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:

access point

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:

station 1

3. Bridge vs. Router

3.1. Router

router works at the network layer of the OSI layers. Thereby router ensures machine-to-machine transfer of data packets between source and destination:

router

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:

bridge

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.