When it comes to wifi solutions for your home or business, there’s a lot to choose from to make your signal stronger and more robust. There are wireless access points and wireless repeaters, amongst other options. Between the two of them, which is really the better solution?
Truthfully, it can vary. Let’s take a look at what factors can affect whether installing a wireless access point or a wireless repeater is the better solution for you.
What Is a Wireless Access Point and How Does It Work?
A wireless access point is a device you connect to the router. It is a wireless hardware device which forms a local area network. Other wireless devices can connect to this network and it acts like a hub where information is exchanged through the local area network.
Location is key to the optimal performance of a wireless access point. Think carefully about where it should be installed in your space. For the best performance, you’ll want to place it where the router’s signal cannot reach.
An access point is essentially an extension of the router itself. When you install an access point in an area, all devices will connect through that access point, not the router.
What Is a Wireless Repeater and How Does It Work?
A wireless repeater works to extend the coverage of a wireless network. It literally “repeats” or forwards the wireless signals coming from a router to cover a larger area. A common use of wireless repeaters is for multiple floors in a building.
How exactly does this work? A wireless repeater forms a new network. That new network is based on signals from the original network. Any devices that connect to the repeater are then connected to a separate network. If you choose to install more than 1 repeater, there will be a new network for each repeater.
Though they work together, a repeater does function like a router or modem. It also cannot work like a single wireless access point. Wireless repeaters strictly rely on receiving signals from another access point that it can forward, or “repeat”.
What Is the Difference Between a Wireless Access Point and a Wireless Repeater?
Aside from their core functionality, there are several differences between a wireless access point and a wireless repeater. Three of the biggest differences are efficiency, overall functionality, and cost-effectiveness.
Efficiency
Wireless access points and wireless repeaters vary in efficiency. For the most part, wireless access points are more efficient than wireless repeaters. With an access point, the connection of multiple devices doesn’t tend big down the network like it could with a wireless repeater.
Functionality
Wireless access points provide a large blanket of coverage. It is often strong enough to penetrate through obstacles like cement walls.
Wireless repeaters are different in that they can only repeat a signal by sort of patching together multiple instances of the signal, not necessarily expanding a single coverage area.
Cost-effectiveness
Wireless repeaters tend to be less costly up front than wireless access points. The downside is that these repeaters may need to be updated or replaced more often which can be costly.
Wireless access points can require some reconstruction of the space to accommodate wiring. Reconstruction could have some investment cost involved, but long term could result in cost savings.
How to Choose Between a Wireless Access Point and a Wireless Repeater?
Now that you know the difference between a wireless access point and a wireless repeater, how do you choose which one is best suited for your space? There are a few things to think about before starting your next IT project:
- Assessing Your Business’ Network Needs: Does your business require the use of uninterrupted high speed internet most of the time? Does your network need to support a large number of people and their devices?
- Evaluating Your Budget: Cost is a large factor for many businesses. Although wireless repeaters can be more cost effective up front, they can have drawbacks attributed to the layout of your space. If you plan to scale your business or process large amounts of data, network performance could worsen.
- Consider Your Office Layout: Is your office a single expansive floor or a multilevel unit? Multilevel units can benefit from wireless access points almost exclusively. Wireless repeaters are best used in open spaces without interior obstructions that could block the signal or make it weaker.
How TechBldrs Can Help You Decide the Best Solution for Your Business
No solution is going to be 100% perfect for your space, but with TechBldrs, we can help you decide the best solution for your business.
We start with a site survey and an initial consultation. By checking out your site, we can get a feel for which solution might work best for your space. With the initial consultation we can provide expert, unbiased recommendations and aim to propose solutions that align with your vision.
With every recommendation, we take care to help you understand the options available to you. The understanding provided can help you to make a confident and informed decision. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, and we want to do everything we can to support you in making the best one.
Contact TechBldrs Today For More Information
Now that you know the difference between a wireless access point and a wireless repeater, it’s time to take action. Contact TechBldrs today! We can help you make an informed decision to seamlessly integrate a wifi solution into your space and make your work life easier.