Introduction

Connecting computers to a wired network usually requires running multiple cables through walls and ceilings. Also, wired networks impose certain restrictions on the location of devices in space. Wireless networks do not have these disadvantages: you can add computers and other wireless devices with minimal physical, time and material costs. To transmit information, wireless access points use radio waves from the frequency spectrum defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard.

Usage

Most often, wireless access points are used to provide access to mobile devices (laptops, printers, etc.) to a fixed local network.

Also, wireless access points are often used to create so-called “hot spots” - areas within which the client is usually provided with free access to the Internet. Typically, such points are located in libraries, airports, and street cafes in large cities.

IN Lately There has been an increase in interest in wireless access points when creating home networks. To create such a network within one apartment, one access point is enough. Perhaps this will be enough to include neighbors of adjacent apartments in the network. To connect an apartment to the network through one, you will definitely need another access point, which will serve as a repeater for the signal that has weakened due to passing through the load-bearing wall.

Design

This device is similar in many ways to a client adapter. Like the latter, it consists of a transceiver and an integrated interface chip, but is equipped with more intelligent functions and more sophisticated electronics.

Structurally, access points can be designed both for outdoor use (an option protected from environmental influences) and for use inside business and residential premises. There are also devices intended for industrial use, taking into account the specifics of production.

As for functionality, it can vary significantly between different access points, sometimes providing tools for diagnostics and network monitoring, remote configuration and troubleshooting. In addition, recently access points have appeared that allow multi-user file sharing (broadcasting) bypassing the server.

At the end of 2009, we can talk about the growing popularity of combined devices that integrate the functions of a wireless network adapter (board, card, controller), a router and, for example, a cable modem.

Application

Access points are designed to perform a wide variety of functions, both for connecting a group of computers (each with a wireless network adapter) into independent networks (Ad-hoc mode), and for performing the function of a bridge between wireless and cable sections of the network (Infrastructure mode).

For Ad-hoc mode, the maximum possible number of stations is 256. In Infrastructure mode, up to 2048 wireless nodes are allowed.

Please note that the access point is a regular hub. With multiple connections to one point, the bandwidth is divided by the number of connected users. Theoretically, there are no restrictions on the number of connections, but in practice it is worth limiting it based on the minimum required data transfer speed for each user.

Using an access point, you can easily organize roaming when the user's mobile computer moves in a coverage area greater than the coverage area of ​​one access point, organizing “cells” of several access points and ensuring that their coverage areas overlap. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that in the intended area of ​​movement of the mobile user, all access points and mobile computers have the same settings (channel numbers, identifiers, etc.).

Application example

If you need to not only connect computers into a wireless network, but also connect this network segment to a wired one, then the easiest way is to install a so-called “access point”. When using an access point, you essentially have a dedicated network device, the operation of which does not depend on the workload of other PCs or their configuration, which is a definite plus. You don't have to go through complicated settings software or fear that the computer will be turned off once again, and the necessary service will not be started.

Signal Boost

WiFi repeater

This is a WiFi amplifier that works on the principle of a signal repeater. The repeater allows you to expand your existing WiFi network. He accepts WiFi signal and passes it on.

installed indoors; expands the coverage area by 15-20 meters;

Standards

The most popular standards for access points are Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth. Bluetooth technology has a special PAN (Personal Area Network) profile for these purposes.

Links

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Access points are equipment that is ubiquitous today. Most often, this name refers to wireless equipment that relays data received via cable and distributes it to subscribers. In turn, wireless access points are divided into several various classes. They include models designed for the following tasks:

• Creating WiFi hotspots indoors.
• Creating a WiFi hotspot on the street.
• Deployment of operator ptp networks.
• Deployment of PTP links (bridge).

Each class has a specific form factor.

Outdoor access points

Outdoor access points are assembled in all-weather, durable housings that provide tightness and reliable protection from a wide variety of adverse environmental factors. Materials used to manufacture such devices typically include metal, as well as all-weather, impact-resistant ABS plastic (or other impact-resistant types)

The electronics of external models have a number of differences. They use high-quality electronic components that can operate over a wide temperature range without breaking down.

The antennas of such devices can be either integrated inside the case or external. External options for signal emitters for access points of this class will be preferable, since they make it possible to change the radio characteristics of the set, increasing the range by increasing the gain when using directional antennas, or increasing the coverage area when using omnidirectional antennas with a circular radiation pattern.

Street models can be of three types and are intended for:

• Deploying a custom WiFi network

Models for deploying WiFi hotspots outdoors are usually quite compact and small in size, although some of them have the ability to use external antennas. A typical example is the UniFi Mech

• Carrier wireless network deployments

Models belonging to this type are usually more massive, have a powerful radio part and almost always require the use of external antennas, the type of which can vary greatly. Often, such access points work with proprietary data transfer protocols, such as Ubiquiti AirMax. A typical example is Ubiquiti Rocket.

• Deployment of PTP links

In the vast majority of cases, such models have a parabolic antenna, and, accordingly, quite large dimensions dictated by the use of a “dish”. The models have a narrow radiation pattern and require precise alignment of the connection. However, on short distances Compact devices with an integrated panel antenna can be used. The data transfer protocol can be either proprietary developments (Ubiquiti AirMax) or WiFi. Typical examples are PowerBeam; NanoBeam.

• Deployment of operator communication channels

Such devices are in many ways similar to PTP link access points, but they are heavier, have higher speeds, and the vast majority do not use WiFi. Some models have the ability to operate using frequency duplex, and have separate antennas for data reception and transmission. A typical example is Ubiquiti AirFiber.

Internal access points

These models are designed for distributing the Internet to subscribers and working with mobile gadgets, computers, and laptops. In this case, the devices have both different design, with mounting to the ceiling, walls, or the possibility of desktop placement, as well as significant differences in the technical characteristics of the radio part, which are:

• Supported WiFi versions(802.11 n\ac\ax-6).
• Radio power.
• Frequency ranges.
• Number of radio modules.
• MIMO antenna circuit.

Typical representatives of this type- WiFi access points UniFi. An important feature of operator access points is the ability to combine them into a single operator network, which allows you to centrally manage the connection of subscribers, configure equipment, and also ensures the functioning of “roaming” with quick authorization of subscribers when moving between devices.

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 wireless communication equipment for their home, many users do not see the difference between Acess Point and Router and often buy the wrong thing. 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 against hacker attacks from external networks (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 cannot do anything 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.

The access point is wireless base station, designed to provide wireless access to already existing network(wireless or wired) or creating a completely new wireless network. Wireless connection carried out through Wi-Fi technology.
By analogy, an access point can be roughly compared to a tower mobile operator, with the caveat that the access point has a shorter range and communication between devices connected to it is carried out using Wi-Fi technology. The range of a standard access point is approximately 200-250 meters, provided that there are no obstacles at this distance (for example, metal structures, concrete floors and other structures that do not transmit radio waves well).

Scope of application

In most cases, wireless networks (using access points and routers) are built for commercial purposes to attract profits from customers and tenants. Get WiFi employees have experience in preparing and implementing the following projects to implement network infrastructure based on wireless solutions:

It is important to note that for proper operation in the “repeater” and “bridge” modes, the SSID (wireless network identifier), channel and encryption type must match.

Wireless networks of multiple access points are installed in large office spaces, buildings, and other large sites, primarily to create one wireless local area network (WLAN). Up to 254 client computers can be connected to each access point. In most cases, it is not advisable to connect more than 10 computers to one access point, because... the data transfer rate for each user is distributed in equal proportions and the more “clients” one access point has, the less speed each of them. For example, according to our measurements, the real data transfer speed of an access point operating on the 802.11g standard is 20-25 Mbit/s, and when 10 clients are connected to it, the speed for each will be around 2.5 Mbit/s.
When building geographically distributed networks or wireless networks in buildings, access points are combined into one shared network via a radio channel or local network (wired). In this case, the user can move freely with his mobile device within the range of this network.

IN home network, wireless access points can be used to connect all home computers into one common wireless network or to “extend” an existing network built, for example, on a wired router. Once the access point is connected to the router, clients will be able to join their home network without having to set up a local connection again.

An access point is similar in design to a wireless router (wireless router). Wireless routers are used to create a separate network segment and support the connection of all computers with built-in wireless network adapters. Unlike an access point, a network switch (switch) is integrated into the wireless router so that clients can additionally connect to it via the Ethernet protocol or to connect other routers when creating a network of several wireless routers. In addition, wireless routers have a built-in firewall that prevents unwanted intrusion into the network by attackers. Otherwise, wireless routers are similar in design to access points.

Like wireless routers, most access points support 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, or combinations thereof.

How does a wifi router work?

WiFi router works on the principle of towers mobile operators. But, unlike towers, which emit a large flow of radio radiation, the router does not cause any harm to our health, so it can be safely installed in apartments.
A regular WiFi router distributes the signal to an area with a radius of up to 100 meters, but this is considered for open spaces. If you are the happy owner of more than 2 devices operating on Wi-Fi networks, then having a WiFi router will be very convenient for you. With its help, you can install a wireless home network at home.

But you need to take into account that any device connected to the router will slow down your Internet speed. Of course, the overall speed of your Internet will not decrease, but individually the Internet will work somewhat slower.
To understand the principle of operation of a WiFi router, there is nothing complicated: your Internet provider runs a wire into your apartment that connects to the WiFi router, to which you can connect all kinds of devices via the WiFi network: laptops, desktop computers, digital TVs, and even cameras. The router’s task is to divide what it receives from the provider between all devices. Therefore, it is advisable to protect the connection to your WiFi network with a password.

Let's consider three main modes of operation of the access point:

2.) Bridge mode

Now wireless network WiFi is used for almost all devices: laptops, Cell phones, netbooks, PDAs. This technology makes it more convenient for us and quick access to the Internet. Many providers now offer WiFi Internet access. In order to take advantage of wireless access technology, you need to use a router or access point. Both of these devices use a WiFi channel and are designed to provide radio coverage (AP mode), but, nevertheless, they are fundamentally different from each other. Although the router can operate in access point mode and has more advanced functions than just an access point. The router mode is determined by its settings. By default, the router is set to access point mode and there are many instructions on how to configure the router as an access point.

So what is the difference between a wireless router and an access point? This difference is determined by the capabilities of the device and the visual difference. The access point functions practically as a radio cable extender. You simply transfer the signal from the provider cable to the computer. This gives you the opportunity to use wireless connection with the Internet of your computer. If you use an access point, then you will have to set the provider settings in the tcp/ip protocol settings, and it is quite difficult to connect more than one laptop to such a device. After all, for the second laptop you will have to use a different IP address. A device such as a wireless router is a router that already has an access point built into it. With its help, you can already create a network at home and connect several devices without any problems.

In addition, using an access point alone will not provide you with protection from network intrusions. In this case, for protection, you will have to use the firewall capabilities on your computer. In the router you can configure protection against network attacks. Some of the advantages of using an access point include the fact that you don’t have to configure port forwarding for torrents and dc. A standard access point provides signal reception within a radius of 200-250 meters, if there are no obstacles in the signal path that reduce the signal power (concrete walls, iron structures).

If we visually compare the router and the access point, we can note that the access point is equipped with only one Ethernet port, while standard routers have five (four LAN ports and one WAN port).

As a rule, the WAN port is separated from the rest and a network cable from the provider is connected to it. The front panel of the router usually has indicator lights that indicate when a cable is connected to a particular port. LAN ports are connected via twisted pair to clients of your local network, created by the router.

By default, access points have a DHCP server disabled by default, and therefore, to connect to it via WiFi or Ethernet, you must assign it static IP address. Using an Ethernet port, the access point can connect via Static IP or DHCP. You definitely need to know what connection protocol your provider has installed.

WiFi routers are more functional in this regard. In addition to the usual Static IP and DHCP protocols, they can also support a VPN connection with the PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP protocols.

You can often hear that WiFi routers are also called routers and gateways. During their operation, routers act as a gateway to access the Internet, because they connect several networks (WAN, LAN, WLAN) and are installed exactly at the junction. This ability to connect multiple networks is provided by the NAT translation protocol. Access points do not have this function. Using the NAT protocol, the router can convert the IP address received from the ISP into local IP addresses of the order 192.168.0.0-192.168.255.255. Using a router, you can, through one contract with the provider, simultaneously connect several more clients to the channel. Thus, the provider can get by with fewer IP addresses, and you can connect several clients per channel.

From all that has been said, we can conclude that the WiFi router has big amount possibilities of application and, accordingly, more universal. With its help you can build a home or small office network. Access points have broader functionality for setting up a network. Their use is justified in creating large networks over a large area of ​​premises.

Router operating modes

The design of the router allows it to be used in different modes work (access point, bridge, repeater, client).

Router as an access point

The wi-fi access point router mode is the main one for the operation of WiFi equipment and is called AP (Access Point). The router, in access point mode, creates a radio coverage area around itself at a certain distance, determined by the signal output power. All devices located within this zone and capable of working as an AP client ( WiFi adapters and selected access point models) can be connected to a WiFi network.

Thus, a wifi router access point is used to connect to a WiFi network and this mode is set by default in routers.

Router in client mode

In the main mode, AP-client is available only for WiFi routers. Some access point models are also equipped with this functionality and can operate in this mode. In this mode, the router allows a computer or other devices to connect to a WiFi network. For example, if you receive the Internet via a radio channel, and then it is distributed via cable to desktop computers.

Router - bridge mode

In this mode, you can connect two remote segments of an Ethernet network via a radio channel, if in certain places you cannot make a wired connection or you simply do not want to lay a cable. When you connect two access points with a bridge connection, the network formed by them will be invisible. This feature greatly increases the protection of your network from outside connections.

Setting up a bridge router requires that the SSID, channel, and encryption type of these devices match.

Setting up a router in bridge mode

To configure the router in bridge mode, you first need to change the password on the router and configure Wi-Fi. And then go to the router settings and open the SETUP menu and select Network Setting. In the window that opens, you need to set the Wan Port Mode to Bridge Mode.

A connection with the same functionality can be created if

make a circuit of two devices. On one side there should be a device operating in AP mode, and on the other side there should be an access point connected that operates in AP-client mode.

This connection can provide very good performance. The only drawback here is that the network's SSID is broadcast over the air, depriving your network of its invisibility properties.

Router in repeater mode

Very often a situation arises when you need to expand your network access area. There are many options for solving this problem, including using a router as a repeater.

In this mode, the router works as a signal amplifier of the main router. A router configured in repeater mode receives the signal and accordingly transmits it further, thereby increasing the reception radius. In this mode, to obtain the best results, you need to position the repeater wifi router in the middle, at the same distance from the main router (or access point) and your computer.

What is the difference between a router and a WiFi access point?