1. Introduction
A computer network is a set of devices communicating among themselves using a wired or wireless connection. Moreover, this connection is made by combining hardware and software components.
The software components that facilitate connection are protocols and operating systems. At the same time, some of the hardware components that help make connections are router, bridge, hub, repeater, cable, and switch.
In this tutorial, we’re going to emphasize the distinguishing qualities of station and router.
2. Access Point vs. Station
2.1. Access Point
An access point is used to connect a wired network to a wireless one. Thus it is connected to a router by a wired connection and transmits a WiFi signal to connect other wireless devices:
2.2. Station
A station is a device that has access to WiFi and allows transmission and reception of data. Both the ends of data sharing is called as a station. The station is where data starts while transmission and data reach while receiving:
3. Bridge vs. Router
3.1. Router
A router works at the network layer of the OSI layers. Thereby router ensures machine-to-machine transfer of data packets between source and destination:
The router is used to read the packet’s header and direct it to the destination. As the name implies, it decides the best route for transmission based on a continuously updating routing table it possesses.
3.2. Bridge
A bridge works at the data link layer of the OSI layers. Therefore it enables the node-to-node transfer of data between source and destination. Besides acts as the connecting center of separate networks into one network:
4. Variation
There are striking differences between the Bridge, Router, Access Point and Station. This section throws light on the clear-cut differences between them:
Access Point
Station
Bridge
Router
OSI Layer
Data link
Application
Data link
Network
Connection mode
Wireless
Wireless
Wired
Wired
Protocols used
LWAPP, CAPWAP, IPP
IEEE 802.11
STP
RIP, IGRP, OSPF, EGP, EIGRP, BGP, IS-IS
Functionality
connect a wired network to a wireless network
end of the transmission or receiving having access to WIFI
connect separate networks into one network
traffic control: chooses path for data sharing
Examples of real-time brands
CISCO
Samsung, Iphone, Dell
CISCO, D-Link
CISCO
5. Conclusion
In this article, we provided a brief definition of bridge, station, router, and access points. In addition, the tutorial has highlighted the essential factors differentiating them.