speeds compared to a direct connection to the router.
• Extenders can introduce additional wireless interference, leading to decreased performance and connectivity issues.

Difference Between Access Point And Extender

While both serve to boost your network’s reach, they operate under different mechanics and cater to distinct networking needs. Here is a detailed explanation of their difference in various key areas.

Access Point Vs Extender — Functionality

• Wireless Access Point (WAP) is a hardware device that acts as a partner with the router. It functions as a central hub within a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). WAP directly connects to the router with the help of an Ethernet Cable. It connects devices to a wired network.
• On the other hand, a range extender functions like a subordinate of the router, which just amplifies the existing Wi-Fi signals from the router to extend its coverage area and make them available in every corner of the house.

Access Point vs. Extender — Terminology

• While often confused, access points and range extenders serve distinct purposes. The key difference lies in these three sectors (price, capacity, and performance), which are led by wireless Access Points.
• To make it clear, think of Access Points as a router’s companion that creates new Wi-Fi networks (connectivity), and think of Range Extender as a device that amplifies the router signal and boosts existing ones.

Access Point vs. Extender — Cost Effectiveness

• Range Extenders are typically more affordable, making them suitable for small homes or apartments with limited coverage issues. They are quite easy to install yet have limitations on the number of people using them at once.
• Wireless Access Points (WAP) generally have a higher initial cost but offer better performance, scalability, and security, making them a better choice for larger homes, offices, or businesses.

Access Point vs. Extender — Efficiency

• Wireless Access Points (WAPs) offer significant advantages in network management, particularly for expanding businesses. They typically double the coverage area compared to range extenders, providing more reliable and consistent speeds. This makes WAPs a superior choice for long-term efficiency and scalability for better overall network performance.
• Range Extenders often experience a reduction in signal speed. Due to their reliance on two-way communication to relay signals, extenders can see throughput decrease by up to 50% (signal degradation), significantly impacting internet speed. This makes them less efficient, especially in environments requiring stable and fast network performance during the amplification process.

Note: Wireless Access Points deliver enhanced network performance with faster, more dependable Wi-Fi speeds, while range extenders may struggle with signal degradation, affecting overall efficiency.

Access Point vs. Extender — Setup Differences

• Wi-Fi extenders connect wirelessly to your router, simplifying setup and placement flexibility.
• Access points require a wired Ethernet connection to the router, offering a more stable and robust signal but potentially more complex installation due to cable management.

Access Point vs. Extender — Performance

• Wi-Fi extenders may degrade network quality as they retransmit the router’s signal.
• Access points create a new WLAN, providing faster and more consistent performance similar to the main router and supporting more simultaneous connections.

Access Point vs. Extender — Usage

• Access points are suited for larger spaces, supporting numerous devices and users without significant performance loss. For instance, large homes with multiple floors, offices, or expanding existing networks.
• Wi-Fi extenders will extend a weak Wi-Fi signal to a specific area. They are best for smaller areas (small apartments or houses with a few devices) or where the main goal is to eliminate dead zones, but they are not ideal for large-scale use.

Access Point vs. Extender — Speed

• Access points maintain internet performance akin to the primary router, assuming proper configuration.
• Extenders often halve the bandwidth and speed of the extended signal, impacting overall network efficiency.

Access Point vs. Extender — Coverage

• Access points can cover larger areas, ranging from 1600 to 2200 square feet, and can be combined for comprehensive coverage.
• Extenders provide variable coverage from 400 to 1800 square feet, influenced by placement and physical obstructions.

Access Point vs. Extender — Technical Specifications

• Access points offer higher data transfer rates, enhancing overall network performance. It comes with multiple antennas for broader coverage and stronger signals. Additionally, it supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, providing greater flexibility.
• Range Extender delivers lower data transfer rates, which can impact network performance. It has fewer antennas, potentially limiting coverage and signal strength. Additionally, it is often restricted to the 2.4 GHz frequency band, reducing both flexibility and versatility.

Access Point vs. Extender — Troubleshooting Tips

• To troubleshoot these common issues in Access Point, check for proper cable connections, ensure correct configuration with your router, and troubleshoot wireless network settings.
• For the range Extender, verify placement for optimal signal strength, reboot the extender and router, and ensure compatibility with your router.

Access Point vs. Extender — Alternatives

Other than these two popular wireless technologies, you can powerline adapters and mesh wi-fi systems as alternatives.

• Powerline Adapters: Utilize existing electrical wiring to transmit network data. They are an alternative solution for extending Wi-Fi coverage, but may not be suitable for all electrical setups.
• Mesh Wi-Fi Systems: Consists of multiple Wi-Fi units that work together to create a seamless network, ideal for larger homes or complex layouts. They are typically more expensive than access points or extenders.

Access Point vs. Extender — Additional Considerations

Here are a few more considerations that differentiate between an access point and a Wi-Fi range extender.

• Security: Access points offer advanced security features compared to extenders.
• Installation: Access points might require more technical setup, while extenders are generally plug-and-play.
• Scalability: Access points are better suited for expanding Wi-Fi coverage as your network grows.

Understanding these differences will help you better decide which device—Wi-Fi extender or access point—is best suited for your network requirements.

Access Point Vs Range Extender – Comparison Table:

How To Choose Between Access Point And Range Extender

When deciding between a Wireless Access Point (WAP) and a Range Extender, it’s important to consider the scale and needs of your environment. For large businesses with consistent growth, a Wireless Access Point is recommended due to its capability to handle extensive coverage and support a larger network infrastructure efficiently. This investment aligns with the future scaling of your company.

Conversely, for smaller settings or residential use, a Range Extender may be more appropriate. It offers a more affordable solution for enhancing Wi-Fi coverage in limited areas, making it ideal for immediate improvements in smaller spaces or for firms with fewer employees.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and the physical space you need to cover. Assess the extent of your connectivity demands and the potential benefits of each option to ensure your Wi-Fi setup is both effective and economical, whether for personal or professional use.

FAQs:

Conclusion

Choosing between an access point and a range extender depends largely on your specific needs and network setup. Range extenders are a budget-friendly option to quickly fix dead zones for homes with mild coverage issues. Access points offer superior performance, reliability, and scalability. They are ideal for larger spaces where a robust and steady Wi-Fi connection is required. Assess the size of your area, the number of devices, your budget, and your performance needs to determine the best solution for your Wi-Fi coverage.

Also, feel free to share your queries with us in the below comments section. We will respond promptly to resolve your queries and assist you in selecting your best choice to enjoy seamless internet connectivity.