Οδηγός Αγοράς Access Points - Ώρα για WiFi παντού!

Οδηγός Αγοράς Access Points - Ώρα για WiFi παντού!

Your router can't cover your whole house and you need a solution right away?

Let's take a look at the main features of Access Points and what you need to pay attention to, based on the area where you want to place them!

First, let's explain that it is a device used to create a wireless WiFi network or to extend an existing wired network, allowing devices to connect wirelessly.

You might ask, why not just get an extender?

The answer is that if you simply want better WiFi to use your mobile or stream in the room next to where the router is located, then an extender will do the job for you at a fairly low price.

However, if you

  • Want to cover very large spaces or different floors
  • Need to connect multiple devices
  • Want a more stable connection and higher speed

then you should choose an Access Point!

Finally, one last major difference is that while the extender creates its own network with a different name from your router's WiFi, which you have to connect to, the Access Point maintains the existing network and simply extends it, without the need to switch WiFi networks.

Let's now look at the most common features you will come across:

1. WiFi Generation 

The newer the Wi-Fi standard generation, the better the overall connection. In order to achieve the listed speed, your device must also support it. 

Wi‑Fi 6: The most widespread Wi-Fi standard, significantly faster than Wi-Fi 5. It meets the needs of most users for now. 

Wi‑Fi 6E : WiFi 6E offers more available channels to reduce interference in wireless networks, while also providing better speeds and less latency compared to WiFi 6.

WiFi 7: The newest Wi-Fi generation. It offers faster speeds, the ability to connect more devices, and lower battery consumption on their part.

2. Network Speed

The data transmission speed is usually referred to in Mbps (megabits per second). Choose an Access Point that can support your network’s requirements. For example, if you have a DSL connection at 1200 Mbps, the Access Point you choose should support at least 1200 Mbps!

At least 900 Mbps 

At least 1200 Mbps 

At least 3000 Mbps

3. Range & Coverage

There are several factors that affect the range of the device, from the space where it is placed and its distance from other devices to physical obstacles, such as walls.

However, there are also factors related to the capabilities of the router! Let’s take a look at them.

Dual-band or Tri-band?

This concerns the frequency of the signal emitted by the device, which is divided into 3 types:

2.4GHz: Lower speed / greater range

5 GHz: Higher speed / shorter range

6 GHz: Maximum speed / shortest range

Basically, think of them like beams of light, with 2.4 being more dispersed but longer, 5 being more concentrated but shorter, and 6 being fully concentrated but for a very small area.

So, if there are walls between you and the device, prefer 2.4 as it will pass through obstacles more easily.

However, so you don’t have to sacrifice performance for range, many offer frequencies divided into 2 types:

Dual Band: They offer one connection at 2.4 and one at 5GHz. This way, for example, you can have one device connected to 2.4 for browsing and emails, while two others are on 5 for online gaming and downloading.

Tri-Band They offer one connection at 2.4 GHz and two at 5GHz or one at 6GHz. Adding a second 5 or 6 GHz band means the network can handle more devices without losing performance, especially in environments with heavy data traffic.

4.  Packaging 

Depending on the space where you want to place the Access Point, you can buy a package with 1 or even a kit with 5 Access Points!

Our suggestion is that unless you know your needs, such as wanting to cover 5 rental rooms, you should prefer a single or double kit, since if your needs are greater or increase in the future, you can easily purchase another single one.

Single

Double Kit

Triple Kit

Quintuple Kit

5. Do you want Mesh? 

The difference from simple Access Points is that Mesh is much easier to set up and, for example, if you have 3 devices, they will create a single network that will automatically connect you to the nearest device for better performance.

At the same time, if in the future you decide to get one more to extend your connection, it will easily join your network and work with the rest without any effort.

On the other hand, a simple Access Point will have a more demanding setup, but it will allow you to configure it much more, if of course you know quite well what you are doing!

Therefore, if you are looking for practicality and ease, mesh is the only way!

6. Placement 

Depending on where you want to place the Access Points, there are some that are ideal for indoor spaces and others that have a durable construction and are more suitable for outdoor spaces.

Do you know what you want to use it for? We know what you need to look out for!

For better signal in a nearby room!

Choose a single Access Point with speeds up to 1200 Mbps, so you have sufficient signal throughout your home!

For perfect signal throughout the house

Do you want to cover a larger area, where many people can have access?

Prefer a kit with 2 or 3 access points, depending on the space and the model you choose, with Dual Band WiFi 7 technology, for sufficient coverage of all areas! 

Do you want to cover 2 floors?

Then prefer a mesh system, or even a kit with 2 access points, with Dual Band WiFi 7 technology, for sufficient coverage of all areas! 

Don't forget! Many times there may be differences between products, based on their overall features and construction. Before you decide, read other users' reviews to see their opinions too!

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