Wireless Access Points vs. Mesh Networks
Wireless Access Points vs. Mesh Networks
What Is a Wireless Access Point?
A Wireless Access Point (WAP) is a technique for expanding a Wi-Fi network by adding additional locations within the network that can broadcast your Wi-Fi signal. Each of these additional locations is connected to your main router with an Ethernet cable. Each WAP works independently without communicating with other access points in the network.
What Is a Mesh Network?
A mesh network produces a similar result to a WAP configuration, but instead of each node in the network being wired into the main router, each one connects with the other mesh nodes over Wi-Fi. Individual nodes communicate and coordinate with each other to broadcast the Wi-Fi signal and send data over the Wi-Fi connection.
How to Choose Between Them
Both Wi-Fi network expansions can expand coverage to every corner of your home or office, and offer connections that will feel seamless as you move between rooms. Mesh networks may be a little slower (though you may not notice it) because they share the Wi-Fi signal, and need extra milliseconds to coordinate data transfer with each other. While a more robust connection comes with WAPs, they do require data cabling to generate that connection. Both ways of widening your Wi-Fi signal produce effective, reliable results, and choosing between them can depend on your budget, networking needs, and other preferences.
At Nextgen Multi Media, we want to help you stay connected through home or business networking and automation. Contact us today to learn more about our exciting and innovative solutions.





