Netgear AP Mode vs Bridge Mode – All you Need to Know

Wondering what’s the difference between Netgear AP Mode vs Bridge Mode? Then you are at the right place!

Wireless access points are widely used nowadays for internet access. Netgear access point connects with computers and other devices, it comes with various in-built functionalities.

The router can serve as a modem that provides an internet connection and interpret the data packets it gets from the Internet Service Provider. Radio link offers fixed wireless service.

The router is even made more interesting because of its other features that work like a switch – either an AP or wireless bridge mode, to enable an entire network connection through a wi-fi link.

But what is Netgear AP mode vs Netgear bridge mode for internet access?

Router access points mode is directly providing internet access or wi-fi to the network segments. On the other hand, the wireless bridge connects different network segments.

A radio link will also make a good addition to extend your wi-fi.

Comparison Between Access Point Mode vs Bridge Mode

Access point mode and bridge mode provides radio link connectivity through a computer network.

However, there is a significant distinction between them. Both conduct unique functions and demonstrate unique structures.

Establishing an extensive wireless network for your corporate space will need plenty of networking devices that offer connectivity through the network. These devices are the Wireless Access Points and Wireless Bridges.

However, since these devices exhibit overrunning sections of functionality, many people may find it confusing to differentiate them.

Access Point Mode

Access point mainly offers internet connectivity by establishing a connection between the wireless devices and the routers.

This setup serves as a WiFi extender, by quickly giving internet connection despite the long distance.

Commonly named as Wireless Hotspots, Access Point is one of the most used instruments in networking. Thus, the AP mode simultaneously secures LAN and internet connectivity to numerous devices.

You can find wireless access points that also execute the function of a wireless bridge. These AP devices provide a connection between wireless networks.

Sophisticated access points can work impressively as they can establish a connection to over 200 devices. Hence, you should know how to access Netgear router in AP mode.

There are several advantages for the access point mode:

1. The ACL (Access Control List) can determine guest access to boost the level of security and easily regulate the users within the network.
2. It reinforces enhanced wireless network performance compared to a range extender while the wireless signal remains intact as the volume of utilized AP increases.

Bridge Mode

A computer network is likely to be split into different parts that have to be joined together. The bridge joins the divided network segments and leads to the facilitating of data sharing.

During the time that the WiFi technology has not yet been introduced, wired Ethernet cables were used to connect the network bridges.

Compared to repeaters and hubs, the bridge devices are intelligent as they work to manage the flow of data back and forth from the joint network segments.

The wireless bridge executes a similar function of connecting network segments, however, it performs that via a WiFi link rather than an Ethernet link.

Through a radio link, two networks are connected together to provide connectivity as well as data transmission between them.

Bridge mode eliminates the NAT feature that is available in your router and sets the functionality of the router to the DHCP server without any issue with the IP address.

Once the bridge mode is enabled, users can finally connect numerous routers and extend the range of the WiFi.

There are several advantages to setting your router into bridge mode:

1. You can utilize WiFi for applications such as gaming and video streaming by stretching the WiFi range.
2. You can go away from using numerous adapters for every device.
3. You can establish a connection to various devices such as your Smart TV, gaming consoles, NAS, and Blue-ray player at WiFi utilizing the link.

Can I Set Up my Netgear to Either Access Point Mode or Bridge Mode?

Definitely, you can configure your Netgear to either access point mode or bridge mode.

The default mode of a wireless access point is the access point mode.

To facilitate connectivity and data transfer between the modem/router and the device, the router should be able to automatically allocate wireless devices with an IP address. Providing connectivity, the setup becomes is commonly noticed.

The wireless bridge access point, on the other hand, stretches a wired connection through a wireless space. Knowing that wireless access points can perform many things, you must fix it to a single internet connection.

This is because the wireless router mode utilizes the NAT or Network Address Translation feature when distributing Wi-Fi network via a wireless access point or router.

Note: Enabling the wireless bridge mode will deactivate your router’s NAT feature. Remember that the two devices are important.

Facts About Netgear AP Mode Vs Bridge Mode

Although you are free to decide whether to configure your Netgear to AP or network bridge mode, you should understand that there are specific recommendations for these two.

As mentioned, your Netgear is set to access point by default. It is not always recommended that you configure your router to wireless bridges mode.

If you think that your wireless access points are doing well and their speed does not turn sluggish if you go farther, then your access point mode should be fine.

Read Next: How to Turn Off Netgear WiFi?

Conclusion

You now know more about Netgear AP mode vs bridge mode. Your understanding of these two networks can help you improve your road network and wi-fi coverage.

They may have the same function, but their distinction is something to be noted.

You should know by now that the distinction between access point mode and wireless bridge mode is important, especially for multiple devices.

In case you have questions that are not covered in this article, you can reach the chat support of Netgear for assistance.

A representative will connect to help you. Nevertheless, you will see this article helpful. With your chosen mode in multiple devices lies perks you can use in your favor.