The Difference Between an Access Point and a Router
The Difference Between an Access Point and a Router
As technology evolves at a rapid pace, new devices seem to enter the market daily. And while each one promises to make life easier, keeping up with today’s gadgets can be challenging. One of the most frequent questions our EPB Tech ProsSM hear is: what’s the difference between an access point and a router?
Both are used for setting up a home Wi-Fi network that provides internet to multiple connected devices, but they serve different purposes. Understanding how they work together can help you get the most out of your network.
In this guide, we’ll break down the roles of access points and routers, explain when you might need both, and offer tips to optimize your internet connection. Whether you’re expanding Wi-Fi coverage or just trying to make sense of your setup, we’ve got you covered.
What are the Key Differences Between an Access Point and a Router?
A router is a device that acts like a Wi-Fi hub for all your connected devices, allowing them to connect to the internet and talk to each other. Your router makes sure your data, such as your emails, videos and the links you click on, get sent to the right place.
An access point works a little differently. It acts as a connection point or “onramp” that helps your devices connect to the network, but it doesn’t manage the data or handle communications between devices—that’s the router’s job.
It may help to think of it this way: your router creates and manages your Wi-Fi network, while an access point helps spread the Wi-Fi signal to areas where the router’s signal might not reach. Some routers, especially ones with mesh network systems, come with built-in access points to improve coverage, but an access point alone can’t do everything a router can. In larger homes, businesses or places with thick walls, an access point can be used to boost Wi-Fi coverage.
Some of the few notable differences between a router and an access point include:
- A router can work by itself without an access point, while an access point must be connected to a router to function.
- A router connects your devices to both the internet — via a Wide Area Network (WAN) — and your home network — via a Local Area Network (LAN). An access point can only connect your devices within a LAN.
- A router manages your internet connection and communication between devices. An access point extends your Wi-Fi signal, making it easier to connect more devices across a larger area.
- Access points are more commonly found in offices and large enterprises rather than homes.
Let's go more into the details.
Functionality of Access Points and Routers
One of the key differences between access points and routers lies in their functionality.
An access point primarily serves wireless devices such as computers, tablets, smartphones and laptops. This means that an access point can add wireless capability to a wired network by allowing wireless devices to connect to it.
On the other hand, a router can function as both a wireless and wired network device, connecting multiple devices to both the local network (LAN) and the internet (outside network). In a way, a router combines the features of an access point and a broadband router, managing data flow within the network and to external networks.
Most wireless routers include additional features. They can also function as an access point, an Ethernet switch, and a firewall. This is why a wireless router can function as an access point, but an access point cannot perform all of the functions of a router. An access point doesn’t have all of the same functionality.
Typically, wireless routers are used in smaller homes and businesses. Conversely, an access point can be used to meet the demands of large enterprises with several users. In larger organizations or enterprises that have more users and a wider coverage area, access points are used to extend the network and meet the demands of additional users.
Keep in mind that a wireless router may struggle to meet the demands of many users in a large area, such as an office building. In those cases, a wireless access point (WAP) can help cover an extensive physical area to support many people.
Price of Access Points vs. Routers
One of the main things to consider when comparing a router and an access point is the price. As far as installation is concerned, a wireless access point generally costs more to install than a wireless router.
Access points tend to be more expensive because they offer specific functions and advanced features designed for larger networks, like those in offices or businesses. Typically, most casual internet users, who only need a home router, don’t need an access point.
As with most technology, prices vary. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, the cost usually increases with added features, better performance, and greater range. For instance, access points that offer advanced capabilities, like connecting multiple access points together for wider coverage (sometimes referred to as multi-access point interconnection), will come at a higher price.
Use Cases of Access Points vs. Routers
What are access points and routers used for? A router is most suitable for home use, especially if you have multiple devices that are connected to a single Wi-Fi network.
Most home internet users have routers that act as wireless access points or mesh network systems that come with additional nodes (which act like access points) to extend Wi-Fi coverage.
However, standalone access points are generally used in large enterprises because multiple access points can be paired together to set up networks to provide an internet connection over a large area, like an office space. That’s why access points are an ideal option if you have a large business enterprise where various devices are used to connect to an internet network.
On the other hand, you can use a router to connect all the devices in your home to each other via Wi-Fi or ethernet cables and even connect to a modem. Keep in mind that the router offers each device its own internal IP address.
This is essential as the router uses these IP addresses to route traffic between the devices. A router creates a LAN by connecting devices within your home and connects to the internet through a WAN, which is like a larger network.
What is a Router?
A router is a network device that you can use to set up a network within a “local area,” like your home. It manages communication between all the various devices that are connected to it.
A router allows computers, tablets, smartphones and other devices to connect to each other and share an internet connection, either wirelessly or through ethernet cables. It does this by setting up a LAN where all the connected devices can communicate and access the internet through the same connection.
Is My Router an Access Point?
Most modern routers also function as an access point, so you typically don’t need an access point if you have a wireless router. However, this depends on the environment. If you live in a large space or have thick walls and need more Wi-Fi coverage, an access point can help extend Wi-Fi coverage to rooms with weak signals.
Whether wired or wireless, a router is an advanced device that can efficiently direct incoming and outgoing traffic on your network. Traditionally, routers connected to devices using ethernet cables, but wireless routers now include built-in access point functionality, allowing devices to connect without needing cables.
What is an Access Point?
An access point is a device that acts as a portal to allow other devices to connect to a local network.
It extends the wireless coverage of an existing network, making it easier for more devices to connect. This is why access points are commonly used in large offices or environments where extra Wi-Fi coverage is needed.
Keep in mind that an access point cannot work without a router. This means that you must use a high-speed Ethernet cable to connect the router to the access point. This allows the access point to create a wireless connection so devices can connect to it.
In other words, an access point can extend a network’s Wi-Fi coverage, but it doesn’t manage data like a router does. A router can sometimes act as both a router and an access point, but an access point cannot perform the full functions of a router.
Common Use Cases for Access Points
The main function of an access point is to create or extend a wireless network within an existing wired network. That way, you can accommodate several wireless devices in an extended physical area. In other words, an access point extends the overall coverage of a wireless network.
Here are some typical scenarios where an access point is beneficial:
- Large offices with multiple floors and rooms
- Multi-story buildings
- Schools and college campuses
- Hospitals medical facilities
- School dorms
- Office incubators or collaborative workspaces
- Homes with additional apartments or “mother-in-law suites”
- Homes with thick walls or spacious layouts
- Conference centers
- Event venues
- Hotels
- Apartment buildings that provide internet
- Laboratories
- Large properties or homesteads with multiple buildings
- Guest houses
- Industrial buildings
If you’re setting up a Wi-Fi network in a space that isn’t on this list, chances are good you simply need a Wi-Fi router.
Do I Need a Router if I Have an Access Point?
Yes, you need a router if you’re planning to connect your home network to the internet and use multiple devices. The router directs traffic between your devices and the internet, while an access point extends your Wi-Fi signal within your home. An access point alone won’t provide internet access without a router.
So, what if you have an access point but no router? On its own, an access point can only extend or bridge devices to a network, but it won’t connect them to the internet without a router. If you’re looking to improve coverage throughout your home, especially in large or multi-story buildings with thick walls, an access point can be an excellent complement to your router by extending Wi-Fi to areas that would otherwise have weak signals.
It’s rare to find a router without built-in wireless capabilities today. But if you do, you can still connect a single device using an Ethernet cable. For multiple devices to share the same network and access the internet, you’ll need both a router and, depending on your home’s size and layout, an access point.
For local networks that don’t need internet access, an access point alone can connect or bridge several devices together without needing a router.
Access Point vs. Router: Which is Better?
When choosing between a router and an access point, it all depends on your needs. Most modern routers are designed with access point modes and can function both as a router and an access point. This type of router is usually the better option for home or small office environments where you need a wireless network.
On the other hand, an access point can be a better option if you already have a router but need to extend the Wi-Fi coverage for a larger area with multiple users, like in a business or office setting. In those cases, an access point provides a more reliable and broader wireless network.
Choosing an Access Point vs. Router
When comparing an access point and a router, it’s not about which is better—it’s about what fits your needs. A router is typically enough for most home setups, but if you need network coverage for many users, such as in schools, hospitals, or large offices, an access point is essential.
In many cases, having both a router and an access point will help you connect your devices across a wider area while ensuring reliable and stable internet. Using both can also reduce messy wires and create the seamless connectivity you want for your home or office.
If you want to skip worrying about dead zones or picking out equipment, you can order EPB Smart Net Plus and let your EPB Tech ProsSM set up a whole-home, high-speed Wi-Fi network for you. Plus, you’ll get ongoing technical support and free return visits for adding new devices. Explore the benefits of EPB Smart Net Plus Wi-Fi.
