What’s the difference between a router and a wireless access point?
In: Technology
A wireless access point is a hub of a Wi-Fi network. It allows Wi-Fi capable machines to connect to that network.
A router connects multiple networks together and routes messages between networks. For instance, it allows users on the Wi-Fi network to send messages to an ISP and out onto the wider Internet.
Consumer networks are generally very simply laid out, so consumer APs generally combine both in one device. Commercial or institutional networks will more often benefit from separating them. For instance, if you have to have a large office space connected by Wi-Fi, you’ll likely have multiple access points connected by wire to a single router.
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