Today most of the duties and tasks are carried out by the usage of the internet. Several people make the most use of internet access for several purposes.
Key Takeaways
- A WAP (Wireless Access Point) is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network.
- A router is a device that connects multiple devices to a network and directs traffic between them.
- WAPs are used to extend the range of a wireless network, while routers are used to manage the traffic on a network and provide security features.
WAP vs Router
WAP stands for Wireless Access Point, which is a networking device that allows wireless devices such as smartphones and laptops to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi technology. A router is a networking device that connects multiple devices to a network and enables data to be transmitted between them.
The Wireless Access Point or WAP is an access point that allows other devices to connect to a wired device. It is a networking hardware device.
A networking device that is meant for forwarding data packets among several computer networks and to point traffic functions on the internet is known as the router.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | WAP | Router |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | The access point that allows other devices to connect to a wired device is known as the Wireless Access Point or WAP. | A networking device meant for forwarding data packets among several computer networks and point traffic functions on the internet is known as the router. |
| Purpose | For extension of the reach of a wireless network, Increase the number of users. | To form a connection multiple devices, including computers, mobile phones etc., to form a local area network that is managed, provide an internet connection to all the connected devices, Controlling the flow of data, Providence of segmentation, Inferring the suitable path for sending data packets etc. |
| Functions | Wireless Telephony Application Interface (WTAI), Optimized protocol stack, Wireless Markup language (WML), Programming model etc. | Throughput, Range, Bands, Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), Beamforming etc. |
| More suitable for | Larger enterprises, firms and organizations, Web newsgroups, Instant messaging etc. | Households, small businesses etc. |
| Subtypes | The standalone access point, Controller access point, Single frequency access point, Dual-band access point, In-wall access point, Ceiling access point, Commercial access point, Enterprise level access point. | Wireless routers, Wired router, Edge router, Core router, Virtual router. |
What is WAP?
The access point that connects other devices to a wired device is the Wireless Access Point or WAP. It is a networking hardware device.
Based on several parameters, various types of wireless access points include standalone access points, controller access points, single frequency access points, dual-band access points, in-wall access points, ceiling access points, commercial access points, enterprise-level access points, multifunction access points etc.
Special security and safety considerations for wireless access points are included. The majority of people consider a common safety measure of wireless traffic encryption.
There are several uses for wireless access points. The primary purposes of wireless access points include an extension of a wireless network’s reach, an increase in the number of users, etc.
What is Router?
A networking device that is meant for forwarding data packets among several computer networks and to point traffic functions on the internet is known as the router.
A router reads the network address information whenever a data packet arrives on any of the data lines and then infers its destination node to where it is supposed to reach.
The router’s other purposes include connecting multiple devices, including computers, mobile phones, etc.
Several types of routers are available in the market, including wireless routers, wired routers, edge routers, core routers, virtual routers, etc.
Main Differences Between WAP and Router
- Several types of wireless access points include standalone access points, controller access points, single frequency access points etc., on the other hand, several types of routers include virtual routers, core routers etc.
- Wireless access points are more suitable for enterprises and firms that require a higher level of internet accessibility. On the other hand, the router is more suitable for optimum usage of the internet in households and small businesses.
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/1041061/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014036640800025X
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
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