The most familiar type of IP routers are home and small office routers that simply forward IP packets between the home computers and the Internet. Then, using information in its routing table or routing policy, it directs the packet to the next network on its journey. When a data packet comes in on one of the lines, the router reads the network address information in the packet header to determine the ultimate destination. Ī router is connected to two or more data lines from different IP networks. the Internet) until it reaches its destination node. A packet is typically forwarded from one router to another router through the networks that constitute an internetwork (e.g. Data sent through the internet, such as a web page or email, is in the form of data packets. Routers perform the traffic directing functions on the Internet. These devices simply extend the range of the wireless network and are fairly useful in overcoming obstacles that block the signal from the wireless router.Ĭhoosing between a router and a wireless access point isn’t such a major issue as the two terms probably mean the same thing, if the router has wireless capabilities.ġ.A WAP is device that allows clients to connect wirelessly while a router is network device that directs the traffic from one network element to anotherĢ.A WAP cannot provide internet access while a router canģ.A router has advanced features missing in WAPĤ.Routers may or may not have WAP in themĥ.A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. It simply relays the data packets received to another WAP with routing functions. Devices like wireless extenders and wireless bridges have an access point but do not perform in routing function. Because the WAP has been integrated to the router, it is common for the terms WAP and wireless router to be used interchangeably in referring to the device.Īlthough being integrated into a router is the most common way of using a WAP, there are also WAP devices that are not necessarily integrated into routers. On the other hand, a wireless router still has ports for Ethernet cables but adds a WAP to the mix to allow wireless connections. A wired router relies solely on wired Ethernet connections for interconnecting computers to form a network. WAPs do not have this capability.įor SOHO routers, there are two major types wired and wireless. Routers typically have a firewall and can perform NAT to protect the internal network from external attacks. Aside from internet connectivity, a router also provides advanced features that deal with security. A WAP only device cannot act in the same capacity and still needs a router for that purpose. The biggest use of routers in homes and even in businesses is to act as an interface between the internet and the private network thereby allowing multiple computers to access the internet simultaneously. In comparison, a WAP is just an alternative to wires that allow computers to connect wirelessly and provides a degree of mobility to the user. A router is a network element that deciphers where data packets need to go. There is a major difference between the functions of the two. Some people have difficulty in choosing whether to get a WAP (Wireless Access Point) or a router for their home or office.