What is a WiFi hotspot and wireless router? Operating modes. How to turn an old Wi-Fi router into an access point

When a router supports multiple operating modes, you may wonder what the difference is between them. This article provides a short overview of the two most common and most popular modes, and also indicates the features of each of them.

The end result of the device configuration is a stable Internet connection everywhere. Unfortunately, circumstances do not always allow this to be achieved. Let's look at each mode in turn.

Wireless point access allows all devices to connect to a wired network; it serves as a kind of transition link for those devices that physically cannot do this. Of course, you can find several adapters to connect your phone to a wired network, but it is much more convenient to use a wireless connection. The access point can be compared with just such a set of adapters, only it works for more devices. Router mode offers more options than access point mode and is more versatile, but may require more effort to set up.

Dependence on provider requirements

To access the Internet, you may need to configure a connection. In access point mode, these settings will have to be performed on each device, for example, entering a login or password. This does not need to be done only if the Internet connection is established immediately when the cable is connected. If the Internet works immediately when you connect the cable, then the provider can limit the number of connected devices. In this case, the Internet will work only on one device and will either be tied to specific device, or the first connected computer or phone will get access.

In router mode, everything is much simpler, because all settings are performed only once on the router. All other devices can only connect to wireless connection.

Working with traffic

In access point mode, the device has no protection against network attacks unless provided for, and there is also no ability to limit traffic. On the one hand, this may not be very convenient, but on the other hand, everything works “as is”; nothing needs to be configured additionally.

In router mode, each connected device is assigned its own “internal” IP address. Network attacks from the Internet will be directed to the router itself, the likelihood that they will detect a specific computer or smartphone is extremely low. In addition, some routers are equipped with a built-in firewall, and this is already additional protection, which is undoubtedly a big plus.

In addition, depending on the capabilities of the router, you can limit the incoming or outgoing speed for both connected devices and programs that use the Internet connection. For example, communication via audio or video can be the most comfortable and stable if a file is downloaded from the Internet. Connection prioritization will allow you to do both at the same time.

Work on the same subnet

If the Internet provider installs a router in the entrance, then in access point mode the computers will see each other on the same subnet. But it may also be that all devices are connected using a login and password, then computers in one apartment may not be connected to each other.

When the router is operating in access point mode, devices connected to it will see each other on the same subnet. This is very convenient if you need to transfer a file to another device, because this will happen much faster than when sending it over the Internet.

Configuration complexity

Setting up a router to operate in access point mode is relatively simple and usually doesn't take much time. The only thing you really need to figure out is to decide the password encryption algorithm and the operating mode of the wireless network.

Router mode has more options than access point mode. But that also means it's harder and longer to set up. To this we can add the fact that some programs will not work correctly if you do not perform a certain setting, for example, port forwarding. Configuring a router doesn't necessarily require a lot of knowledge or skill, but it does take time.

Conclusion

It may be difficult at first to decide on the mode of operation of the router. But by weighing your circumstances and needs, and remembering to take into account the requirements of the provider, you can make the right decision and choose exactly the mode that suits best.

Honestly, I’m too lazy to write another instruction today, so I decided to talk about access points. What is an access point, what are they for, how do they differ from routers, and how to make an access point from a router. Some specific ones step by step instructions You won't find it in this article. Later, in a separate article I will write about how to use Wi-Fi router in AP (Access Point) mode.

Wireless access point: what is it and what is it for?

First of all, the access point is separate device. A router and an access point are not the same thing. Yes, they are similar in many ways. We can say that the access point is a stripped-down, more simple version router. The fact is that a wireless access point is designed to connect devices to an already created network. Its task is simply to organize an Internet connection via Wi-Fi. Also, she can work in different modes: wireless client, bridge, repeater, access point. It all depends on the specific model.

The access point does not distribute IP, does not connect to an ISP, does not have a built-in firewall, etc. It simply receives the Internet from a router or modem and distributes it via Wi-Fi. Some wireless access points that are on sale can distribute IP, organize a separate network, and even connect to an Internet provider. But, only via the Static IP protocol, or DHCP. Most likely, you can’t do everything without a router or modem. And one more important point, the access point has only one network connector. So, it does not distribute Internet via cable.

For example, if you need to distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi from an ADSL modem, or expand an already existing Wi-Fi network, then in this case an access point is perfect. This is what they are created for. As I wrote above, many models can work in client mode, or . Many modern routers can also work in all of these modes.

In access point mode, we connect it to a router or modem via a network cable, and gain access to the Internet via Wi-Fi networks. If you want to connect a wireless access point over the air, you can configure it in bridge mode (WDS), or in repeater mode. You need to look at what is best suited specifically in your case.

Router and access point

The router itself also acts as an access point; it allows you to connect to a Wi-Fi network. In addition, almost every router can operate in AP mode. For some manufacturers, for example ASUS, ZyXEL, this mode is simply enabled in the router settings. Later, I will definitely write detailed instructions on setting up this operating mode on routers from different manufacturers.

In access point mode, the distribution of IP addresses (DHСP), firewall, and IP address translation (NAT) must be disabled on the router. It simply disables several features of the router and turns it into an Access Point.

On some routers, there is no AP operating mode as such. There you just need to manually disable the DHCP server and make a few more settings.

Conclusions

If you do not know what device you need, a router, or an access point, then it is better to ask knowledgeable people, or buy a regular router. Buy an access point only if you know for sure that it suits you.

Almost any router can operate in Access Point mode. And the access point itself cannot act as a router. It lacks many of the features that a regular router has.

By the way, regular laptop, or a computer with Wi-Fi adapter It can also be turned into a wireless access point. I already wrote, . And if you have Windows 7, then look.

That's all. If you still have any questions, you can leave them in the comments. Best wishes!

Installing and configuring a wireless access point that will connect to your existing wireless network can be a little tricky. In the following article, the various steps required for access point settings are divided into broad categories and in a list. For broadcasting or extending the range of a wireless network or allowing a wired network to broadcast wirelessly, one piece of network equipment is used and a wireless access point (WAP). Below is detailed description for setting up a wireless access point for home network.

How to install a wireless access point

Instructions - how to set up a wireless access point:

Network information
Your WAP acts as an intermediary between the device, between the router and the computer, and tries to connect to your home network. Therefore, in wireless settings Your router must have your WAP entered so that the wireless access point can pick up and transmit the correct signal. Before you do anything with the access point, you will need the following information from the router:

Router IP address
DHCP address range

Wireless:

Wireless name network SSID
What wireless channel is being used?
Security mode (WEP, WPA, etc.)
Password or security key (copy all parameters such as number of keys, encryption, etc. to be safe)

Please write down the above information correctly. Minor changes to the settings and nothing will work. To get this information, you will need to go to the router's settings page. If you are familiar with the process or know the settings, skip the following steps:

I. Using any computer, get hard wired access to the router. Do not connect to your wireless router page.
II.Open Command line and in a black screen, enter the ipconfig command.
III. Look in the Default Gateway field. An example of what this might look like is: “192.168.1.1”. Write down this is the IP address of your router.
IV. Close the command prompt window, and open any web browser. Remove any URL in address bar and enter the IP address of your router. Press Enter.
V. A dialog box will appear asking for your router's login and password (not associated with a wireless network). If you have any opportunity, please enter it now. The default login for most routers is an empty username and administrator password. Click on Ok.

VI. In the main screen of the setup program, look for DHCP-Range and DHCP start and end addresses. Write it down.
VII. Now look for the tab at the top of the screen that says Wireless or Wireless Network Settings. Click on the tab, there may be sub-tabs such as basic setup, security and advanced. Look for the wireless network data and information above (SSID, security, etc.) and write it down.
VIII. Check if you have network name broadcasting enabled, i.e. your network name has been seen and connected, select it. This parameter is usually called SSID broadcast and is located in wireless parameters pages.

WAP connection
1.Now it's time to deal with this access point. Connect the Ethernet cable to the port on the WAP, and the other end of the wire to the Ethernet port of your computer, so that the WAP and the computer are connected together. Turn on the access point.
2.Open Command Prompt and enter ipconfig /renew. Then enter ipconfig. Look for the Default Gateway address at present moment WAP address that needs to be changed.
3.Open a web browser and enter this address in the address bar. Login to the page (username is blank, password: admin) and you are now taken to the WAP installation page.

4.The default mode for the operation of the Access Point in most routers. If such a specification is on the WAP settings pages, make sure that only the Access Point mode is set.
5.The first IP address of the router must be assigned. Look at the IP address term and there should be four filled boxes next to it.
6.To better understand what an access point address is, the address should be like this - an example:
Let's assume that your router IP address is 192.168.1.1 and the DHCP start address and end address are 192.168.1.10 - 192.168.1.15
7. Since the DHCP range is 10-15, the access point address should not be any of these numbers, it should be something else. The ideal address for the access point is 192.168.1.2. That is, within the router's subnet range, but not within the DHCP range. Enter this type into the IP address field. Do not enter the Default Gateway field.
8.Look at any option that says DHCP enabled and possibly a checkbox or “yes/no”. Disable DHCP. With this change in address, the web browser may attempt to refresh or a message may be displayed. Close all windows.

Setting up a wireless network
10.Create a WAP address, now physical connection must be changed.Connect your router or LAN Ethernet port to the port on the WAP. Connect another cable between the computer and the port router. Apply power to the access point. Now your computer and WAP are connected, but not to each other, instead the router is working.
11.Now on your computer, open a web browser and enter the WAP IP address that was just assigned (in this case, 192.168.1.2) and enter the settings page. Look on the main tab to see what it says Wireless.

12.In this tab, enter the SSID and wireless channel. Look for the sub-tabs that say Wireless Security and click on it. As part of this, select the correct security settings and enter the password or key that is used for your network. This step is to enter the wireless router settings on your access point. After that, close your browser.

13.The LEDs on the access point should be working. Check the WAP manually to see if they are lit correctly - WAP. If you are connecting to a wired router, leave the connections as they are for now. If you have wireless router, then you can unplug the WAP from the router and install it in a location such as where it picks up the router's signal and transmits it correctly. This process has a bit of "trial and error" in nature, as you must check the signal strength to place the point wireless access to the optimal location.

The above WAP installation procedures may seem very tedious, but you just have to be patient and read the instructions carefully before doing anything. Keep in mind that the access point is now configured with your router's wireless setup software, so if you don't change them to the router, you must change them to the access point.

Nowadays, the Internet has become so integrated into the lives of ordinary people that the first thing that arises when moving to a new home is the question of running an Internet cable there. But if previously most people had only one computer in their apartment, now each family member has a separate personal gadget with Internet access, and they are all connected not via a cable, but via a Wi-Fi interface, so the problem of purchasing equipment arises. which can satisfy these needs. When you come to the store, you will see a huge amount various types devices (routers, access points, repeaters) that are similar in functionality, and how can you buy exactly what you really need from everything presented?

Network equipment, although it performs similar tasks, differs in its functionality and capabilities

When choosing equipment for wireless communication into their home, many users do not see the difference between Acess Point and Router and often buy what they do not need. It would seem that both equipment distributes a Wi-Fi signal, but the difference between them is colossal.

What is an access point?

An access point is a regular wireless interface splitter that allows you to cover a certain area of ​​your apartment with a radio signal. Most often, the device is used to:

• Receive Internet traffic and broadcast it to other gadgets via Wi-Fi. That is, we connect our AP to existing network equipment (to a router that does not have a wireless interface or to a computer) and it, in turn, transmits a signal via radio frequencies to your gadgets.

• Receive radio signals from your gadgets and transmit them further via cable (feedback).
• Acess Point is also used in repeater (repeater) mode to increase the coverage area of ​​an existing Wi-Fi. That is, if you already have a Router and you need to transmit the signal further to client machines, then installing an AP will help solve this problem.

What is a router?

Routers, or routers as they are also called, are a much more complex device. Among other things, they differ in that with their help you can organize new network, and the TD is already built in there. Router features:

• Distribution of Internet data packages between devices.

• Assignment and distribution of IP addresses for gadgets connected to it.
• Protection from hacker attacks from an external network (built-in firewall).
• Internet speed limit for various devices your network, as well as filtering MAC addresses, IP addresses and other parameters to limit the penetration of other clients into your network.

From this we can conclude that a Wi-Fi router is a router with a built-in access point, and the AP itself can do nothing except distribute Wi-Fi. That is, if we need to provide ourselves with a wireless interface in our apartment, then we need to buy a router. You can limit yourself to purchasing an AP only if you already have a router without Wi-Fi function.

Our regular readers will remember that relatively recently we already had an article on the topic: what is the difference between an access point and a router. We got a lot feedback and realized that the explanation was not detailed and understandable enough, and in some places it was not even entirely correct. So let's try a second time :)

We remind you why there was a need for such an article in the first place. Look at the photo intro for today's post. Appearance, and often the functionality of modern access points and routers is so similar that this inevitably creates confusion. This applies to a greater extent to access points and routers for home networks and small offices. Due to the confusion, you can make a mistake and buy a device that is not at all suitable for your needs.

In order to understand the differences modern models access points and routers (routers), and which of them is better to buy for a home (small office) in each specific case, you need to go back a little and look at the original purpose of these devices. After all, a classic router and a classic access point are completely different network equipment with different functionality.

What is an access point in the classic version?

Access Point (AP) is a wireless “extender-extender” of a wired network. Wireless home networks started with it. Initially, it was a very simple device, the main task of which was to accept incoming traffic via cable (most often from a router) and distribute to other devices via WiFi.

The access point does not create another network, but simply expands the existing wired network with wireless coverage, broadcasting traffic like a simple switch, without any ability to control it.

These features of a classic access point impose certain restrictions on its use. Like a simple switch, a home access point cannot divide one connection from the provider, with one external IP address, between several devices that connect to it. The vast majority of access point models do not even have a WAN port for direct connection to an external network, only a LAN port for connecting to a local one, which has already been carefully created for it by the router.

Also, most classic access points, in which the manufacturer has not added additional router functions, do not have settings for connecting to the provider’s network via PPoE, PPTP, VPN, and so on.

Previously, when the number of home gadgets capable of receiving a signal via WiFi was in most cases limited to one laptop or computer with a WiFi adapter, multiple connections were not required. And many even used only a wired connection to access the Internet.

What is a router (router)?

Router (router)- this is a more “smart” device that not only receives and transmits data, but also redistributes it according to various established rules, performs given commands and can create and connect various networks. For example, a router can create a local home network of several computer devices and organize its interaction with the provider’s external network.

Also, the router, unlike a standard access point, can:

• route data packets (Internet traffic) between different networks and subnets;
• assign IP addresses to computers and other devices that are connected to it;
• replace the internal IP addresses of devices with your external IP address, as a result of which all home computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets access the outside world using the same provider address;
• provide them network protection(firewall);
• limit traffic speed and much more - depending on the type and cost of the model.

Before the popularization of wireless technologies, routers were released without WiFi support. The classic router had only a wired interface, and even now carrier-class multiport models are produced without a radio module, for example:

Initially, routers were used exclusively in the corporate sector. However, with the increase in the number of computer devices per capita, there is also a need for models for the home or small office. They were precisely used to connect several home devices to the Internet. Ethernet cable from your ISP or twisted pair from the ADSL modem were connected to the WAN port of the router, and home computers, laptops and other devices were connected to its LAN ports using a network cable.

So, we draw a preliminary conclusion:

An access point is the simplest device, in fact, a wireless switch, the main task of which is to expand an existing wired network with wireless coverage.

A router is a more intelligent device that can perform various operations with traffic, create and connect separate networks.

Device evolution

However, progress, as we know, is not worth it. IN home use wireless technologies have reached a level where even a refrigerator needs to be connected to the Internet via WiFi. In the corporate sector they also began to occupy more and more significant place. What did manufacturers begin to offer?

Home access points

Simple functionality no longer always suited the consumer. He needed to buy a router - to directly connect to the provider and create a local home network, and an access point - to provide wireless access to this network for laptops, computers, tablets and smartphones of all family members, as well as televisions and, as we have already said, refrigerators.

This was unprofitable, and many manufacturers, including TP-link, D-Link and others, began to add router functionality to access points. Devices are often called: “Wireless access point and router/router”, “Access point with router (router)”. Take at least the same one.

This access point has routing, NAT, a firewall, the ability to forward ports and many other goodies inherent in routers.

In addition, many access points have expanded their basic functionality. These began to be used additional modes works like:

• Wireless client - receives traffic via a wireless connection and transmits it further via a wired connection;
• Wireless bridge - data transmission via WiFi in a narrow direction, from one device to another;
• Wireless repeater (repeater) - receives traffic over a wireless channel and also transmits over a wireless channel.

And these are not all modes.

Home WiFi routers

Some manufacturers have gone the other way, developing simple models routers that are ideal for use in the SOHO segment and complement them with a WiFi module and access point functionality.

Access points for the corporate sector

After the data transfer speed over WiFi became acceptable for use for corporate telecommunications, backbone channels of operators and providers, etc., both SMB and Enterprise became interested in access points. The previous simple functionality has also been supplemented with the ability to work in various modes wireless transmission(client, bridge, repeater, plus all sorts of modifications and combinations), and in corporate access points all these modes are already designed for heavy loads, distances and traffic volumes.

In addition, in order to “don’t get up twice,” manufacturers have also added router functionality to some of their lines of access points.

Routers for the corporate sector

Manufacturers have built-in an access point into many router models. Now smart device could operate both wired and wireless traffic, create and connect networks created both on the basis of WiFi and on the basis of a wired network.

Everything was mixed up in the Oblonskys' house

What is the result now, that is, in the range of network equipment?

• Most home access points also have router functionality, to varying degrees of reduction, but it still exists.
• Many of the corporate access points are also combined with a router (take the same Mikrotik).
• Almost all home routers have the basic functionality of access points, i.e. can connect client devices wirelessly.
• Corporate routers are often also equipped with a built-in access point.

That is, we have large number devices that, regardless of the name (access point or router), are multifunctional and partially or completely duplicate each other.

But, although with great difficulty and very relative, some differences can still be found. At the same time, with devices for the corporate segment it is simpler - they are more highly specialized. It's more difficult with people at home.

Access points, both home and corporate, to a greater extent are aimed at transmitting wireless traffic, and the manufacturer pays the main attention to these functions. Most often, they do not provide an interface for connecting devices via a wired network and have only one port for receiving data from the router. Access point router capabilities are usually limited to just enough to meet the basic needs of the application for which the manufacturer markets them.

Routers are aimed at their main task: distribution, routing, traffic management, both wired and wireless. IN WiFi router There are additional ports to connect devices using a network cable. At the same time, depending on the high cost and versatility of the model, router may not have all the capabilities of the access point, for example, cannot work in wireless client or repeater mode.

So which is better to buy?

“Well, what should I buy? Which is better? - the completely confused user will ask.

The optimal solution is when choosing, focus not on the name of the device, but on its functionality. If you need advanced wireless functionality, check whether the access point or router you want to buy has it, or whether they can only connect devices to the network via WiFi. If you need the functions of a router and access point at the same time, choose suitable device either from WiFi routers or multifunctional access points/routers.

Let's look at the choice of devices using examples of use at home or in a small office. For corporate clients tasks are usually much more multifaceted and varied, so we will not touch on them in this article. But when choosing equipment, you can always contact our specialists for advice.

You already have a WiFi router, organized local network, devices connect to the router via WiFi. But the coverage does not “reach” all corners of the house/apartment/estate and you want to expand it without using network cable. In this case, it is best to buyaccess pointwith support for wireless repeater mode, ideally from the same manufacturer as the router, but you can choose an analogue. You can purchase a second router, but you need to make sure that it supports repeater mode at a throughput level that is worthy of your needs.

Do you have a local network at your home or office? wired network , but you want to add a wireless segment to it. Also suitable hereaccess point, especially if it is designed specifically for enterprise wireless coverage purposes, like Ubiquiti UniFi or . But if a router with the functions you need in this situation is cheaper, then you can purchase it, although setting it up will be a little more complicated.

You want organize traffic transmission via WiFi from one computer to another, but the devices are far from each other and organize transmission using wireless adapters impossible. Butaccess pointsare now being produced for the most different distances, you only need to choose the one that implements the wireless client mode required in this case. Here you can use both home access points and external, enterprise-class ones (if you need to transfer data not indoors, but outside the building).

You receive Internet from your provider via fiber optic, Ethernet cable or telephone line and want to distribute it WiFi connection to multiple devices at home or in the office. Here you will already need a router, or an access point with the appropriate router functionality, since a regular AP will not be able to provide a connection to the provider and distribute traffic to all home devices.

You want organize at home or in office WiFi coverage throughout the territory, With seamless roaming, Internet access, a separate subnet for guests, etc. In this case, you will need to purchase a full-fledged router (you can even do it without wireless module), and several access points. The router will be central link your network, you will connect a cable with traffic from the provider to its WAN port, and connect access points to the LAN ports using twisted pair cables. The figure shows an example of organizing a network using.