What is the difference between access point and Wi-Fi extender?

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Access Point and Extender are two different networking devices used to expand and improve Wi-Fi coverage in a home or business network. They serve distinct purposes, and here’s a breakdown of the key differences between them:

Access Point (AP):

1. Primary Function: An access point is a device that creates a new wireless network or extends an existing wired network by providing a new Wi-Fi signal. It connects directly to the wired network through an Ethernet cable and acts as a central hub for wireless clients to connect.
2. Ethernet Connection: Access points require an Ethernet cable connection to the existing network infrastructure, often through a router or a network switch. They use this connection to broadcast a Wi-Fi signal.
3. Network Management: Access points are typically managed as part of the central network infrastructure, making them more suitable for larger and more controlled network environments. They offer advanced configuration options and can support multiple SSIDs (Service Set Identifiers).
4. Performance: Access points generally offer better performance and lower latency compared to extenders because they connect directly to the wired network, ensuring a more stable and faster connection.

Wi-Fi Extender (Range Extender or Repeater):

1. Primary Function: A Wi-Fi extender, as the name suggests, extends the coverage of an existing Wi-Fi network. It does this by receiving the existing Wi-Fi signal and then rebroadcasting it to reach areas with poor or no coverage.
2. Wireless Connection: Extenders connect wirelessly to the existing Wi-Fi network. They don’t require an Ethernet cable connection to the router.
3. Simplicity: Wi-Fi extenders are easy to set up and use. They are a plug-and-play solution that doesn’t require extensive network configuration. This makes them suitable for home users and small businesses with basic networking needs.
4. Performance: While extenders can help improve coverage in dead zones, they may introduce some latency and reduced speed due to the wireless connection between the extender and the router. The farther the extender is from the router, the more significant the performance degradation can be.

In summary, the primary difference between an access point and an extender is their mode of connection to the network and their intended use. Access points are ideal for extending wired networks, providing better performance and more control, while extenders are a simpler solution for extending Wi-Fi coverage wirelessly, albeit with some trade-offs in terms of performance. The choice between the two depends on your specific network requirements and the size of the area you need to cover.