Difference Between Access Point and Extender

By: | Updated: Jul-25, 2024
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Everyday, the technology is developing and growing in terms of demand and performance. This is a reason why the demands for wireless devices are increasing at a faster rate. The demand for wireless devices is mainly attributed to the fact that the distance between the device and the access point or extender is too large. This is the reason why you need to connect your wireless devices with the access point or extender to increase the range of your device. This is a perfect solution for any user who needs to use their devices from a far distance and can’t be connected to the access point or extender. The devices can also be used in places where the wireless network doesn’t exist and can be used for an unlimited range of signals.

Summary Table

Access Point Extender
Has a stronger signal Has weaker signal
Consumes more power Consumes less power
More expensive retail price point Cheaper retail price point

Difference between access point and extender mode

An access point is a network device that allows a computer to connect to the Internet. An access point can be a wireless router, an Ethernet switch, or even a modem.

An extender is a device that connects two devices together over an existing network connection. It does not provide its own Internet connection, but rather extends the range of another device’s existing connection. For example, if you have an Ethernet cable running from your computer to your router and you want to extend the range of that cable, you would use an extender.

But what is an access point? Is it not the same as an extender?

What are the differences between them? To answer these questions, this article will explain the definitions of access point and extender, the causes and effects of both, as well as their relationship to each other.

What is an access point?

A wireless access point is a network device that functions as a router and also acts as an access point for connecting devices to the internet. Access points are often installed in a wireless local area network (WLAN) or wireless wide area network (WWAN). It works by creating a wireless hotspot that allows multiple devices to connect to the internet wirelessly. In some cases, it can be connected to the Internet through an Ethernet cable. Access points can be used in large buildings or houses, and can be used to provide internet access to multiple devices.

What is an extender?

An extender is a device that works as an access point and also as a router. It allows wireless devices to connect to the internet through an Ethernet cable. Extenders are usually connected to a wireless network by using a wireless bridge or repeater. Extenders are also referred to as mesh repeaters or mesh extenders. They help in expanding the range of the wireless network and enhance its speed.

Access point and extender are both considered as wireless network devices. Access points and extenders help in extending the range of a wireless network. They work by providing access to an existing network through a wireless router. In some cases, they can be connected to the Internet through an Ethernet cable.

They both help in increasing the speed of a wireless network. Access points are used to provide a wireless hotspot and extend the range of a wireless network. Extenders are used to extend the range of a wireless network and also increase its speed.

What are the similarities between access point and extender?

Now that you know the definitions of access point and extender, let’s look at their similarities. The following is a list of the most common features that these two concepts have in common:

The ability to broadcast signals

Both access point and extender are able to broadcast signals from the router or hub that is connected with them, which enables the signals of these devices to reach a far distance. This feature is also used for other devices connected to the access point or extender.

Network configuration

Both access point and extender can be used to create a wireless network. The network configuration is done in the same way as with any other router or hub. The only difference is that access point and extender are able to broadcast signals from different devices.

Antenna type

The antenna type of access point and extender is the same as that of any other router or hub. However, the shape of the antenna differs between these two concepts. The antenna of the access point is a rectangular shape, while the antenna of the extender is circular.

Power supply

The power supply of the access point and extender is the same as that of any other router or hub. However, the wattage of these devices differs between these two concepts. The wattage of the access point is usually lower than that of the extender.

Control method

Both access point and extender are controlled by an operating system that can be installed on them. The operating system used for access points is a more common one compared to the one used for extender. The operating system used for access points is a common one that can be installed on almost any device.

The operating system used for extender is a special one that only has the capacity to control this particular device.

What are the differences between the access point and the extender?

After looking at the similarities between the two, it is time to look at the differences between them. The following are the differences between the two:

The usage

The access point is used for wireless connectivity. The extender is used for extending the range of a wireless network.

The architecture

The access point has a centralized architecture. It consists of the main unit and the antennae. The extender has an architecture that has a centralized unit and the antennae are distributed across the area that needs to be covered.

The signal strength

The access point has a strong signal. The extender has a weak signal.

The power consumption

The access point consumes more power than the extender. The access point uses more power than the extender for each unit of range it covers. The extender consumes less power than the access point in terms of the number of units of range it covers per unit of power consumed.

Installation cost and complexity

The access point is expensive to install. The extender is cheaper to install.

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