What is the difference between a Wi-Fi extender and an Access Point?

As we move into the fall season, with the prospect of students learning from home and more of us working from home, our Internet connection is more important than ever. With so many family members trying to connect and use the Internet simultaneously and working throughout the home, many of our clients are discovering dead spots. Dead spots are areas where the Internet Speed is slow or non-existent. Our clients are then confronted with the question of whether to install a Wi-Fi extender or an Access Point. To make the proper decision, it’s best to understand the difference between the devices. A Wi-Fi extender, as the name suggests, extends your existing signal wirelessly from your router. Placement of the extender is critical; it should NEVER be placed in the room with the weak signal. That would only try to extend an already weak signal. Be sure to locate the extender in room where you have a strong signal. On the other hand, an Access Point is hard wired with an Ethernet cable directly to your router and acts as an antenna for your router. It’s just as though you were standing next to your router. When possible, I always recommend an Access Point over a Wi-Fi extender. Although the extender is much easier to install, it still depends on wireless transmission and will handle approximately 20 devices whereas as the Access Point is hardwired and will handle 200 devices. Please visit our website @ www.wbsouth.com.