Active element in a wireless WiFi network represents a device that acts as an access point (AP) or router. These devices offer facilities that connect a computer, multiple computers or other network devices (clients), and are responsible for subsequent communication and connection to wireless networks. They can also be used to create a wireless network. Active devices are most commonly used to create wireless home or office networks, where the computer (client) connects wirelessly, while the active element is connected to a cable Internet connection (eg. ADSL, cable internet) for sharing Internet access. Active elements can simply be used to wirelessly connect two computers without a line of sight. Line of sight is in fact ideal for establishing a wireless connection between two points.
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Routers and access points were originally two different kinds of devices, however, today's AP function handles both. Although routing technically runs on a different principle in the majority of the AP devices (the NAT table is used for connecting clients and then the external network appears as one IP address of the access point), but it has no effect on the fact that it practically functiona as a router. For more demanding applications where it is necessary to connect two computer networks (eg distribution of wireless Internet access in the context of a large WiFi network or internet) it is appropriate to use a classical router (routerboard or MikroTik are ideal for this application - or a separate computer equipped with the necessary components and software).
When selecting a new AP, focus mainly on the key parameters, which include support for newer versions of standard 802.11 wireless communications and the related frequency at which WiFi access point works (2.4GHz or 5GHz), its function (AP or client - access point in AP mode only transmits, while to connect your PC or notebook to a wireless network, you need a client function) and sufficient security. The standard WPA (WiFi Protected Access) and WPA2 will take care of it (older WEP encryption is easily cracked). This standard is also in AP with built-in DHCP server functionality.
