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What is an Access Point and how does it extend your WiFi?

With a WiFi Access Point, you can strengthen your WiFi signal and improve the internet at home. We explain what an Access Point is, how it differs from a repeater, and what to consider regarding functionality and setup.

What is an Access Point?

An Access Point (AP) is a device that can send and receive data. Through an Ethernet cable connection to the router, the Access Point receives an internet signal, which it converts into a separate WiFi network. This enables comfortable browsing even in remote living areas, and additional devices that the router network would not otherwise reach are equipped with fast WiFi.


When is an Access Point useful?

The classic scenario: Near the router – often in the hallway and living room area – you enjoy fast internet, but the router's signal doesn't reach the first floor or the other end of the apartment. By setting up an Access Point here, you can provide additional devices with fast WiFi. This is particularly useful for demanding applications such as home office, streaming, and gaming.


What is the difference between an Access Point and a Repeater?

Repeaters and Access Points generally pursue the same goal: to extend the home network and strengthen the WiFi signal in remote areas of the house. However, while the Access Point receives the router data via Ethernet cable, the Repeater does so wirelessly. This is generally more convenient and visually unobtrusive, but also less efficient, as the WiFi signal strength diminishes over long distances. For optimal WiFi performance, an Access Point is therefore preferred.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Access Points at a Glance

Expanding your home network with an access point offers clear benefits:

  • Strong WiFi for additional devices and users – everywhere the router signal does not reach
  • Optional LAN connection options for potentially data-intensive applications such as home office, streaming, and gaming
  • Full data utilization thanks to Ethernet connection to the router (as opposed to WiFi extension via repeaters)

If you opt for an access point instead of a repeater, you will have to accept some disadvantages, including a more complex setup, the need to run an Ethernet cable, and reduced flexibility. However, with the right access point solution, these disadvantages can be easily addressed.

What features should an access point have?

WiFi 6

The current WiFi standard 802.11ax is particularly fast, secure, and efficient. If you want to get the most out of your home network, you should opt for an access point that supports WiFi 6.

Dual Band

A dual-band access point can operate on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. The latter allows for higher data rates over short distances, benefiting demanding applications.

MU-MIMO

MU-MIMO allows the simultaneous transmission of parallel data streams to multiple connected devices and users in the home network. The WiFi capacity of your access point is utilized much more efficiently.

Ethernet Outputs

If your access point offers one or preferably several Ethernet outputs, you can connect your devices via LAN in parallel to WiFi – a significant advantage for data-intensive applications.

How to set up a WiFi access point

– Preliminary considerations and basic steps

With patience, money, and some handy skills, you can ideally place your access point and thus extend your router's WiFi. However, you can also make it easier for yourself by simply using the wiring that is already installed in the walls of your house.

The simple alternative:

Access Points at the socket – with Powerline

You can turn every single socket in your living area into its own Access Point for strong WiFi. The magic word is: Magic Powerline. This efficient home network extension from devolo uses your home's electrical wiring to transport the internet signal throughout your living space. Simply place one adapter near the router and another as an Access Point in your chosen room – and you're done.


The great advantage: You don't have to run a long cable from the router to the Access Point, and you are also much more flexible in designing your home network. Even outdoor Access Points are possible if you place an adapter in your garden shed. Additionally, each adapter offers two Gigabit Ethernet ports for particularly powerful LAN connections. This way, each of your devices can access the data volumes it needs.

With Mesh and Access Point Steering

If you want to set up multiple WiFi access points, it's incredibly simple. devolo Powerline adapters work together to create a large Mesh network, ensuring seamless WiFi coverage throughout your living area.


Thanks to the integrated Access Point Steering , each adapter ensures that all WiFi devices are always connected to the strongest available WiFi access point – uninterrupted and fully automated.

Our Recommendation: devolo Magic 2 WiFi 6 next

  • Internet everywhere, through ceilings and walls – with Powerline technology
  • WiFi 6 Access Point with WiFi speeds up to 3,000 Mbit/s
  • Powerline speeds up to 2,400 Mbit/s
  • For medium to large living spaces (multiple floors)
  • Efficient, simultaneous use of data-hungry applications (e.g. 4K streaming)
  • 2 LAN ports per adapter for optional Ethernet use


Discover now

If you already have cabling:

Use Repeater as Access Point

Do you already have LAN cabling in your house? WiFi 6 repeaters from devolo can be easily connected via Ethernet and operated as an Access Point.


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