How APN differs from a router and how to configure it. What is WiFi hotspot and wireless router? Operating modes Stationary wi fi access point

Access points are equipment that is ubiquitous today. Most often, this name means precisely wireless equipment that retransmits data received via cable and distributes it to subscribers. In turn, wireless access points are classified into several different classes. They include models designed for the following tasks:

• Indoor WiFi hotspot creation.
• Setting up a WiFi hotspot on the street.
• Deployment of operator ptp networks.
• Deploy PTP links (bridge).

Each class has a specific form factor.

Outdoor access points

Outdoor access points are housed in weatherproof, robust enclosures that provide tightness and reliable protection against a wide variety of environmental factors. Manufacturing materials for such devices usually include metal, as well as all-weather, impact-resistant ABS plastic (or other impact-resistant types)

The electronics of external models has a number of differences. They use high quality electronic components that can operate over a wide temperature range without failing.

Antennas for such devices can be either integrated inside the case or external. Outdoor options for signal emitters for access points of this class will be preferable, since they make it possible to change the radio characteristics of the kit, increasing the range by increasing the gain when using directional antennas, or increasing the coverage area when using omnidirectional antennas, with pie chart directionality.

Street models can be of three types and are intended for:

• Deploy a custom WiFi network

Outdoor WiFi hotspot deployment models are usually quite compact and small in size, although some of them can be used external antennas... A typical example is the UniFi Mech

• Carrier wireless deployment

Models of this type are usually more massive, have a powerful radio part and almost always require the use of external antennas, the type of which can be very different. Often these access points work with proprietary data transfer protocols such as Ubiquiti AirMax. A typical example is Ubiquiti Rocket.

• PTP Link Deployments

Such models in the overwhelming majority of cases have a parabolic antenna, and, accordingly, rather large dimensions dictated by the use of a "dish". Models have a narrow radiation pattern and require precise alignment of the connection. However, on short distances compact devices with an integrated panel antenna can be used. The data transfer protocol can be either proprietary (Ubiquiti AirMax) or WiFi. Typical examples are PowerBeam; NanoBeam.

• Deployment of operator communication channels

Such devices are in many ways similar to access points for PTP links, but they are heavier, faster, and the vast majority do not use WiFi. Some models have the ability to work using frequency duplex, and have separate antennas for receiving and transmitting data. A typical example is Ubiquiti AirFiber.

Indoor access points

These models are designed to distribute the Internet to subscribers and work with mobile gadgets, computers, laptops. At the same time, the devices have both different designs, with attachment to the ceiling, walls, or the possibility of desktop placement, as well as significant differences in the technical characteristics of the radio part, which include:

• Supported WiFi versions (802.11 n \ ac \ ax-6).
• The power of the radio part.
• Frequency bands.
• The number of radio modules.
• Antenna MIMO scheme.

Typical representatives of this type - WiFi hotspots UniFi access. An important feature of operator access points is the ability to combine them into a single operator network, which allows you to centrally manage the connection of subscribers, configure the equipment, and also ensures the functioning of "roaming" with quick authorization of subscribers when moving between devices.

Introduction

Connecting computers to a wired network usually requires many cables to run through walls and ceilings. Also, wired networks impose certain restrictions on the location of devices in space. Wireless networks do not have these drawbacks: you can add computers and other wireless devices with minimal physical, time and material costs. To transmit information, wireless access points use radio waves from the frequency spectrum defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard.

Usage

Most often, wireless access points are used to provide access mobile devices(laptops, printers, etc.) to a fixed local area network.

Also, wireless access points are often used to create so-called "hot spots" - areas within which the client is provided, as a rule, free access to the Internet. Typically, such points are located in libraries, airports, street cafes in large cities.

Recently, there has been an increase in interest in wireless access points when building home networks. To create such a network within one apartment, one access point is enough. Perhaps this will be enough to connect the neighbors of the adjacent apartments to the network. To connect an apartment to the network through one, you will definitely need another access point, which will serve as a repeater of the signal weakened as a result of passing through the bearing wall.

Design

This device is very similar to a client adapter. Like the latter, it consists of a transceiver and an integrated interface chip, but has more intelligence and more sophisticated electronics.

Structurally, access points can be made both for outdoor use (option protected from the external environment) and for use inside business and residential premises. There are also devices designed for industrial use, taking into account the specifics of production.

In terms of functionality, different access points can vary significantly, sometimes providing tools for network diagnostics and monitoring, remote configuration and troubleshooting. In addition, access points have recently appeared that allow multi-user file exchange (broadcasting), bypassing the server.

At the end of 2009, we can talk about the growing popularity of combined devices that integrate the functions of a wireless network adapter (card, card, controller), a router and, for example, a cable modem.

Application

Access points are designed to perform a wide variety of functions, such as connecting a group of computers (each with a wireless network adapter) into independent networks (Ad-hoc mode) and to perform the function of a bridge between wireless and cable sections of the network (Infrastructure mode).

For Ad-hoc mode, the maximum possible number of stations is 256. In Infrastructure mode, up to 2048 wireless nodes are allowed.

Please note that the access point is a normal hub. With multiple connections to one point, the bandwidth is divided by the number of connected users. In theory, there are no restrictions on the number of connections, but in practice it is worth limiting yourself based on the minimum required data transfer rate for each user.

Using an access point, you can easily organize roaming when the user's mobile computer moves in a coverage area larger than the coverage area of ​​one access point, organizing "cells" of several access points and ensuring their coverage areas overlap. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that in the intended area of ​​movement of the mobile user, all access points and mobile computers have the same settings (channel numbers, identifiers, etc.).

Application example

If you need not only to combine computers into wireless network, but also to connect this network segment with a wired one, the easiest way is to install a so-called "access point". When using an access point, you actually have a dedicated network device, the operation of which does not depend on the workload of other PCs or on their configuration, which is a definite plus. You don't have to make complex settings software or fear that the computer will be turned off again, and the necessary service will not be started.

Signal amplification

WiFi Repeater

This is a WiFi amplifier that works like a signal repeater. The repeater allows you to expand your existing WiFi network. It receives the WiFi signal and passes it on.

installed indoors; expands the coverage area by 15-20 meters;

Standards

The most popular access point standards are Wi-Fi (802.11 a / b / g / n) and Bluetooth. Bluetooth technology has a special PAN (Personal Area Network) profile for this purpose.

Links

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

The pace of the modern world obliges us to use the computer and the Internet. A wireless access point, whose task is to unite various devices into a common network, can make life easier in this matter. A wireless access point is also convenient in that it eliminates the annoying wires that are sometimes needed in large quantities.

With such a device, you can watch movies online, surf the web or play games over the network and online from any corner of your apartment or office. You can connect not only PCs, but also smartphones, tablets, SmartTV and other devices that can use the connection to wireless access point.

It is worth noting that an access point and a router are completely different things and should not be confused. An access point is a simplified version of a router. The main purpose of a wireless access point is to connect multiple devices to the Internet through communication.

Operating modes of wireless access points

In addition to the fact that multiple models presented on the domestic market differ in price, versions of supported protocols, speed and much more, they also differ in operating modes. These modes can be classified:

• Wireless client. This mode is used to exchange information between network clients.
• Repeater. A device that searches for all available internet connection options and offers the user a choice. This is done by repeating the signal and increasing the signal propagation area.
• Bridge. With the help of a bridge, information can be exchanged. This is one of the most popular methods for connecting devices that are located in different buildings.
• Access point. A tool for connecting various gadgets of everyday use, for example, PCs, smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc.

In practice, a wireless access point is an excellent solution when forming a work network when many separate computers are involved. A wireless access point can save you a lot of wiring costs, and the savings affect both time and material costs. If a new computer is connected to the network or an existing one is replaced, there is no need for the next laying of cables, calling a team of workers and a long wait for the completion of work. It is enough just to have new computer and an access point.

When purchasing a wireless access point for home use, you can pay attention to budget models. As a rule, even simple access points have a set of characteristics sufficient for home use. They allow multiple users to watch movies and play games at the same time. But the speed may drop in this case, depending on how many users are connected in parallel to the access point and how many users it can pull.

For the office, it is worth purchasing more demanding devices. In this case, it is necessary to acquire not only a wireless access point, but also a router, as well as other devices that will help to competently organize a network of dozens of computers.

The most common models that are justifiably popular are D-link and TP-LINK. Both models are easy to use, have a user-friendly software interface, which is installed on a computer. But even if there are problems with the settings, specially trained people can always quickly connect and configure any wireless access point.

Also in demand are wireless access points that support the PoE function. They are devices with a number of advantages, for example, they provide minimal infrastructure costs, because one cable is enough to provide parallel power and data transmission.

Now the WiFi wireless network is used for almost all devices: laptops, mobile phones, netbooks, PDAs. This technology makes us more convenient and quick access to the Internet. Many providers now offer WiFi internet access. In order to use the wireless access technology, you need to use a router or access point. Both of these devices use a WiFi channel and are designed to provide radio coverage (AP mode), but, nevertheless, they are fundamentally different from each other. Although the router can work in the access point mode and has broader functions than just an access point. The router mode is determined by its setting. By default, the router is in access point mode and there are many instructions on how to configure the router as an access point.

So what is the difference between a wireless router and an access point? This difference is determined by the capabilities of the device and the visual difference. The access point is practically a cable radio extension in function. You simply transmit the signal from the provider's cable to the computer. This enables you to use your computer's wireless internet connection. If you use an access point, then you will have to set the provider's settings in the tcp / ip protocol settings, and it is quite difficult to connect more than one laptop to such a device. After all, for the second laptop you will have to use a different ip address. A device such as a wireless router is a router that already has an integrated access point. With it, you can already create a network at home and connect several devices without any problems.

In addition, using an access point, by itself, will not provide you with protection against network intrusions. In this case, for protection, you will have to use the capabilities of the firewall on your computer. In the router, you can configure protection against network attacks. Some of the advantages of using an access point are that you don't have to configure port forwarding for torrents and dc. A standard access point provides signal reception within a radius of 200-250 meters, if there are no obstacles in the signal path that reduce the signal strength (concrete walls, iron structures).

If we compare visually a router and an access point, we can note that the access point is equipped with only one Ethernet port, while standard routers have five of them (four LAN ports and one WAN port).

As a rule, the WAN port is separated from the rest and is connected to it network cable from the provider. On the front panel of the router, there are usually indicator lights that indicate when a cable is connected to a particular port. The LAN ports are connected via twisted pair to the clients of your local network created by the router.

The factory default settings for access points have a DHCP server disabled, and therefore, to connect to it via WiFi or Ethernet, you must assign it a static IP address. Using the Ethernet port, the access point can connect via Static IP or DHCP. You definitely need to know which connection protocol your provider has installed.

WiFi routers are more functional in this regard. They can support, in addition to the usual Static IP, DHCP protocols, also a VPN connection with PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP protocols.

You can often hear that WiFi routers are also called routers and gateways. In their work, routers work as a gateway to access the Internet, because they connect several networks (WAN, LAN, WLAN) and are installed just at the junction. This ability to connect multiple networks is provided by the NAT translation protocol. Access points do not have this function. Using the NAT protocol, the router can translate the IP address received from the ISP into local IP addresses of the order of 192.168.0.0-192.168.255.255. Using a router, you can, through one contract with the provider, connect several more clients to the channel at the same time. Thus, the provider can get by with fewer IP addresses, and you can connect several clients per channel.

From all that has been said, we can conclude that a WiFi router has a large number of application possibilities and, accordingly, is more versatile. With it, you can build a home or small office network. Access points have wider network configuration functionality. Their use is justified in creating large networks over a large area of ​​premises.

Router operating modes

The device of the router allows you to use it in different modes of operation (access point, bridge, repeater, client).

Router as an access point

Router mode wi fi access point is the main one for WiFi work equipment and is called - AP (Access Point). The router, in the access point mode, creates a radio coverage area around itself at a certain distance, determined by the signal output power. All devices within this zone and capable of working as an AP-client (WiFi adapters and certain models of access points) can be connected to the WiFi network.

Thus, a wifi router access point is used to connect to a WiFi network and this mode is set by default in routers.

Router in client mode

In the main mode, AP-client is available only for WiFi routers. Certain models of access points are also equipped with this functionality and can work in this mode. In this mode, the router allows a computer or other devices to connect to a WiFi network. For example, if you receive the Internet via a radio channel, and then it is already distributed via cable to stationary computers.

Router - Bridge Mode

In this mode, you can connect two remote segments of the Ethernet network via a radio channel, if in certain places you cannot make a wired connection or you simply do not want to lay a cable. When you connect two APs with a bridge, the network formed by them will be invisible. This feature greatly enhances the protection of your network from external connections.

Configuring a bridge router requires that the SSID, channel, and encryption type of these devices match.

Configuring a router in bridge mode

To configure the router in bridge mode, you first need to change the password on the router, configure Wi-Fi. And then go to the router settings and open the SETUP menu and select Network Setting. In the window that opens, set the Wan Port Mode to Bridge Mode.

A connection of the same functionality can be created if

make a diagram of two devices. On the one hand, there must be a device operating in AP mode, and on the other side, an access point must be connected that operates in AP-client mode.

This connection can provide very good performance. The only drawback here is that the SSID of the network is broadcast over the air, making your network invisible.

Router in repeater mode

Very often a situation arises when it is necessary to expand the network access zone. There are many options for solving this problem, including using the router as a repeater (Repeater).

In this mode, the router acts as a signal amplifier for the main router. A router configured in repeater mode receives the signal and accordingly transmits it further, thereby increasing the reception radius. In this mode, for best results, you need to place the repeater, wifi router in the middle, at the same distance from the main router (or access point) and your computer.

What is the difference between a router and a WiFi access point

Wireless access points can be seen in offices. Flat boxes are designed for optimal wireless signal transmission. Network functions - Internet connection (network gateway), protection (firewall) and management local area networks(IP address assignment and routing) - performed by other devices.

Unlike a professional environment, a router in a private home network performs all network functions, including creating a wireless network. This means compromises have to be made, and the disadvantages are most apparent in the network. Already only the location of the router in most cases is determined not by the optimal coverage, but by the location of the network outlet. At the same time, the connected cables do not allow the device to be placed high, which would provide optimal conditions for a wireless network.

Besides, wireless technologies develop faster than everyone else. So, in a router five years ago, only the wireless standard is outdated, and all the other components are still working quite well. In addition, fine tuning for most functions is only available in fairly expensive routers, which additionally tilts the scales against the new (that is, expensive) model. However, even available devices operating only in the 2.4 GHz band (for example, from a provider) can be upgraded with modern 5 GHz technology using an access point.

Using Powerline technology, the access point can provide a wireless network to another floor or another part of the house

Access points for professional wireless networks

Access points with support for 802.11ac cost about 6,000 rubles, which is no more than a good wireless repeater. With a powerful transmitter and more convenient location options, the access point can expand the coverage of the router's network or replace it entirely. Whereas previously these special function stations were only available for experienced users(since they are designed to be used as part of a complex infrastructure), modern models additionally offer a convenient web interface for basic configuration.

The new Netgear WAC510, which can be configured via a smartphone app, demonstrates that access points can be very easy to use. On the next two pages, we will talk about testing this device, as well as the more affordable TP-Link EAP245 with support for 802.11ac with a data transfer rate of 1300 Mbps.

Connection and operating modes

Access points can connect to a router in fundamentally different ways and work in different modes, of which we have identified four main ones.

> Replacing the wireless network of the router. The access point connects to network port router (LAN) and to the power supply network (for network equipment supporting Power over Ethernet, a standard twisted pair is sufficient). The access point forms a new wireless network. Computers and other devices that connect to it receive IP addresses and access to the Internet from the router, that is, they are on its network as if they were connected to its Wi-Fi. In this case, you only need to perform a simple initial setup in the web interface of the access point. If the router and access point work in the same room, it is better to turn off the wireless network completely in the first room so as not to interfere with the signal of the access point.

> Extending the wireless network of routers. If neither the access point nor the router individually is able to spread the network throughout the apartment, it is worth trying to combine their efforts. Using a long twisted pair cable or Powerline adapter, place the AP where you want to optimize wireless coverage. In this case, in the web interface of the access point, you need to specify the same wireless network name (SSID) and WPA2 password as in the router's network settings, but at the same time different channels - the farther they are from each other, the better (for example, for the band 2.4 GHz channels 1 and 13).

Client devices will automatically find the strongest signal within their reach, even as you move around rooms with them. Similar functionality offer devices called Powerline Wi-Fi Extenders designed to expand coverage: they combine a Powerline adapter and a wireless transmitter. The advantages of a “real” access point are larger antennas and more flexible placement options (eg ceiling or cabinet mount), which promises better signal transmission.

> Instead of a repeater. If connecting the access point to the router via cable or Powerline is not possible, you can optimize the router's network using the Wireless Distribution System (WDS) technology. The access point differs from a regular repeater in larger antennas, which means the possibility of expanding the coverage area and increasing the data transfer rate.

> Access point in router mode. Netgear WAC510 can be used as a router with which you can not only form a network, but also manage it. However, to connect to the Internet, you need an Ethernet Uplink connection — for example, using a cable modem or an LTE modem. The device is unable to establish a DSL connection by itself.

Rich functionality: Netgear WAC510

This access point is easily configured with the Netgear Insight smartphone app. Considering the relatively low cost, the device becomes attractive, including for private use.

In the simplest case, the first launch process is as follows. The WAC510 connects over twisted pair to an existing router. The Netgear Insight application is installed on a tablet or smartphone connected to the router's wireless network, which launches the assistant window. Then you need to open the menu “Access Point | … WiFi Discovery | Connect to WIFI ... | Discover Device ”, click on the access point, select the country in which the device operates (this is necessary in order to determine which channels the access point can use), set the network name (SSID) and WPA2-PSK password - that's all.

Powerful web interface

After basic settings, connect the client devices to the WAC510 wireless network. Cable devices can be connected via its optional network port... More detailed settings located in the WAC510 web interface. To open them, find the IP address of the access point in the web interface of the router. First of all, you need to change the standard username-password "admin / password" - they can be found in the menu "Management | Configuration | System | Advanced | User Accounts ".

From additional options WAC510 as an example, you can take the WDS configuration, which is located in the "Configuration" section. This technology allows you to combine multiple access points into a single wireless network with centralized management - detailed instructions can be found in the user manual. You can configure the WAC510 for use as a router via the Configuration | System | Basic ”- all configurations are completely reset there, including the name of the wireless network.

Practical testing of the configuration and use of the WAC510 web interface left a good impression, although it sometimes took a little longer for the device to apply the changes (primarily to restart) than it would have liked. Performance measurements using the JPerf benchmark on the HP Pro X2 tablet with Intel AC 8265 Wi-Fi were a bit disappointing at first, especially in the 2.4 GHz band, which is used by older smartphones, TVs and other simpler client devices. The Netgear access point achieved the highest speed, and evenly in all directions, when the client device was near and at the same level with it.

That is, signal emission is obviously optimized for uniform coverage of the surrounding area rather than directional one-way operation, so a network with multiple client devices will perform well if these devices are well distributed in space. At the same time, the maximum performance of Netgear significantly exceeds the capabilities of old weak routers and repeaters. Power consumption in standby mode is about half that of a full-fledged wireless router, and during data transfer it hardly increases (from 4.3 to about 4.5 W).

At high speeds: TP-Link EAP245

By appearance TP-Link EAP245 resembles Netgear (and many other hotspots). But here, through a twisted pair, you can only establish an Uplink connection with a router (WAN), but it is impossible to connect a client device. In addition, there is no provision for using the device as a repeater and there is no configuration application for a smartphone.

But TP-Link is slightly cheaper than Netgear, and in the 802.11ac standard it reaches data transfer rates not 866, but as much as 1300 Mbps. The configuration is easiest to do in the web interface. The IP address can be found, as with Netgear, in the router's web interface. On first launch, first set username and strong password for the web interface. The input system works in an orderly manner, responds instantly, and the device quickly applies changes.

The real flaw in device security is that it creates two by default. open networks(in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands), to protect which you need to take separate measures. To do this, on the "Wireless" tab and then "SSIDs", click on the notepad icon next to "Modify". Enter the name of the wireless network (SSID), select “WPA-PSK” for “Security Mode”, “WPA2-PSK” for “Version”, enter a strong password for “Wireless Password” and confirm the changes by clicking the “OK” button below. Then, at the top of the page, switch to a 5 GHz network and repeat the same.

Access points: assortment

Due to the popularity of access points in the business segment, the range of these devices is very wide, especially from specialized network equipment suppliers such as D-Link, Lancom or Ubiquity. These devices cost more than 10,000 rubles and offer a wide range of functionality not used at home. Therefore, for testing, we chose two affordable simple models from Netgear and TP-Link.

High speed wireless network

All other EAP245 defaults are intuitive. Some options may be of interest for commercial use of the device, such as the splash page with the terms of use. Practical for home use is the Scheduler function, which turns on and off the wireless network on a schedule.

In terms of performance, the EAP245 was impressive in both 802.11ac 5GHz and 802.11n 2.4GHz. Compared to Netgear, TP-Link sent signal strength is higher - maximum speed was achieved when the logo panel was facing the client device. But thanks to its large speed resources in the use case we measured in, TP-Link was faster than Netgear in all directions.

All in all, TP-Link's EAP245 is a good choice for those looking for a clean access point with the best possible performance at a low cost. The purchase of the Netgear WAC510 will pay off if, first of all, the device should be simple (with control from the application) or be used not only as an access point, but also as a router or WDS device. One way or another, professional devices will solve almost all coverage and transmission speed problems once and for all.

Photo: manufacturing companies; CHIP Studios / Simon Kirsch

Tags: wlan