Examples of Standard Wi-Fi Devices

Wireless Access Point (WAP)

A wireless access point (AP) connects a group of wireless stations to an adjacent wired local area network (LAN). An access point is similar to an ethernet hub, but instead of relaying LAN data only to other LAN stations, an access point can relay wireless data to all other compatible wireless devices as well as to a single (usually) connected LAN device, in most cases an ethernet hub or switch, allowing wireless devices to communicate with any other device on the LAN.

Wireless Routers

A wireless router integrates a wireless access point with an IP router and an ethernet switch. The integrated switch connects the integrated access point and the integrated ethernet router internally, and allows for external wired ethernet LAN devices to be connected as well as a (usually) single WAN device such as cable modem or DSL modem. A wireless router advantageously allows all three devices (mainly the access point and router) to be configured through one central configuration utility, usually through an integrated web server.

Wireless Ethernet Bridge

A wireless Ethernet bridge connects a wired network to a wireless network. This is different from an access point in the sense that an access point connects wireless devices to a wired network at the data-link layer. Two wireless bridges may be used to connect two wired networks over a wireless link, useful in situations where a wired connection may be unavailable, such as between two separate homes.

Range Extender

A wireless range extender (or wireless repeater) can increase the range of an existing wireless network by being strategically placed in locations where a wireless signal is sufficiently strong and nearby locations that have poor to no signal strength. An example location would be at the corner of an L-shaped corridor, where the access point is at the end of one leg and a strong signal is desired at the end of the other leg. Another example would be 75% of the way between the access point and the edge of its useable signal. This would effectively increase the range by 75%.

DIY Range Optimizations

USB-wifi adapters, food container can-antennas, parabole-reflectors, and many other types of self-built antennae are increasingly made by do-it-yourselvers. For minimal budgets, as low as a few dollars, signal strength and range can be improved dramatically.

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