In the internet connectivity world, a Wi-Fi extender or an Access Point are two options you will often have to consider when you are setting up the ideal network for your home or office. While there are many commentaries on these two devices, there is need to have an insightful overview of both to find out which reigns supreme.

This article has gone ahead to highlight both brands as they do have a lot going on for them. However, finding the one that best suits your needs entails the consideration of many factors. For instance, the product that comes with the latest technology is bound to be your money’s worth.

What are the differences between a Wi-Fi Extender and an Access Point?

Wi-Fi Extender vs Access Point – A look at how they differ

Performance

Wi-Fi extenders are built to increase the range and capacity you get with all your connected devices. TP-Link AC2600 Wi-Fi extender, for instance, comes built with advanced technology for its overall good performance. It can deliver combined speeds of up to 2600Mbps (800Mbps on the 2.4GHz band+ 173Mbps on the 5GHz band). It also has 4×4 MU-MIMO (multiple-user, multiple-input, multiple-output) and Beamforming technology.

Access Points on the flipside, also work to increase the range and capacity you are already getting from your network. The Ubiquiti access point for instance, offers a wide range depending on the number of connected devices as well as construction factors like the layout and building materials. As for its speeds, the 2.4GHz band and the 5GHz band can deliver combined speeds of up to 1300Mbps (433Mbps+866Mbps).

Production

Wi-Fi extenders and Access Points come in varying designs. However, it is not easy to tell them apart based on their structures alone. Most modern networking devices are eerily similar. For example, the EX7000 comes in a modern design and white LED lights. The Ubiquiti access point on the other hand, also comes in a sleek, all white design with LED lights.

Wi-Fi Extender- Overview

While mesh networking systems have really revolutionized the industry regarding the coverage and capacity you can get with one unit, Wi-Fi extenders are still popular in the market. Wi-Fi extenders are an affordable option to blanket your entire home or office with stable and reliable internet connection. As is with all Wi-Fi extenders like Netgear and TP-Link, they eliminate any blind-spots or dead-zones you may have had to put up with. Even with the option of additional nodes like with Eero routers, one often needs a Wi-Fi extender to reach all areas in your home or office.

Depending on the Wi-Fi extender you settle for, they usually come in a variety of designs major prioritizing on performance over all else. However, there are still aesthetically pleasing extenders that have not compromised on their power levels.

Netgear EX8000 Wi-Fi Range Extender

NETGEAR WiFi Mesh Range Extender EX8000 - Coverage up to 2500 sq.ft. and 50 Devices with AC3000 Tri-Band Wireless Signal Booster & Repeater (Up to 3000 Mbps Speed), Plus Mesh Smart Roaming

• Extended wireless coverage: Adds Wi-Fi range coverage up to 2500 square feet, and connects up to 50...
• Seamless smart roaming: Uses your existing network SSID name so you never get disconnected as you move...

Check Price

Netgear’s EX8000 is a quality Wi-Fi extender that offers wide coverage of up to 2,500 square feet. Coupled with the AC3000 tri-band booster and repeater, this Wi-Fi extender can handle up to 50 connected devices offering fast combined speeds of up to 3,000Mbps that is stable and reliable. This speed is also fast enough for online gaming with multiple users as well as HD/4K streaming. One pro feature that makes this possible is its patented FastLane3 technology which enhances the overall performance you get with this router.

It also offers fast wired connections with its 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports. You can plug in your game consoles as well as other wired devices for maximum wired speeds as well. Its tri band feature can also comfortably handle up to 55 devices connected to the network.

View price on Amazon

Linksys Max-Stream RE7000 Wi-Fi Range Extender

Linksys WiFi Extender, WiFi 5 Range Booster, Dual-Band Booster, 2,500 Sq. ft Coverage, Speeds up to (AC1900) 1.9Gbps - RE7000

• ELIMINATE DEAD ZONES AND BOOST AC1900 plus WIFI RANGE: Extend your home WiFi to hard-to-reach locations...
• EXTEND NEXT-GEN AC WIFI TO MULTIPLE USERS WITH MULTI USER-MIMO: Next-Gen AC with MU-MIMO (Multi-User,...

Check Price

Paired with AC1900+ this Wi-Fi extender by Linksys is one of the best options currently available. First, it is designed with the latest technology for Wi-Fi extenders. For example, it is ramped up with MU-MIMO (multiple-user, multiple-input, multiple-output) technology as well as the AC Wi-Fi standard which is quite the next generation in the Wi-Fi world.

It also has the Spot Finder technology that helps you know where to strategically place the extender for the best performance.

Aside from its tech features, Linksys Max Stream RE7000 also has an impressive design. It is rather compact sized and can be a good fit for right about any room you place it in. The LED lights also come in handy to know the status of your network at all times. For example, an orange blinking light means you can start the set-up process for your wireless network.

View price on Amazon

TP-Link AC2600 Wi-Fi extender (RE650)

TP-Link AC2600 WiFi Extender(RE650), Up to 2600Mbps, Dual Band WiFi Range Extender, Gigabit port, Internet Booster, Repeater, Access Point,4x4 MU-MIMO

• Extend the range of your Wi Fi with the dual band RE650, compatible with any type of Router / Gateway /...
• Quad Antenna design for ultimate coverage for all areas of your home

Check Price

A dual band Wi-Fi range extender, the TP-Link AC2600 is one quality option if you are looking to extend your Wi-Fi connection in your home. It works as a repeater and access point for all connected devices including smart and Alexa devices. It also has a quad antenna design that is specifically tweaked to ensure your entire home is blanketed with stable Wi-Fi connections.

To add, it is easy to install and set-up around your home. As for its design, it comes with smart indicator lights that work as handy pointers on where to place your Wi-Fi extender for optimal performance.

View price on Amazon

Access Point- Overview

An access point is a networking device that works by virtually increasing the capacity and range of an already existing wireless network. By connecting an access point to your system, you can easily increase the user connections as well as range that are on the network by connecting the devices to the LAN. It does this through an Ethernet cable that ensures fast wired speeds as well.

While access points and Wi-Fi extenders may have similarities like their structure and design, they do have their differences. For example, unlike router, an access point does not come with a firewall or any advanced security features. They are nonetheless, still worth the investment because of the unmatched range you get with them.

Ubiquiti Networks Unifi Dual-Radio Pro

Ubiquiti Networks Unifi 802.11ac Dual-Radio PRO Access Point (UAP-AC-PRO-US), Single,White

• Manage Your Networks from a Single Control Plane
• Intuitive and Robust Configuration, Control and Monitoring

Check Price

With a weatherproof design, Ubiquiti Networks Unifi Pro Access Point is a quality product that can offer optimized performance wherever it is placed outdoors or indoors. It is designed with the latest technology in access points to make it work as it does. First, it is a dual band device that has 3×3 MU-MIMO (multiple-user, multiple-input, multiple-output) technology.

The Ubiquiti Networks Pro Access Point comes as a 5-pack and has the option of including POE-48-24W-G injectors for an even optimized experience. The 5 nodes come in white meaning they can easily blend in with right about any room you place it in. It also comes with a blue LED light that can be turned off when you want but it does serve as a good night light.

View price on Amazon

TP-Link Omada AC1350

TP-Link EAP225 | Omada AC1350 Gigabit Wireless Access Point | Business WiFi Solution w/ Mesh Support, Seamless Roaming & MU-MIMO | PoE Powered | SDN Integrated | Cloud Access & Omada App | White

• 【Superior Speeds with MU-MIMO】Designed with the latest 802.11ac Wave 2 MU-MIMO technology, the EAP225...
• 【Integrated into Omada SDN】Omada's Software Defined Networking (SDN) platform integrates network...

Check Price

The Omada AC1350 is a premium quality access point by TP-Link. It comes with many pro features like its MU-MIMO and Beamforming technology. It also has other impressive tech specs like the free managing software and free SMS/Facebook registration. As for the speeds you can expect with this access point, it is dual band and can deliver 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on the 5GHz band. Coupled with MU-MIMO and Beamforming technology, this proves enough even with many connected devices.

Its design also enhances the performance you get with this access point. It comes with 2 USB ports and it is rather compact sized with the product dimensions of 8.1 x 7.2 x 1.5 inches and 1.1lbs weight.

View price on Amazon

Now let’s compare two Wi-Fi Extender and Access Point brand models

Conclusion

Wi-Fi extenders and access points are two networking devices that are a must-have for your network set-up. Before you settle on one, consider all your requirements and needs first. For instance, if you have a large house or office, you ought to consider placing a Wi-Fi extender to boost the network signals. If you are out to get a portal for all your wired devices to get wireless connection, an access point is the one for you.

FAQ’s

1. How do you know the perfect spot for placement of a Wi-Fi extender?

Most modern routers come with Spot Finder technology which helps you make the right placement.

2. What do you require for an access point set-up that works smoothly?

For wireless access points you require its security and encryption key as well as its type (indicated in manual).

The post Wi-Fi Extender vs Access Point- Which is the better option? appeared first on Techprojournal.