Question Router or Access Point? what should I use?

[MatthewJamess]

My service provider's installed modem is not strong enough to supply my full house with wifi, given it's located in a non-ideal place. I bought a TP-link Archer C80 router to connect wired on the other end of the house, to get full WiFi coverage. However, I'm not sure if I should use it as a router or an AP, as I don't quite understand what any of it means for the network. I don't mind creating a new wifi network for the Tp-Link decive, and having my devices switch between them as needed. Which mode should I configure the device on?? Thanks in advance for any responce.

 

[Ralston18]

What make and model modem did your ISP install?

Is the TP-Link Archer C80 router on the ISP's supported devices list?

 

[Lutfij]

If you merely need the devices in your household to access the internet without sharing data between each other, then you merely need it in AP mode.

This is a good read;

https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeNetworking/comments/16vui5s/router_vs_wireless_access_point/

 

[MatthewJamess]

If you merely need the devices in your household to access the internet without sharing data between each other, then you merely need it in AP mode.

This is a good read;

https://www.reddit.com/r/HomeNetworking/comments/16vui5s/router_vs_wireless_access_point/

Some of the devices connected to the tp-link will be 3d printers, which will have unique IP adresses for me to connect to wirelessly and monitor. Does that change anything, and if now, which mode is easier to get set up and working? like I said I know nothing about networking and just need this to work with no issues.

 

[cruisetung]

Majority of home users should run their network devices on the same network. So only one router in the network and all other devices should be an AP or router running in AP mode.

Running multiple routers at home usually causes confusion / conflict and difficulty for home users.

 

[Ralston18]

Just for clarification and certainty:

By "unique iP addresses" you mean that each affected device (e.g., a 3D printer) has its' own Static IP address assigned and reserved on the router for that device via the device's MAC - correct?

Otherwise, the devices' IP addresses may change each time the device is turned on - dynamic (DHCP).

The more devices the more likely there can be IP address conflicts and confusion.

Consider sketching out a diagram of your network showing all devices, device names, MAC, IP address (if static).

Objective to establish and keep track of the "big picture".

No need to be fancy and you can easily find examples on line.

Google "Home network diagram examples".

 

[JohnMGotts]

Be advised that your ISP likely is using a modem/router combo or two separate devices (modem & Ethernet connected to router.) If you already bought a router that is “CAPABLE” of AP mode that’s all you need. Configure it in AP mode but more importantly, it will only work best if it’s connected to your ISP router via ethernet cable. If it will be a wifi connection only, speed will be impacted by signal strength from the ISP router.

 

[kanewolf]

My service provider's installed modem is not strong enough to supply my full house with wifi, given it's located in a non-ideal place. I bought a TP-link Archer C80 router to connect wired on the other end of the house, to get full WiFi coverage. However, I'm not sure if I should use it as a router or an AP, as I don't quite understand what any of it means for the network. I don't mind creating a new wifi network for the Tp-Link decive, and having my devices switch between them as needed. Which mode should I configure the device on?? Thanks in advance for any responce.

You should use it as an access point. Why? Because then the devices connected to it will be in the same address space as the devices connected to the main router. That way you can seamlessly communicate between all the devices in your house.