What is a Wi-Fi hotspot? What is the difference between a router and an access point? Wireless router or access point.

home Finding yourself Honestly, I’m too lazy to write another instruction today, so I decided to talk about access points. What is an access point, what are they for, how do they differ from routers, and how to make an access point from a router. Some specific ones

step by step instructions

You won't find it in this article. Later, in a separate article, I will write about how to use a Wi-Fi router in AP (Access Point) mode. Wireless access point: what is it and what is it for? First of all, an access point is a separate device. A router and an access point are not the same thing. Yes, they are similar in many ways. We can say that the access point is a stripped-down, more

simple version router. The fact is that a wireless access point is designed to connect devices to an already created network. Its task is simply to organize an Internet connection via Wi-Fi. Also, it can operate in different modes: wireless client, bridge, repeater, access point. It all depends on the specific model. The access point does not distribute IP, does not connect to an ISP, does not have a built-in firewall, etc. It simply receives the Internet from a router or modem and distributes it via Wi-Fi. Some wireless access points that are on sale can distribute IP, organize separate network, and even connect to an Internet provider. But, only via the Static IP protocol, or DHCP. Most likely, you can’t do everything without a router or modem. And one more

important point

, the access point has only one network connector. So, it does not distribute Internet via cable. For example, if you need to distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi from an ADSL modem, or expand an existing Wi-Fi network, then an access point is perfect in this case. This is what they are created for. As I wrote above, many models can work in client mode, or . Many modern routers can also work in all of these modes.. If you want to connect a wireless access point over the air, you can configure it in bridge mode (WDS), or in repeater mode. You need to look at what is best suited specifically in your case.

Router and access point

The router itself also acts as an access point; it allows you to connect to a Wi-Fi network. In addition, almost every router can operate in AP mode. For some manufacturers, for example ASUS, ZyXEL, this mode is simply enabled in the router settings. Later, I will definitely write detailed instructions on setting up this operating mode on routers from different manufacturers.

In access point mode, the distribution of IP addresses (DHСP), firewall, and IP address translation (NAT) must be disabled on the router. It simply disables several features of the router and turns it into an Access Point.

On some routers, there is no AP operating mode as such. There you just need to manually disable the DHCP server and make a few more settings.

conclusions

If you do not know what device you need, a router, or an access point, then it is better to ask knowledgeable people, or buy a regular router. Buy an access point only if you know for sure that it suits you.

Almost any router can operate in Access Point mode. And the access point itself cannot act as a router. It lacks many of the features that a regular router has.

By the way, an ordinary laptop or computer with a Wi-Fi adapter can also be turned into a wireless access point. I already wrote, . And if you have Windows 7, then look.

That's all. If you still have any questions, you can leave them in the comments. Best wishes!

Let's start with the fact that the router itself, which you want to make an access point, is an access point, only more functional. It runs a server that distributes IP, there is most likely a firewall, and roughly speaking, it builds routes between connected devices, which is why it is a router. So, to turn a router into an access point, you just need to disable some functions in it and connect it via cable to another router.

Let's use an example to find out for what purposes this mode of operation may be suitable. You bought an apartment in Krona Park and Lesnoy Kvartal: where to buy an apartment to live in Brovary? Let's say you have a modem or router installed on the ground floor, or at one end of the house. Which is possible. distributes, or maybe not, it doesn’t matter... So, at the other end of the house, or on another floor, we need to install an access point to distribute Wi-Fi. In this case, the connection between the router and the access point will be via a network cable.

connection diagram: Internet - router - access point

If we install an access point at the other end, the main router will distribute IP addresses, and the devices will be on the same network, which is often very important. Also, the access point mode can be useful for distributing Wi-Fi from a modem that does not have this capability. In fact, there are many possible uses. Otherwise, access points simply would not be sold as separate devices. Because they wouldn't make sense.

Please note that most routers can operate in other modes, which may suit you better:

Repeater mode– suitable if your goal is simply to expand your existing Wi-Fi network with another router. On our website we have instructions for setting up repeater mode on ASUS routers, we also set up repeater mode on Zyxel Keenetic devices, and on . After setup, there will be one Wi-Fi network, just enhanced. Internet via cable from the “repeater” will also be available.
WDS Wireless Bridge Mode– this is practically the same as the access point mode, but here the connection between routers is not via cable, but via a Wi-Fi network. I wrote in more detail about setting up such a connection in the article: setting up two routers on the same network. We connect 2 routers via Wi-Fi and cable. It is shown in detail using the example of popular routers:,. There is also a detailed one.

As for the “access point” operating mode, also known as AP (Access Point), this mode is configured differently on routers from different manufacturers. For example, on routers from ASUS and Zyxel, you just need to enable Access Point mode in the control panel, connect the devices with a network cable, and you're done. But on devices from , you need to manually change the router’s IP address and disable the DHCP server.

How to connect access points to the router?

We connect both devices with a network cable. On the main router, connect the cable to the LAN port (Home Network), and on the router-access point also to the LAN port.

From an access point, the Internet via a network cable also works. For many this is important.

Setting up an ASUS router in access point (AP) mode

We connect it to the main router (LAN - LAN), and we get a point Wi-Fi access.

Setting up Access Point on Netis routers

On, it’s just as easy to change the IP address, disable DHCP, so that everything works.

In this article we will try to understand in as much detail as possible the question of how a router differs from an access point. An access point is a device to which Wi-Fi devices connect. The hotspot alone wouldn't be very useful since it only connects devices via Wi-Fi together.

To connect various devices to a wired network and provide them with Internet access, the access point must be connected to a router. It is he who will receive packets coming from the access point and also redirect them to the wired network to provide Internet access to devices via Wi-Fi.

What is an access point

An access point is a device used to connect wireless clients to a wired network. Such devices are widely used in Wi-Fi technologies. The device creates an access point that broadcasts the SSID. Other Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, mobile phones or tablets connect to this hotspot using Wi-Fi. But what fundamentally distinguishes a router from an access point is the way it connects to the World Wide Web or another network.

The access point is usually connected to a router. Everyone connected to the point will be provided with the Internet through a router. In addition, all devices connected to the point will be associated with local network. They can use various services such as file sharing. It is also important that in modern wireless routers these two elements are integrated into one device.

Usage example

Let's say there is an ADSL connection to the Internet and a home network. A wired ADSL router is connected to the telephone line on one side, and on the other side several computers are connected using an Ethernet cable. This creates a LAN, all devices can communicate with each other and have access to the Internet.

If you buy an access point and connect it with an Ethernet cable to an ADSL router, the access point will create a Wi-Fi network and any device can connect to it. They will be able to access the Internet because the packets will be routed through ADSL. In addition, wireless devices can exchange data with each other, as well as communicate with a wired local network.

Modern Wi-Fi cards installed on laptops and mobile phones can also act as access points. Software, as well as built-in tools in operating systems, allow you to share the Internet by turning the Wi-Fi module on your laptop or mobile phone to a virtual access point.

What is a router?

A router is a network device that routes data packets across a network. It operates at the network layer and is therefore a layer 3 device. A router maintains a table called a routing table. It consists of an IP gateway through which a packet must be routed to reach a specific destination IP address. This is the difference between a router and an access point.

Can be statically specified by the network administrator or automatically generated using routing algorithms. When a router receives a packet, it first stores it in memory and parses the recipient's IP address. It then looks up the routing table to see which gateway the packet should be routed through. Then, based on this information, it forwards the packet accordingly.

An access point definitely needs a router to connect its wireless clients to the Internet. After all, it only connects Wi-Fi devices, but does not know how to route packets. Thus, it must be connected to the router, and it will forward the packets originating from the access point to the external network.

What is the difference between an access point and a router?

Let's determine the differences between an access point and a router:

The hotspot allows you to connect to Wi-Fi devices. The router connects the access point to an external network such as the Internet.
The access point does not have the ability to route packets. The router does this to route packets to the appropriate destination.
A router has a switching structure that routes packets from different input interfaces to patch output interfaces. The access point only forwards what comes from the Wi-Fi receiver to the wired interface. And also what happens from the wired interface to the Wi-Fi transmitter.
Routers perform complex routing algorithms that include data structures. Such complex algorithms and tables do not exist in access points.
The access point has wireless equipment such as Wi-Fi receivers and transmitters. Routers do not have this in their composition.

Here's Wi-Fi. It's all about the scope of application of the devices.

Let me start with the fact that the router itself, which you want to make an access point, is an access point, only more functional. It runs a DHCP server that distributes IP, most likely there is a firewall, and roughly speaking it builds routes between connected devices, which is why it is a router. So, to turn a router into an access point, you just need to disable some functions in it and connect it via cable to another router, or to a modem.

In the hotel article, I already wrote. You can read it if interested. There I promised to show in detail, using the example of different routers, the settings that need to be made to use the router as a Wi-Fi access point.

Let's use an example to find out for what purposes this mode of operation may be suitable. Let's say you have a modem or router installed on the ground floor, or at one end of the house. Which may or may not distribute Wi-Fi, it doesn’t matter. So, at the other end of the house, or on another floor, we need to install an access point to distribute Wi-Fi. In this case, the connection between the router and the access point will be via a network cable.

Please note that most routers can operate in other modes, which may suit you better:

Repeater mode– suitable if your goal is simply to expand your existing Wi-Fi network with another router. On our website there are instructions for, as well as. After setup, there will be one Wi-Fi network, just enhanced. Internet via cable from the “repeater” will also be available.
WDS Wireless Bridge Mode– this is practically the same as the access point mode, but here the connection between routers is not via cable, but via a Wi-Fi network. I wrote in more detail about setting up such a connection in the article: . It is shown in detail using the example of popular routers: ASUS, TP-LINK, D-Link, Zyxel. There is also a detailed one.

Sorry that there is so much information and links already at the beginning of the article, but these issues needed to be sorted out.

As for the “access point” operating mode, also known as AP (Access Point), this mode is configured differently on routers from different manufacturers. For example, on routers from ASUS and Zyxel, you just need to enable Access Point mode in the control panel, connect the devices with a network cable, and you're done. But on devices from TP-LINK, you need to manually change the router’s IP address and disable the DHCP server.

Connecting an access point to a router (modem):

We connect both devices with a network cable. On the main router (modem), we connect the cable to the LAN port (Home Network), and on the access point router, also to the LAN port.

From an access point, the Internet via a network cable also works. For many this is important.

Setting up an ASUS router in access point (AP) mode

On ASUS routers, as a rule, the AP operating mode is enabled in the control panel. After which, we simply connect it to the router or modem and everything is ready. On some models, for example on the old RT-N13U, modes are switched with a special switch on the device body. I will show you how to configure an access point using the Asus RT-N12 router as an example.

We connect to the router, and at the address 192.168.1.1, go to its settings. In the settings, go to the "Administration" tab. And at the top is the "Operating Mode" tab. We put the switch next to “Access point (AP) mode”. Read the description of the mode and click “Save”.

In the next window we need to set the IP settings. You don’t have to change anything, just click “Next”. But, in this case, to determine the IP address of the access point, you will need to use the special “Discovery” utility. Or you can, where “Obtain IP automatically”, put no, and change the last digit. For example, on 192.168.1.2. Now, the settings will be available at this address. DNS, if necessary, can be specified as in the screenshot below. Or, leave it automatic.

In the next window, if necessary, change the Wi-Fi network settings of our ASUS access point and click “Apply”.

The router will reboot and go into AP mode. If you go to its settings, at the address that you may have specified yourself, or which can be determined using the “Discovery” utility (you can download it from the link), then you will see a stripped-down control panel. Where you can change the necessary settings, or, for example, return the device to the “Wireless Router” operating mode.

After setup, connect the Access Point to the router or modem via cable (there is a diagram above), and it will distribute Wi-Fi.

Access point from Zyxel Keenetic router

If I'm not mistaken, only the Keenetic Lite III model has a mechanical operating mode switch on the case. In all other cases, . I immediately advise you to set up a Wi-Fi network (set the network name and password, if necessary), so as not to have to deal with entering the AP settings later.

To activate access point mode on Zyxel, go to the "System" tab, and open the "Mode" tab at the top. Select "Access point - Wi-Fi zone extension with Ethernet connection" and click the "Apply" button.

Allow the router to reboot. After this, you can connect it to another router, and it will already work in “Access Point” mode.

To go into its settings, you can first go to the settings of the main router (modem), go to the list of clients, and look at the IP address of our Zyxel there. And then use it to go to the web interface. Or you can simply reset the settings, and the router will work in the normal “Internet Center” mode.

TP-LINK router as a Wi-Fi access point

If you have a device from TP-LINK, you will need to manually change several parameters. Since there is no operating mode switch there. Now I’ll show you step by step what and how to do. I will show it using the example of a router.

1 First, go to the one that we want to configure in the mode wireless point access. And change the IP address of the router. To do this, open the “Network” – “LAN” tab. We need to set an IP address the same as that of the main router (can be viewed on the device itself), just with a different number at the end. For example: if the IP address of the main modem (router) is 192.168.1.1, then in the TP-LINK settings you need to set 192.168.1.2 and save the settings. The router will reboot.

Go to settings again, but at a new address. In my case, it is 192.168.1.2.

2 Setting up a Wi-Fi network. If necessary, on the "Wireless" tab, set the Wi-Fi settings for our access point. Enter the network name and password.

3 Last step. Disable the DHCP server. To do this, go to the "DHCP" tab. Place the switch next to “Disable” and save the settings.

And reboot the router. You can do it through the control panel. "System Tools" tab - "Reboot", "Reboot" button.

We connect it to the main router (LAN - LAN), and we get a Wi-Fi access point.

Setting up Access Point on Netis routers

On my Netis router, I just changed the IP address, disabled DHCP, and everything worked. Go to settings at netis.cc.

Open the “Network” – “LAN” tab. Change the IP address. If the main router or modem has 192.168.1.1, then write 192.168.1.2. So that only the last digit would differ. We also disable the DHCP server there. And save the settings.

If necessary, go to the settings again (already at the new address that was specified), and on the “Wireless Mode” tab set the Wi-Fi settings.

We connect our Netis access point to the main device with a network cable (LAN - LAN), and everything is ready.

The question is indeed very relevant and interesting. But to answer it more fully, you should first understand how these two devices differ? After all, at first glance, there are practically no differences - they allow you to connect computers, laptops and other devices to the Internet. But this may seem so only at first glance. If you study the topic, it becomes clear that the purpose of these devices is completely different.

What is an access point?

What are the functions of an access point? First of all, it is the reception and distribution of Internet traffic via cable or wireless connection. The access point can also receive data via a wireless connection in order to transmit it via cable.

In other words, its main function is to broadcast traffic. But at the same time, the access point does not perform any operations with traffic - more details. When several devices are connected, the traffic is divided equally between them. Moreover, the device usually has only one LAN port, which can significantly limit the functionality of the device.

What is a router?

A router or router has much more functionality. It is capable of both receiving and transmitting data, and redistributing it, acting according to the rules set by the user.

For example, he can:

act as a firewall to ensure network security;

assign an IP address to all devices connected to it;

distribute Internet traffic between networks and subnets;

limit the transmission speed of data packets.

The simplest model can do this; more expensive ones have much broader functionality.

With such possibilities, modern wi-fi router can also provide wireless connection to the Internet for PCs, laptops, tablets and other devices. In other words, it successfully combines the duties of a regular router and an access point.

What to choose?

Let's summarize - which device is better to buy to meet your needs. In this case, it all depends on what requirements you place on the equipment.

If you just want to provide your apartment with wireless Internet in order to be able to use the World Wide Web from the kitchen, bedroom and living room, then it would be better to purchase a regular WiFi router. You just need to set it up once so that you can easily connect to the Internet from any device.

If you need to provide wireless Internet distribution for a large room (hotel, cafe, office), then an access point will be more effective. This will allow all clients of a spacious room or even the entire building to enjoy the benefits of the World Wide Web.