An access point is a device that broadcasts a WiFi signal so your phone, laptop, or tablet can connect to the internet wirelessly

Your router already does this — it takes the internet signal from your modem and sends it out as WiFi. An access point is a second device that does the same thing, but in a different room or part of your home. It connects to your router (usually by ethernet cable, though some connect wirelessly) and repeats the WiFi signal so you get a strong connection farther away.

The simplest way to think about it: if your router's WiFi only reaches your bedroom but not your kitchen, an access point in the hallway can pick up the signal from the router and broadcast it again, so your kitchen devices connect to the access point instead of struggling to reach the router.

Key Takeaways

  • An access point broadcasts WiFi in areas where your router's signal is weak or doesn't reach at all.
  • It connects to your router by ethernet cable (the most reliable way) or wirelessly, then repeats the signal under the same network name.
  • An access point is different from a WiFi extender — an extender repeats a weaker signal, while an access point creates a stronger one from a wired connection.
  • Most access points cost between $50 and $150 and take about five minutes to set up once you plug them in.

How an access point connects to your router

The best setup uses an ethernet cable. You run a cable from your router to the access point (through walls, along baseboards, or through your attic — however works for your home). The access point plugs into power, the cable connects it to the router, and it when ready starts broadcasting WiFi using the same network name as your router.

When your phone or laptop moves from the router's range into the access point's range, it automatically switches to whichever signal is stronger. You do not have to manually switch networks or re-enter your password — it all happens in the background.

If running a cable is not practical, some access points can connect wirelessly to your router instead. This is less reliable (the access point has to receive the signal from the router and broadcast it at the same time, which uses more power and creates more interference), but it works when ethernet is impossible.

Access points versus WiFi extenders and mesh systems

A WiFi extender is cheaper and easier to install — you just plug it into an outlet halfway between your router and the dead zone. But it has a real drawback: it receives the router's signal and repeats it, which means it is using the same WiFi channel to both listen and broadcast. This cuts your speed roughly in half in the extended area.

An access point avoids this problem by using a wired connection to the router. It receives the full internet signal through the ethernet cable, not through WiFi, so it can broadcast at full strength without the speed penalty.

A mesh WiFi system is a newer approach where multiple devices (called nodes) work together as one network. You place nodes throughout your home, and they automatically route your traffic to whichever node is closest. Mesh systems are more expensive than a single access point (usually $150 to $400 for a two-node system) but they handle larger homes and more devices more smoothly. If you only need to cover one weak area, an access point is simpler and cheaper. If you need coverage across your whole house, mesh might be worth the extra cost.

Where to place an access point for the best signal

Location matters more than you might think. The access point should be in a central spot between your router and the area where you need coverage — not hidden in a closet or behind a TV. Walls, especially thick ones or those with metal studs, block WiFi signals. If you can place the access point in an open area on a shelf or mounted on a wall, you will get better range.

The height also helps. A device on a shelf or wall broadcasts in all directions more evenly than one sitting on the floor. If your home has multiple floors, placing the access point on the upper floor helps it reach down to lower floors better than placing it on the lower floor trying to reach up.

Distance from the router matters too. If the access point is too far away, it will not receive a strong enough signal from the router to repeat effectively. Most access points work well within 30 to 50 feet of the router when there are not too many walls in between.

Setting up an access point step by step

Most access points follow the same basic setup. First, plug the device into power and connect an ethernet cable from your router to the ethernet port on the access point. Wait about two minutes for it to boot up.

Next, open your phone or laptop's WiFi settings and look for a new network name (it is usually printed on the access point itself or in the manual). Connect to that network — you may not need a password for the initial setup, or the password is printed on the device.

Open a web browser and go to the address shown in the manual (often something like 192.168.1.1). This opens the access point's setup page. You will usually see an option to join an existing network — select your router's network name and enter your WiFi password. The access point will then restart and broadcast under the same network name as your router.

Once it restarts, your devices will see only one network name instead of two. They will automatically connect to whichever access point or router has the strongest signal as you move around your home.

Common access point brands and what to expect

TP-Link, Ubiquiti, Netgear, and Asus all make reliable access points in the $50 to $150 range. The main differences are the WiFi standard (WiFi 6 is newer and faster than WiFi 5, which is faster than WiFi 4), the number of ethernet ports, and whether the device can also act as a router if you need it to.

For most homes, a mid-range access point with WiFi 5 is enough. You only need WiFi 6 if you have many devices connecting at once or you regularly transfer large files wirelessly. Check the specifications to make sure the access point supports the same WiFi standard as your router — mixing old and new standards usually works, but you will not get the speed benefits of the newer standard.

When an access point is the right choice

An access point makes sense if you have a specific dead zone — a room or area where your router's signal does not reach well — and you can run an ethernet cable to that location. It is also the right choice if you want to add more wired ethernet ports in a distant part of your home, since most access points have at least one ethernet port you can use to connect a printer, desktop computer, or other device.

If you cannot run a cable and you need coverage in just one room, a WiFi extender is cheaper and simpler, even though it is slower. If you need strong coverage across your entire home and you do not want to run cables, a mesh system is worth the extra cost. But for a single weak area with access to a cable route, an access point is the most cost-effective solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate internet connection for an access point?

No. An access point uses the same internet connection as your router. It connects to the router by cable or wirelessly and shares the same internet service. You only pay for one internet bill.

Can I use an old router as an access point?

Yes. Most routers can be switched into access point mode through their settings page. You would disable the router's DHCP server (which assigns IP addresses) and connect it to your main router by ethernet cable. This works, but older routers may not be as fast or reliable as a device designed specifically as an access point.

Will an access point slow down my internet speed?

Not if it is connected by ethernet cable. A wired connection lets the access point broadcast at full strength. A wireless connection between the router and access point will reduce speed in the extended area, similar to a WiFi extender.

How many access points can I connect to one router?

Most routers support multiple access points without a problem. You can add two, three, or more depending on your home's size. Each one should be placed in a different area and connected by ethernet cable for the best performance.

What is the difference between an access point and a repeater?

A repeater (or extender) receives the router's WiFi signal and repeats it, which cuts speed in half. An access point receives the internet through a wired cable, so it broadcasts at full strength without the speed loss. Access points are faster but require you to run a cable.