Access Point Vs Extender – Which provides better area of coverage?
Access points and Wi-Fi extenders are often confused as they’re both used to improve coverage and boost the signal. The following is an in depth review of the two highlighting their major features and differences.
The problem of range and dead zones has affected all of us at one point. It starts when you realize that there are certain rooms or floors in your house where there is little or no Wi-Fi signal. When this happens, you can choose to resolve it using an extender or access points. Extenders are Wi-Fi repeaters that are connected to your already existing router to increase range. Access points on the other hand work similarly to mesh systems and can sometimes be referred to as mesh systems too. As the name suggest, access points are hubs that are placed at different rooms or floors of the house to create a mesh network throughout the whole house. They work independently and replace you preexisting router. In the table below, we’ll look at how they compare.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between an access point and a Wi-Fi Extender?
Devices |
Wi-Fi extender |
Access point |
Range |
Small to medium coverage |
Large area coverage |
Package size |
Single unit |
Sold as a package with more than one unit |
Configuration |
Manual; no mobile app |
Auto: Setup and configuration is done by mobile app |
Speed |
Low |
High |
Cost |
Affordable |
Expensive |
Antennas |
External or internal |
Internal |
Product |
Access point vs Wi-Fi extender – how do they compare?
Functionality and use
Although these devices solve the same problem, they operate and work differently in the networking world. An access point is used to allow wireless devices and networks to be connected using Wi-Fi whereas an extender or repeater aims to extend signal of your already existing network. Because of this, you will find that extenders cannot work independently without a preexisting Wi-Fi router. On the other hand, access points can work independently and even replace your current router. It can also be connected to the router using an Ethernet cable. This is the main reason access points can also be referred to as mesh systems, although not all the time. Here, access points are much better for usability as they allow multiple devices to connect to it.
Convenience and efficiency
Efficiency is simply how the well and conveniently devices operates in relation to your devices. Wi-Fi extenders are less efficient because they reduce the throughput speed being provided by the router. The main reason for this is that they work in half duplex meaning, two way communication is not simultaneous. Every time data travels using the same frequency, the speed is cut by half. Access points on the other hand are full duplex meaning they allow simultaneous communication both wirelessly and wired. Again, access points take the win as there is minimal loss of bandwidth during transfer
Area of coverage
Most times, you will find that access points are placed at different areas, rooms and floors of the building. By doing this, they provide more range and better signal distribution. You will also find that they cover more area overall than extenders or repeaters. Access point cover at least 4500 sq. feet while extender cover about 1500 sq. feet.
Hubs and package size
One of the first thing you will notice when looking for access points is that it usually comes as a package with more than one piece inside. The pieces are referred to as hubs or nodes or access points depending on the manufacturer. An access point is part of a mesh system in that, it acts as a secondary router that is connected to the main. The package usually consists of two or more routers where one is the main and the rest are access points. An extender on the other hand is a single device that is connected to your router either wirelessly or through cable. It is plugged directly into a power plug and boosts the range from that point. Overall, access points have more hubs and are larger packs for excellent range and minimal loss of bandwidth
Pricing
Due to their complex nature and functionality, Wi-Fi access points generally cost more than extenders. Even for setup and configuration, an access point costs you more because you will need to run wires through your house when setting them up.Extenders are better for home setups are they cost less while still increasing range while access points are better for offices and workplaces.
Access point vs. Wi-Fi Extender– a comparison overview
Access point
A wireless access point or simply ‘access point’ is a hardware device that acts as a central hub to receive and transmit data over a local area network. It allows devices to be connected either wirelessly or through cable. Access points are known to either connect to a your already router or come as part of a mesh system. However, they can operate independently as standalone devices with standalone configuration and settings that allow the devices to connect. These independent access points are mainly used in organizations and office workplaces to extend coverage of an already existing signal. For instance, if you want Wi-Fi access in a new office block but don’t have a router, you can install an access point around the block and use an Ethernet cable to connect to the server room for internet access. Furthermore, access points can support over 60 devices simultaneously. This is what makes them a suitable choice for businesses over home use. The following are top examples of access points today.
Ubiquiti Networks Unifi PRO Access Point
- Manage Your Networks from a Single Control Plane
- Intuitive and Robust Configuration, Control and Monitoring
Ubiquiti Company provides the best access points we have in the market today. The Unifi Pro access point is an industrial access point (AP) that is powered by a dual band 3 x 3 processor. These provide a speed of up to 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz channel and 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz channel. The piece comes with two Ethernet ports and supports up to 4 separate networks at the same time. When sold, this unit comes as either a 5 pack or a single pack. It boasts amazing features including: MIMO, auto band steering and auto sensing. We also loved the design featuring a pristinely white color with matte finishing to prevent dust and fingerprints from sticking on the surface. It is also large, circular and robust for durability
NETGEAR AC1200 Wireless Access Point
- Maximum Range : 1200 Sq Ft
- Fast WIFI Performance: Get up to 1200 square feet wireless coverage with AC1200 speed (Dual band up to...
The Netgear AC1200 is reliable AP that is built for smaller setups such as homes and small offices. The unit largely resembles a router and features four RJ45 Ethernet ports for wired connections. Furthermore, it is a dual band router with a total theoretical throughput speed of 1200 Mbps with 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. We tested this access points in a real world environment and found the following speeds: 150 Mbps and 110 Mbps as the upload and download speeds respectively. In addition, the AP comes with inbuilt security system with one touch WPS ad WPA2. The product has two external antennas attached to the back of the router.It is compatible with IPV6, N150, N300, N600 and AC devices.
Wi-Fi Extenders
Home Wi-Fi routers are notorious when it comes to consistency in bandwidth and range of the signal. They sometimes lose signal in certain ranges or drop bandwidth. If this happens a lot, consider getting a Wi-Fi extender. This device works together with your router to make the signal stronger and increase range. In fact, they increase range with up to 50%. Extenders are also referred to as boosters or repeaters: they capture the Wi-Fi signal and amplify it. They are connected to the router through Ethernet cable and plugged in directly to a power outlet. You then set them up using the WPS button. We picked the top extenders in the market below.
Linksys RE6700 Dual Band Wi-Fi Range Extender
- Spot Finder Technology to show where to place the range extender using a mobile device for optimum...
- Expands wireless coverage area upto 10,000 square feet; Operating Humidity: 10 to 80 percent non...
As the name suggests, the Linksys RE6700 is a dual band extender with high speeds and reliable performance.It is a small white device with two external antennas sticking out from the back. The unit is also bulky and robust for durability. But perhaps the best feature about this is the affordability. A unit goes for less than $50 which makes it the ideal choice for people on a budget. When it comes to performance, the unit was tested and provided very decent speeds: 68 Mbps at 25 feet and 18 Mbps while standing 50 feet away.
D-Link Wi-Fi Dual Band Range Extender
- Extend the coverage of your home's existing wireless network
- Up to 750 Mbps (300 Mbps 2.4GHz and 433 Mbps 5GHz)
The D Link Wi-Fi band is a simple plug extender that offers good range and strong Wi-Fi signal. It is a slightly smaller unit compared to the Linksys with a robust and durable build. However, there is one main downside to this product: it lacks Ethernet ports or any other ports for that matter. If you’re looking to connect a console or PC, this might not be the best choice for you.
Model |
Ubiquiti Networks Unifi PRO Access Point |
Linksys RE6700 Dual Band Wi-Fi Range Extender |
Ports |
3 |
1 |
Speed |
1200 mbps |
1200 mbps |
Special features |
MUMIMO, beamforming |
WPA, WPS |
Size |
4.6 x 2.6 x 1.5 inches |
3.62 x 2.28 x 1.35 inches |
Color |
White |
White |
Availability |
Conclusion
These two devices are designed and built for different environments. For businesses or small workplaces, access points are better for use, specifically the Unifi PRO AP. But for home use, we recommend using an extender such as the Linksys RE6700
