[Skip to content](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/what-are-wifi-access-points#maincontent) [The Signal](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal) - [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) - [Internet Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) - [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) - [All Blogs](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/latest) - [ISP](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/isp) - [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) - [Internet Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) - [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) - [All Blogs](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/latest) - [ISP](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/isp) 1. [The Signal](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal) 2. Category:[Internet Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) [Internet DevicesCategory](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) # What Are Wi-Fi Access Points? Published: May 8, 2024 |5 min read Just when you think you're getting a handle on all the internet lingo, the subject of Wi-Fi access points, also called wireless access points (WAP) comes up. Pero, espera. ¿El punto de acceso wifi no es lo mismo que un enrutador inalámbrico? ¿O tal vez un módem o gateway? Bueno, pueden parecerse un poco y hacer algunas cosas similares, pero de hecho, son diferentes. We'll take a look at what a Wi-Fi access point is, how it plays a role in some wireless setups, and whether you need it to keep you connected at home.  #### Jump to a Section 1. [Wireless Access Point (WAP)](https://www.t-mobile.com#1) 2. [Do you need a wireless access point at home?](https://www.t-mobile.com#2) 3. [Ready to cut the cord and try something new?](https://www.t-mobile.com#3) - Share "What Are Wi-Fi Access Points?" on X - Share "What Are Wi-Fi Access Points?" on Facebook - Share "What Are Wi-Fi Access Points?" on LinkedIn But first, a quick refresher on some other key terms we'll be using to get a better understanding: - [__Modem__](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/what-is-a-modem)__.__ In traditional home internet setups, your modem is that little box you get from your internet service provider (ISP) in order to get internet into your home. - [__Router__](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/difference-between-modem-router)__.__ If you have internet, you likely have a router, since it brings all of your devices, like computers, laptops, smart devices and beyond, together in a local area network (LAN).A Wi-Fi router broadcasts a [Wi-Fi signal](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/what-is-wifi) so that your wireless devices can connect to the internet without a cord. Pero también tiene varios puertos por si quieres conectar un dispositivo con cable (como una computadora de escritorio) con un cable Ethernet. Once your router is successfully [connected](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/how-to-connect-router-to-a-modem) to your modem, all the devices on your network should have internet access. - [__Gateway__](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/pros-and-cons-of-using-a-gateway-vs-router-and-modem)__.__ A traditional gateway is simply a combo modem-router. However, today's [5G-powered gateways](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/what-is-5g-gateway) that utilize Wi-Fi 6 technology are vastly different (in a good way). We'll get to that later. ## __Wireless Access Point (WAP)__ Now that you have a basic understanding of modem, routers, and gateways, let's take a look at wireless access points. Si bien los enrutadores se usan en los hogares y pequeños negocios, un WAP por lo general se usa en espacios más grandes como oficinas comerciales o instalaciones grandes. Otra diferencia: los enrutadores se pueden conectar a dispositivos inalámbricos y con cable, mientras que el WAP en general se usa con dispositivo móviles como teléfonos, laptops, tablets, etc. Imagina que fuera un hub que lo usan los dispositivos móviles para conectase directamente al enrutador de una organización (que se conecta directamente a un módem) para suministrar el acceso a Internet. Las empresas grandes pueden llegar a tener varios WAP para asegurarse de que todo el edificio tenga cobertura de Internet. One big reason they're attractive to businesses is that the network can utilize one single router, making it easy for a company's network administrator to manage it, rather than dealing with the headaches that come along with multiple routers. ### __Do you need a wireless access point at home?__ Yes and no. A WAP setup like the one we discussed above could be overkill for the average household. Since many of us prefer wireless connections these days (enterprise WAPs usually need ethernet cables to connect to an existing router), many homeowners opt for different WAP options, like [wireless repeaters, extenders, or mesh setups](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/whole-home-wi-fi-repeaters-extenders-or-mesh), as they generally do a good job of taking care of those pesky internet "dead zones" in their homes without running cables. So, how do they work? - __Wireless repeater__. El repetidor conecta tu red wifi residencial en forma inalámbrica (como lo hacen tu teléfono o laptop) y después retransmite la señal a una zona más amplia. It's a nice option if you have one or two rooms with sketchy Wi-Fi and moving your router isn't helping. - __Wireless extender.__ An extender works similarly to a Wi-Fi repeater in that it re-broadcasts a signal across a large area. Sin embargo, la retransmisión es en un canal diferente al que utiliza el enrutador. It can also hardwire to your router using an ethernet or coaxial cable for those who, for one reason or another, still want a wired connection. - [__Mesh Wi-Fi__](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/plans/5g-home-internet-plus)__.__ Just like Wi-Fi extenders and repeaters, a [mesh setup](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/what-is-mesh-wifi) is a way to deal with those frustrating weak signal problems. Pero su funcionamiento es algo diferente. En lugar de depender de un único enrutador, el wifi en malla utiliza muchos puntos de acceso llamados "nodos" repartidos por toda la casa para ofrecer una mejor cobertura. Los nodos de Mesh wifi "se intercomunican" en forma inalámbrica para asegurar que los dispositivos se conecten a la señal más fuerte para proporcionar una conexión wifi superconfiable. A diferencia de los extensores que solo repiten señales, los sistemas Mesh son inteligentes. Encuentran automáticamente la mejor ruta para los datos y evitar la congestión de la conexión. Mesh Wi-Fi may be a good fit if you live in a multi-story home, a large house, or on a big property with lots of outbuildings. ### __Ready to cut the cord and try something new?__ T-Mobile's [5G gateway device](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet/t-mobile-gateway) uses advanced Wi-Fi 6 technology. Once you sign up for a [Home Internet plan](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/plans), the 5G gateway is delivered to your home. La instalación no es complicada ni tampoco se necesita a un técnico. Just [download the app](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet/app), scan a barcode on your 5G gateway and get connected in under 15 minutes. Our app even helps you find the [perfect spot](https://youtu.be/QsTxXOc6i18). T-Mobile is America's fastest growing [Home Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet) provider. [Find out if it's available](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/eligibility) in your area and then [try it out for 15 days](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet/15-day-test-drive) to see if it works for you. ##### Explore more about Wi-Fi Access Points - [How to Set Up a Wi-Fi Access Point at Home](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-devices/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-access-point-at-home) Sources - [https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/answer/Is-there-a-difference-between-a-wireless-access-point-and-a-wireless-router](https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/answer/Is-there-a-difference-between-a-wireless-access-point-and-a-wireless-router#:~:text=Routers%20can%20serve%20either%20wired,capability%20to%20a%20wired%20network.) - [https://www.pcworld.com/article/394979/wi-fi-extender-wi-fi-booster-wi-fi-repeater-wi-fi-bridge-explained.html](https://www.pcworld.com/article/394979/wi-fi-extender-wi-fi-booster-wi-fi-repeater-wi-fi-bridge-explained.html) - [https://www.youtube.com/](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxiY4yf6GGg) - [https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/what-is-mesh-wifi](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/what-is-mesh-wifi#:~:text=Unlike%20a%20traditional%20Wi%2DFi,or%20even%20in%20the%20backyard.) - [https://www.pcworld.com/article/394979/wi-fi-extender-wi-fi-booster-wi-fi-repeater-wi-fi-bridge-explained.html](https://www.pcworld.com/article/394979/wi-fi-extender-wi-fi-booster-wi-fi-repeater-wi-fi-bridge-explained.html) - [https://www.speedguide.net/faq/wireless-repeater-extender-vs-access-point-385](https://www.speedguide.net/faq/wireless-repeater-extender-vs-access-point-385) - [https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/definition/Wi-Fi-range-extender](https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/definition/Wi-Fi-range-extender) - [https://www.gartner.com/en/glossary](https://www.gartner.com/en/glossary) Tags - [Modem](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/modem) - [T-Mobile Home Internet Equipment](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/t-mobile-home-internet-equipment) - [Whole Home](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/whole-home) - [Wi-Fi](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/wi-fi) - [Wi-Fi Booster](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/wi-fi-booster) ## Related Articles NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/ethernet-vs-wifi) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/ethernet-vs-wifi) [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) ## [Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi: Which Connection is Best for You?](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/ethernet-vs-wifi) April 29, 2026 NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/setting-up-internet-in-a-new-home-how-to-connect-while-moving) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/setting-up-internet-in-a-new-home-how-to-connect-while-moving) [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) ## [Setting Up Internet in a New Home: How to Connect While Moving](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/setting-up-internet-in-a-new-home-how-to-connect-while-moving) April 15, 2026 NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/new-internet-or-transfer-internet-moving) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/new-internet-or-transfer-internet-moving) [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) ## [New Internet or Internet Transfer When Moving: What's Best?](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/new-internet-or-transfer-internet-moving) April 22, 2026 ### Find out if your home address is eligible for T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. [Check availability](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/eligibility) Top