What it does is it transmits and receives signal via the radios built-in to its system. For high-performance networks, it is usually better to extend the range of the network through the use of multiple access points rather than range extenders. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Each time the data traverses a wireless link using the same frequency, the data throughput is reduced to half. A wireless repeater, commonly referred to as “extender”, is a wireless networking device used to extend the coverage area of your wireless network. A wireless access point, or simply referred to as “access point”, is a wireless networking device that allows wireless devices and networks to connect through a wired network using wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi. The proliferation of the Internet and the increasing use of mobile wireless devices have presented businesses with many opportunities and challenges – most probably, the challenge of how to make best use of new mobile wireless technologies. Repeater is a wireless network device that repeats wireless signals to extend range without being connected with cable to either your router/modem, or your clients. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail, Written by : Sagar Khillar. – Although, both the terms access point and extender are often confused with each other, they are fairly different and used for different purpose in the networking world. Sometimes you experience poor network performance or you’re unable to access the network in certain locations. With this communication design, placement of extenders should be carefully planned in order to maintain a potential maximum WiFi reception. What’s worse is that devices are designed to be flexible, and their capabilities often have different modes and/or set ups where one device can be set to perform many different things – including an ability to be set up as a WiFi signal extender/booster or configured as an access point – all dependent to specific network needs. Wi-Fi is a computer networking technology that allows devices to communicate through radio waves rather than over cables. I have service with Grande Communications’s in Waco, Texas with just a Wireless, Definitely not an expert opinion but I have a bit of experience in networking and dealing with wifi extenders. Knowing when to use each technology could help you in the creation and maintenance of your business's Wi-Fi links. Understanding the difference between access points and range extenders requires some knowledge of Wi-Fi transmission. It does this without having the need to be hardwired or connected via cable to the modem or router. A range extender repeats the wireless signal from your router to expand its reach by creating a second network, while an access point relies on a hardwired connection to your network, rather than simply repeating the existing network. June 10, 2019 < http://www.differencebetween.net/technology/difference-between-access-point-and-extender/ >. It has a similar functionality with an access point, but its aesthetic design gives it the advantage. This option is often more expensive, but makes for a more even and strong coverage across the network's outer regions. It’s a wireless device that only does the repeating without any other functionalities. The growth of the WLAN technology and wireless devices have made everything go mobile so that you can work remotely from anywhere in the network without even physically present at the location – at home or onsite.