Alza Days - WiFi Routers & Access Points

Routers and access points were originally two different kinds of devices, however, today's AP function handles both. Although routing technically runs on a different principle in the majority of the AP devices (the NAT table is used for connecting clients and then the external network appears as one IP address of the access point), but it has no effect on the fact that it practically functiona as a router. For more demanding applications where it is necessary to connect two computer networks (eg distribution of wireless Internet access in the context of a large WiFi network or internet) it is appropriate to use a classical router (routerboard or MikroTik are ideal for this application - or a separate computer equipped with the necessary components and software).

When selecting a new AP, focus mainly on the key parameters, which include support for newer versions of standard 802.11 wireless communications and the related frequency at which WiFi access point works (2.4GHz or 5GHz), its function (AP or client - access point in AP mode only transmits, while to connect your PC or notebook to a wireless network, you need a client function) and sufficient security. The standard WPA (WiFi Protected Access) and WPA2 will take care of it (older WEP encryption is easily cracked). This standard is also in AP with built-in DHCP server functionality.