Solving Wi-Fi problems using an access point. Creating a Home Wi-Fi Hotspot
It's no secret that despite the stated capabilities of transmitting a Wi-Fi signal over a distance of up to 400 meters in open space and up to 100 meters indoors, the actual performance is significantly lower.
What is the problem with Wi-Fi
The culprit is barriers in the form of walls, interference with other wireless networks that are teeming with modern world, and the very power of wireless devices is often limited due to legislative regulation and banal economic reasons.
As a result, many users encounter problems when wireless connection over Wi-Fi in the form of slowdowns, freezes and periodic “dropping” of the Internet.
Surprisingly, this is faced not only by owners of large estates and office workers, but also by relatively small apartments, since the signal in them is often interrupted by interference from neighboring routers. I have seen this picture more than once in a Wi-Fi analyzer.
The most common Wi-Fi standard, 802.11n, operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz and provides only 3 non-overlapping bands. This means that if there are more wireless networks that you see on your laptop or smartphone, they begin to interfere with each other. There are several ways out of this situation.
Transition to 5 GHz frequency
This option is more radical and involves moving to the more modern 802.11ac standard with a frequency of 5 GHz, which provides significantly more non-overlapping bands. In addition, this frequency is not yet overloaded by other networks.
But the transition to the 5 GHz frequency also has several significant disadvantages. First of all, this is the need to purchase a more expensive Wi-Fi router.
You will also have to purchase a separate 802.11ac adapter for each device (computer, laptop) that does not support this standard. This is still a considerable additional expense.
Many smartphones and tablets cannot be connected at all, since they do not support the 5 GHz frequency, and connecting an adapter to them is quite problematic and inconvenient.
In addition, Wi-Fi at 5 GHz has significantly less range and is more likely to be blocked by obstacles. So in the case of even an average-sized apartment, 2-3 walls from the router can significantly drown out the transmitter signal.
2.4 GHz Signal Boost
In this case, everything is much simpler and cheaper; you only need to amplify the signal in the widespread 802.11n range, which is supported by all modern devices.
A stronger signal will be better able to penetrate walls, over greater distances, and dominate competing networks without being drowned out by interference.
Often, this is enough to change the router to another one with a more powerful transmitter and antennas with higher gain.
You don't have to purchase additional adapters for other devices, and smartphones and tablets will connect without any problems at all.
But this method also has several disadvantages. A more powerful router will cost 1.5-2 times more than a regular one. By installing such a router, you will disturb your neighbors and interrupt their Wi-Fi. In addition, excessive radiation in the 2.4 GHz range is not very good for health.
Installing an access point
The most reasonable and correct option would be to install an additional access point, which can be found both in the 5 GHz band and in the good old 2.4 GHz. This method has a number of significant advantages.
An access point usually costs less than a similar router in the same frequency range and it is specifically designed for signal relaying, while not all routers can operate in bridge mode.
In a large house or apartment, you can install several additional access points that will provide good coverage throughout the room. They are usually small and can be hung anywhere - on the wall, ceiling, or just placed on the nightstand.
The access point is quite compact, does not require laying an information cable, it only needs an outlet nearby or a separate power cable, and some can simply be plugged into an outlet.
The power of the access point is limited to standard values, it will not interfere with your neighbors, have an unnecessarily negative impact on health, and at the same time will ensure a reliable connection of your devices to the Internet, since it will simply be closer to them.
You can purchase an access point at any computer store. But, if you are interested in high-quality professional equipment for a large residential premises or office in Ukraine, we recommend visiting the website http://www.technotrade.com.ua/catalog-654, where you can also purchase separate powerful antennas for remote areas or rural areas and a variety of network equipment.
What is the difference between an access point and a router?
Probably more than 200 years ago, when the bicycle was first invented, it was confused with the scooter, which, by the way, appeared only a year earlier back in 1817. Approximately the same thing happens with understanding the difference between a wireless access point and a router. Just as a bicycle cannot be compared to anything other than another bicycle, an access point and a router cannot be identified with each other, due to the difference in their purpose.
Why do you need an access point and what is it?
Now let's look at the D-Link DIR-615 router:
With the exception of more lights on the front panel, at first glance these devices look identical. Although we already know that this is not so. Now you can consolidate what was written above and highlight the main differences between a router and an access point:
A router can be both an access point and a . In other words, this is a multifunctional device. An access point can perform only one function, namely, to be an access point.
- This is a device that is used indoors as an important element of a local network. Access points, in turn, can be used both for home use and for outdoor use.
It basically has only one LAN port for connecting a cable with access to the Internet. The router, depending on the model, has one incoming LAN port and several outgoing ones for routing.
What is better for organizing a small home or office network: buy a Wi-Fi router or an access point?
In fact, even if the difference between these two devices has already become clear, the average user still has the question of what to actually buy if the price is practically the same?
We propose to compare some of the nuances in building networks on both devices, so that everyone can do right choice:
| WiFi router | Access point |
| The router connects to the provider’s network “on its own behalf.” In other words, you need to set up a connection to the provider on the device itself and set the conditions for distributing traffic over your home network. Further, all equipment already deals only with the router, which means that to connect to the Internet you do not need to configure all the equipment on the network. | The access point only transmits the connection, which means that if there are several computers on the home network, they will need to be configured separately. This question not always relevant for small local providers who configure the network themselves and do not require users to set up a home connection. |
| Easy organization of a local network between home devices. The functionality built into the router will be automatically distributed to devices on the IP network. | There may be a problem organizing a local network between home devices. Sometimes you even need to involve a provider to solve it. |
| Basically, the router has its own firewall and firewall built into it, which provides additional protection for network devices from unauthorized access. This doesn't mean that you don't need an antivirus or firewall on your computer; rather, it's just a nice plus. | The access point does not secure your connection to the Internet, but does have an encryption function. Most often, the provider is engaged in protecting the user’s network from attacks from outside. |
| You can increase your network speed to the maximum by connecting directly to the router via LAN. Also, the Wi-Fi router has the ability to configure the connection speed by user. | In order to get the maximum speed from your ISP, you will have to connect to the network via LAN, bypassing the access point itself. In defense of the AP, we can say that the speed of the wireless network is suitable for almost all tasks and the need for super speeds appears very rarely. |
| Flexible IP configuration is sometimes required for the operation of specialized programs. A router can provide a similar function. | The access point clearly displays the IP without the possibility of additional adjustments. This parameter can be considered both a plus and a minus. |
28.12.2017
First of all, you should find out the differences between a switch (switch) and a router (router). It is known that if a local network is built normally, then the IP addresses of all network devices must be from the same subnet. A switch is used to connect computers into a local network. The switch cannot connect multiple local networks.
The wireless network is divided into 4 types. Such networks use ordinary radio waves, which are transmitted using an adapter that receives, decodes and emits the signals. Keeping in mind that this diffusion can be done in an open or closed manner. “It’s so much information that we even got lost.” Have you ever heard or repeated this phrase?
Well, the Internet brings many benefits to people's lives, but it is also capable of generating losses. Too much content can be overwhelming. In addition to scattered attention with thousands of calls, large amounts of information tend to cause fatigue and even stress.
This is where the need for a router appears that can combine networks with different IPs.
Now let's look at the difference between an access point and a router. To work on the Internet you need an IP address. One computer – one IP address. But what to do if there are many people who want to get the Internet, but there are not enough funds to connect to each computer. In this case, if the connection is via a dedicated line, then you can use a switch (wires) or an access point (WI-FI).
There is an option in which you win. This is the creation of a local network. This is done by connecting the provider’s network to the router, and using the router you create your home network. And in this case you will pay the same tariff. Such connection methods are the best way to connect to the Internet if the number of computers is more than 4.
And who has never messed up various links? Unintentionally clicking a button or inducing a malicious click are other problems that arise from this exaggeration. Many times the user even sees the link and when he realizes he is already redirected to another page.
Machine infection by virus, hater attack, fake profiles and digital theft are other harmful problems that usually originate from the Internet, among many others. But, in fact, it is important to say that the whole part of the action is who is the front of the device. This is why it is so important to create specific campaigns to use the network correctly.
Essentially, both WiFi routers and WiFi access points perform the same functions - they create radio coverage (AP mode), while in which any device can connect to the network in AP-Client mode. This is where the similarities between the devices end.
These devices differ both visually and structurally.
A classic WiFi access point only has one Ethernet port.
Identifies various public, private and third sector agencies around raising awareness of the safe, ethical and responsible use of the Internet. In Brazil, events begin in January and develop until the end of February, publishing and opening campaigns, educational materials and services that are available online throughout the year.
The theme chosen was “do your part for a more positive internet.” Therefore, nothing is fairer than to take the opportunity to see some tips that contribute to this task. Accessing the network is opening windows to a world where, of course, there are many dangers. So before you navigate, make sure your computer is properly protected with reliable antivirus software and other security systems such as backups and encryption. Once inside the Internet, be very careful with links and strange pages.
Classic WiFi routers have 5 of them. At the same time, there is a separate WAN port, which is used to connect the provider’s cable. The remaining Ethernet ports are labeled as LAN - they are used to connect local network clients created by the router via twisted pair cable.
In the factory settings, the access point has a DHCP server disabled and to connect to it via Ethernet or WiFi, the network adapter must be assigned a static IP address that lies in the same subnet as the factory IP address of the access point.
Give preference to websites emails and invitations of famous origin. This also applies to virtual stores, which are prone to fraud and theft. Never leave your details in any form or make payments without being sure that the company is reliable.
The opinions and content you post may also compromise your integrity. False information, accusations, biases and some details about your routine can lead to many complications. The best thing to do is to first check the content of any post that is to be posted. General advice here: don't do it on impulse!
Routers have a DHCP server enabled in the factory settings, and any client of the router can obtain an IP address from this server automatically. To do this, you need to configure the DHCP client service of the adapter used to connect to the router to automatically obtain IP addresses.
In addition to the DHCP server enabled in the factory settings, the routers are equipped with a software and hardware firewall, which minimizes the likelihood of hacker attacks and theft of confidential information from clients of the local network that it creates, but does not guarantee 100% protection.
It is very easy to get lost on the Internet and especially in. Even if you don't realize it, fragmented access can cause your productivity at work to drop dramatically. A few minutes here, others there and, soon, the day is gone, leaving many tasks to recover.
There are also those who, even at home, suffer from unrestrained Internet use because they lose the opportunity to do other programs and isolate themselves, because they do not fulfill their obligations or because they waste precious hours of sleep. The best way to avoid these problems is to set how much time you can spend on the Internet. From there, you can mark specific periods throughout the day. Analyze your routine and create schedules that suit your needs. There is nothing better than enjoying life to the fullest.
Access points can be connected by their Ethernet port to providers that use the DHCP or Static IP connection protocol (find out your protocol). While WiFi routers (in addition to the DHCP/Static IP protocols) can “raise” VPN tunnels using the PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP protocols and work with Russian Internet providers using VPN technology. In the case when a WiFi router supports these protocols, but with the “Russia” prefix, they say that this model is optimized to work correctly with the networks of Russian Internet providers. It is the support of the Russian PPPoE, Russian PPTP and Russian L2TP protocols that you should pay attention to first of all when choosing a particular model. This information, as a rule, is absent on the box and in the equipment specifications, but it can be found on the official website of the manufacturer, in the product catalog.
But it definitely doesn't just happen inside a computer or cell phone screen. There's a world of possibilities out there that needs to be cleared! Having rules for internet use, like the advice above, helps discipline the habit to maintain more balanced behavior. Even those who work with digital media must find ways to abstain from it from time to time. This requires moments of rest.
Visiting a friend, traveling, walking in the park, watching movies, staying with family, trying out a new restaurant, and many other activities that require physical presence are part of human development. You have a healthy offline life, so your online presence is also more beneficial.
Often, WiFi routers are called gateways or routers. Routers really act as a gateway to the Internet, since they “stand at the junction” of two or more networks (WAN - the provider’s network, LAN - the wired local network that it creates and WLAN - the wireless local network of WiFi technology). This opportunity is given to the router by the network address translation protocol implemented in it, called NAT (not implemented in access points). Thanks to the NAT protocol, the router converts one IP address received from the provider for working on the Internet into several local IP addresses (often these are class “C” addresses - like 192.168.0.0-192.168.255.255). Routers allow you to enter into one contract with a provider and use one channel at the same time for several clients. Thus, routers allow subscribers of providers to save on the number of contracts, and providers - on IP addresses.
Look for content that enriches
As stated at the beginning, too many appeals become tiresome, distracting, and creates all sorts of confusion. To avoid being swallowed up by a sea of content, it is important that the user achieves this selective attention. Discard anything that doesn't really interest you, avoid random links, and stop giving your audience these useless sites. It's interesting that you need to use the Internet to your advantage. So, better choose what you read, comment and share. It has great opportunities to open your mind, learn new things, develop skills and add personal and professional value.
A WiFi router is a more functional and versatile device for building a home WiFi network or a small office network. Access points that have richer functionality in terms of various WiFi network settings are more often used to create WiFi networks over large areas.
The concept of “wifi access point” is quite broad. Firstly, it can mean any device that distributes the Internet via WiFi - a computer, laptop, smartphone. If you want to configure a laptop as an access point, I recommend reading the separate detailed guides on this topic - for and for Windows 10. But an access point is also called a separate device for creating wireless access to the Internet to several computers. It is often confused with a router, so today I propose to understand in detail what a wifi access point is and how it differs from a router.
What is the difference between an access point and a router?
WiFi hotspot- this is a device with which you can wirelessly distribute the Internet to laptops, phones, TV, and so on. But the router too? Yes and no. To understand the difference, you need to remember one important point:
IN software access point does not have the ability to connect to the provider, assign IP addresses and forward ports. That is, with its help it is impossible to organize a local network to which they connect various devices- This is simply a cable Internet to wireless Internet converter.
In addition, the access point has only one LAN port, which means you cannot connect more than one cable to it.
In general, it can only work fully when paired with a router. Although, in fairness, it is worth noting that some models have several modes and the access point can be used as a client to connect the computer to the Internet.
But the wifi router, despite the fact that it works precisely as an access point, is equipped with the necessary software not only for distributing a wifi signal, but also for fully setting up a local network - it has a DHCP server, DDNS services, port forwarding, FTP server, firewall, filters and other delights. The access point does not have all this.
Why then do you need a wifi access point in its pure form?
Fair question! And I will answer you this way - today it is almost not used, since it is possible to install an inexpensive, but full-fledged router. The only thing it might be useful for is if the center of your network is a router without a wireless signal - for example, in an office where there are many computers connected by cables. What if you had the urge to create a wifi network as well - not to set everything up again on a new router? It’s logical, so you just buy a wifi access point, which turns cable internet in wireless.
Examples of using an Internet access point
I think that you have already figured out what a wifi access point is and how it differs from a router. To make it completely clear, I will give a few real examples its application in practice.
- Wireless bridge between two local networks. This mode, which is “scientifically” called WDS, allows you to combine several networks that were created using different routers. I described in detail
using the example of combining an apartment and a dacha, which is located several kilometers away in direct visibility. - Creating or expanding a reception area wifi internet. This task is often posed to system administrators in office premises, and ceiling access points cope well with it. This is exactly the case when the office has a large and highly branched cable network, and it is necessary to set up an access point to access the Internet via wifi, and so that it works equally stably throughout the entire area.
- Well, I talked about how to connect a computer to the Internet via wifi using an access point in an article about
An access point is a very useful thing, but it should not be confused with a router. There are some differences between them, although they perform very similar functions.
Access point - what is it
An access point (APN) is a device through which other devices gain access to the Internet. Let's say you have wired Internet, and you need to connect several devices to it - a computer, a telephone and a TV. APN will come to the rescue: by connecting an Internet cable to it, you will distribute the Internet to all devices via a W-Fi network.
Differences between APN and router
A standard router does the same job - it takes the Internet from one source and distributes it to many devices. But, firstly, this was not always the case: initially, routers divided the Internet from one cable into several wires, each of which could be connected to one device. This possibility remains in modern routers: on the rear panel there is one input for a WAN cable that supplies the Internet, and several inputs for wires that will lead the Internet to some device. But after some time, routers learned to distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi, so the difference between them and APN decreased, but still remained.
The router has an input for WAN and LAN cable
Secondly, the router can do more than APN. The access point only receives information and sends it out, the router is the same, but can also:
- route (redistribute) traffic between several network levels. That's why it is sometimes called a router;
- issue an individual number to each connected device (assign an IP), which helps manage the amount of traffic allocated to a particular device. For example, thanks to this, you can limit the maximum speed of one device so that another gets higher priority;
- guarantees greater security, as it has a built-in firewall;
- may have even more settings, the availability of which depends on the router model.
There are also differences in the usage process, listed in table format.
Table: router differences from APN
| Router | APN |
| By connecting the router first to the provider's cable and configuring it once, you do not have to separately configure each computer or laptop connected after it in your home/office network | The device located on the network after the access point will need to make settings from the provider. |
| You can easily organize a home network: the router will act as a dhcp server, distribute IP addresses within the network, you only need to connect the devices to the configured router - it will do the rest itself. | You will have to tinker with your home network settings, including, possibly, obtaining additional IP addresses from your provider. |
| The router has firewall functionality and a built-in firewall, which means it provides improved network protection. | The access point does not have any security functionality other than simple traffic encryption. |
| If you need high speed connections for some tasks - you can always connect your computer to the router using a network cable and get the maximum speed provided by the provider. | Most access points do not have a wired data transfer interface to end devices, and the wireless connection speed is not suitable for all tasks. |
| For the operation of some highly specialized programs/interfaces, it may be necessary to configure port forwarding on the router, since the internal IP address of the devices is not accessible “from the outside”, from the router’s subnet. | The access point transparently broadcasts traffic, and for some highly specialized tasks this is good. The IP address of the end device is accessible from the outside without additional settings. |
What to choose - APN or router
Based on all the differences described above, we can conclude: it is better, because it is easier, to use a router. APN is convenient in offices and organizations; it is recommended to use a router in home and private premises, as it is easy to both configure and reconfigure in the future, it is safer, has more settings and provides the ability to distribute the Internet via cable, which ensures the fastest and most stable distribution Internet.
The last factor is very important: APN distributes the Internet only via Wi-Fi, and many desktop computers cannot receive a Wi-Fi signal. Of course, you can purchase additional equipment for your computer, but if your goal is comfort at home, use a router.
But APNs are sometimes used for another purpose: increasing the range of the router. Let's say you have a router that distributes the Internet to several rooms, but its signal does not reach the farthest one, and there is no way to rearrange it. In this case, the router synchronizes with the APN, which increases the signal strength. Many companies produce both routers and access points, so their compatibility is ensured.
What to look for when purchasing an APN
If you still decide to purchase an APN, then pay attention to the following characteristics:
- maximum number of connected devices - shows how many devices the APN can simultaneously service. Of course, if APN is installed at home, where 2-4 devices will connect to it, then this parameter is not important, but for organizations in which the number of devices exceeds a hundred, this is important;
- what is used to control it, is there any special software from the manufacturer;
- maximum and minimum data transfer speed;
- encryption method, WPA or WPA2 is recommended, a more outdated method is WEP;
- frequency range - also affects connection speed, compatibility, range, and the ability of the signal to bypass physical barriers.
Select a device based on price/quality ratio. Ask your salesperson to tell you which APN is best for your needs.
APN setup
In most cases, the access point is configured automatically as soon as it gains access to the Internet. But in the future you can reconfigure it by following these steps:
- Some companies provide special program, which allows you to manage APN. But in most cases, a local website is provided, launched through a browser. You can find out which method is used in your case in the instructions. We will consider the second option - to enter the site, usually, but not always, the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 is used. To log in you will need a username and password, this is used by default. Login information can also be found in the instructions or on the manufacturer’s website.
Enter your password and login to log in
- The interface of points from different manufacturers differs, but the general logic remains the same: find the “Network setup” or “Quick setup” section and go to it.
Go to the “Quick setup” section
- In it you can select a network, a name for it, set a password for the connection, select an encryption method and signal strength. There are also more detailed settings(standard, frequency, VMM), which should not be touched unless you know what they affect.
We change all the necessary settings of the access point
APN via device
Majority modern devices capable of performing APN functions - distributing mobile or wired Internet via Wi-Fi networks other devices. The speed and range are sometimes lower than in a separate base station, but the capabilities should be sufficient for temporary Internet distribution. Please note that when distributing mobile internet traffic is sometimes limited or paid for in a different, often more expensive, plan.
Android
- Open your device settings.
Open Android settings
- Go to the "More" section.
Open the “More” section
- Open the “Access Point” subsection.
Open the “Access Point” section
- Select the distribution method: Wi-Fi network, cable or Bluetooth. Activate one of them. Done, the second device connected using the selected method has gained access to the Internet.
Activate one of the access point modes
iOS
If the Modem Mode tab is missing, follow these steps:
Table: network settings for popular operators
Laptop
This method is suitable for users of laptops running Windows 7. In other versions of the system, it is also possible to create an APN, but the steps will be slightly different. Distribute the Internet from a personal computer without additional equipment will not succeed, since PCs as standard do not know how to receive and transmit a Wi-Fi network.
- Click on the network icon in the lower right corner of the screen and go to the network control center.
