

An access point doesn’t just act as a bridge it takes your router’s signal via Ethernet connect, creates its own wireless local area network (WLAN), and serves as the central transmitter within its area of coverage. An access point serves as a central transmitterĪ Wi-Fi extender acts as a bridge between your router and the devices that are outside of its reach, simply retransmitting your router’s signal beyond its range.Wi-Fi extender degrades network quality.Winner: Wi-Fi extenders Wi-Fi extenders vs access points: Performance Some of them take less than 10 minutes of your time to get up and running. Once you’ve taken care of the cable and placement, however, setting up the access point itself is usually easy. Depending on your setup, you might even have to run that cable through the ceiling. This means that you have to strategize its placement so that the Ethernet cable can reach both the router and the access point while running along your walls cleanly, and so that, at the same time, you can maximize its coverage. It connects to a router via an Ethernet cable (or a switch) for a more solid signal then transmits it wirelessly into its area of coverage.

Meanwhile, an access point typically uses a wired connection. You just need to make sure that you find a strategic spot for it to make sure that it’s completely covering that dead spot. Setting one up is easy, especially since most come with an app that guides you through the process. A Wi-Fi extender connects to your existing router wirelessly in order to expand its range. One big difference that separates a range extender from an access point is how they connect with the main router.
