Wi-Fi technology has improved greatly in recent years but does not offer a comprehensive solution for all types of network users, especially regarding professional networks.
In homes or large offices with heavy traffic, Wi-Fi access points are usually used, while in smaller offices with fewer users, network extenders are likely to be used.
A common question we get is, "What is the difference between an access point and a Wi-Fi repeater?".
Both access points and repeaters can be part of a Wi-Fi network, but they serve different functions. Both come as standalone hardware components that can connect to your existing network.
Below is an explanation of exactly what each does.
What is a Wi-Fi repeater?
Wi-Fi extenders or repeaters connect to your Wi-Fi network like any other device and retransmit the signal to extend the network's range.
Extenders are easy to set up: you plug them into power and simply connect to the new wireless network they create to configure it.
This sounds great, but what are the downsides of Wi-Fi repeaters?
Unfortunately, there are quite a few:
Firstly, half of the Wi-Fi repeater's signal is used to connect to the router, so only half of the signal is used to connect to the device. This also means you'll only get half the speed the range extender is capable of (few manufacturers disclose this).
It gets even worse. This small, cheap device operates at a rather slow pace and can easily get saturated. It first has to take requests from your phone or Smart TV and pass them to the router, then it must wait for the router to respond, before taking the response and passing it back to your device. At the same time, it takes the next request from your device, and sends and receives acknowledgements for requests and responses...
Imagine two people throwing balls at you at the same time and you have to catch them and pass them to the correct person while they keep throwing more balls your way.
Forget the numbers on the box; they're a fantasy!
Another problem is that it is quite common for Wi-Fi extenders to disconnect from the main network if they haven't been used for a few hours. This means your device will connect to the network, but not to the internet.
Finally, Wi-Fi repeaters are very particular about their positioning. They need to be close enough to the router to get a good signal, but also close enough to the area where you need a better signal.
So, in reality, you might not get a huge additional range with them.
While paying more for a range extender will mitigate some of these problems, the main appeal of these products is usually their low price, rather than their functionality.
If we had a choice, we would definitely not recommend opting for a Wi-Fi extender or repeater, but sometimes they are the only option.
An extender may be suitable for those who cannot install wired access points (due to circumstances such as renting a home), as well as budget-conscious customers.
What is Wi-Fi Mesh or mesh network?
The next best option is a mesh network or Wi-Fi mesh. A Wi-Fi mesh comes with a set of built-in nodes or satellites that connect to each other.
Up to this point, it is still a conventional network with repeaters that extend the signal. But this is not the case. The different access points are not only connected to the router but are also able to connect to each other, allowing for better coverage and better network management.
What is the difference between a Wi-Fi mesh and a simple Wi-Fi extender or repeater?
The main difference between mesh routers and Wi-Fi extenders is that all access points in a mesh system are designed to work as a team, so they all have the same network name. Your devices will seamlessly connect to the best point without you ever having to think about which point to connect to.
What is an access point?
A wireless access point (WAP) is a device that generates a wireless network independently of the router. It usually connects to the router via Ethernet and has its own signal and hardware to manage wireless connections.
For example, let's say you have a wired internet installation. A wireless access point is cheaper to buy than a new router and does not require you to rebuild your network to use it. You connect the WAP to your router using an Ethernet cable and configure it as an access point.
Where confusion often arises is when a wireless access point can be used to act as a repeater, or vice versa, using Wi-Fi repeaters as access points (when the Wi-Fi repeater supports it).
Which is better: Wi-Fi repeater or access point?
Regarding signal quality, repeaters have zero advantages over access points. Their main advantage is easier installation. Our advice is to avoid using repeaters if you can install access points.
Repeaters are essentially a patch. They are used to extend the range of a Wi-Fi network when it is difficult to install additional access points.
Latency increases slightly each time the signal bounces off another repeater, as it has to be received and retransmitted, adding a few milliseconds at each repeater in the chain. Repeaters also have less bandwidth than access points. It is a less efficient solution overall.
Repeaters are, to a greater or lesser extent, slower and less reliable than access points, but they are easier to install.
The winning combination: Plastic Optical Fiber Wired Network + Wi-Fi Access Points
Our recommendation, whenever possible, is to use wired backbone networks as a base and establish access points with Wi-Fi emitters at the desired locations.
The great advantage of plastic optical fiber is that it allows us to create high-quality access point networks in places where running Ethernet cable is complicated. Plastic Optical Fiber gives us an interesting possibility that would otherwise be quite difficult.
This way, we achieve very stable connectivity and high-quality Wi-Fi.
Wired networks with plastic optical fiber aim for exactly this: establishing a connection with the router and extending it to other points. If we want Wi-Fi connectivity there, we will use a Wi-Fi emitter, either with a mini-router like Vonets' or with a Wi-Fi extender configured in access point mode.
If you are interested in installing additional access points in your home but do not want to do construction work to cable plastic optical fiber, it could be your ideal solution.
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