Wireless AP,which is wireless access point. In simple terms is the wireless switch in the wireless network. It is an access point for mobile terminal users to enter a wired network and is mainly used for home broadband and intra-enterprise network deployment. The wireless coverage distance is tens to hundreds of meters. At present, the main technologies For the 802.11x series. A typical wireless AP also has an access point client mode, which means that APs can wirelessly link to each other so as to expand the coverage of the wireless network.

The differences

·          Function

Wireless AP:AP is short for Access Point, and is generally translated as “Wireless Access Node”. It mainly provides wireless workstation access to wired LAN and wired LAN to wireless workstations, and wireless workstations within the access point coverage area can pass It communicates with each other. Popular speaking,wireless AP is a bridge between the wireless network and cable networks.Because the coverage area of the wireless AP is a circular area that spreads out wards, you should put the wireless AP in the center of the wireless network as much as possible, and the distance between each wireless client and the wireless AP should not exceed 30 meters Avoid communication failures caused bytoo much attenuation of communication signals.

Wireless Router: A wireless router is a combination of a simple AP and a broadband router. With the help of router function, it can realize Internet connection sharing in a home wireless network and realize wireless shared access of ADSL and residential broadband. In addition, a wireless router The terminals through which wireless and wired connections can be made are all assigned to one subnet so that various devices within the subnet can exchange data conveniently.

It can besaid: wireless router is AP, a collection of routing functions and switches tosupport wired and wireless subnet, directly connected to the MODEM. Wireless APis equivalent to a wireless switch, connected to a wired switch or router, forthe wireless card connected to it from the router to share IP.

·          application

Independent APs are used more by companies that require large numbers of APs for large area coverage. All APs are connected via Ethernet and to a separate WLAN firewall.

Wireless routers are used more in SOHO environments, where an AP is sufficient. In this case, a wireless router incorporating a Broadband Access Router and an AP provides a single machine solution that is easier to manage and cheaper than a solution from two separate machines. Wireless routers typically include ane twork address translation (NAT) protocol to allow wireless LAN users to share network connections – a nice feature of a SOHO environment. They may also have basic firewall or packet filters to prevent port scanning software and other attacks on broadband connections. Finally, most wireless routers include a four-port Ethernet converter that can connect several wired PCs. This is very convenient for managing a router or connecting a printer to a LAN.

·          Network topology

The AP cannot be directly connected to the ADSL MODEM. Therefore, you must add a switchor hub when using the AP. When using the above topology, the usage of the AP and the wireless routing is the same. However, most wireless routers have broadband dial-up capabilities that allow them to connect directly to ADSLMODEM for broadband sharing.