--- title: Understanding Access Points, Routers, and Switches description: Understand access points, routers, and network switches with this practical guide to structured cabling, PoE design, and enterprise wireless deployments built for performance and growth. image: https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/coverpic.png --- - About - [About](https://www.usorion.com/about-us) - Services - [Wireless Surveys (Ekahau)](https://www.usorion.com/wireless-site-surveys) - [Structured Cabling Services](https://www.usorion.com/structured-cabling-solutions) - [Fiber Consultancy & Installations](https://www.usorion.com/fiber-consultancy-installations) - [Colocation Deployment & Migration](https://www.usorion.com/colocation-deployment-migration-infrastructure-services) - Talent Acquisition Services - [Talent Acquisition](https://www.usorion.com/talent-acquisition) - [Job Vacancies](https://jobs.crelate.com/portal/usorion/) - [Coverage](https://www.usorion.com/coverage) - Resources - [Newsletter](https://www.usorion.com/orion-us-newsletter-connect) - [Data Dictionary](https://www.usorion.com/data-dictionary) - [Blog](https://www.usorion.com/blog) [![logo](https://www.usorion.com/hs-fs/hubfs/USOrionLogoNew.png?width=654&height=260&name=USOrionLogoNew.png "logo")](https://www.usorion.com/) [+1 (803) 724 1204](tel:+1%20(803)%20724%201204) [sales@usorion.com](mailto:sales@usorion.com) [contact us](https://23748016.hs-sites.com/contact-us-orion-us) # Blog Find out more ![Banner arrow - Usorion](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/Icons/banner-arrow.webp) ![survey\_perks](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/survey_perks.png) ![Understanding Access Points, Routers, and Switches](https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/coverpic.png) ## Understanding Access Points, Routers, and Switches 15 December 2025   In this guide, we break down what each device does, how they differ, and where they fit into a structured cabling or wireless installation. *A practical guide for structured cabling & wireless deployments* When planning a reliable network—whether for an office, warehouse, school, or hospitality environment—it helps to understand the fundamental devices that make everything work. Three core components come up in almost every job we do: **access points**, **routers**, and **network switches**. While they all move data from one place to another, each serves a distinct purpose. ### Access Points (APs) An **access point** (AP) is a device that extends your network wirelessly. It allows Wi-Fi devices—phones, laptops, tablets, scanners, security systems—to connect to the wired LAN. ![](https://www.usorion.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AP-jpg.jpeg?width=894&height=705&name=AP-jpg.jpeg) #### **What APs do** - Provide Wi-Fi coverage within an area - Connect wireless clients to the wired network through Ethernet - Support features like roaming, band steering, and multiple SSIDs #### **Where they fit in structured cabling** APs always require: - A **dedicated Ethernet run** (Cat6/Cat6A recommended) - **PoE (Power over Ethernet)** from a PoE switch or injector - Strategic placement based on site surveys for optimal coverage APs do *not* route traffic or manage network addressing—they simply provide wireless access. ### Routers A **router** connects your internal network to the outside world (typically the internet). Think of it as the traffic director between your private network and everything beyond it. ![](https://www.usorion.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Routers-png.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=Routers-png.png) #### **What routers do** - Manage internet connection - Perform **NAT (Network Address Translation)** - Provide a **firewall** layer for security - Assign IP addresses via **DHCP** - Determine the best path for data between networks #### **Role in structured cabling** In commercial environments, routers are usually installed in: - A main network rack - The telecom room or server room - Directly behind the ISP handoff (modem or ONT) Everything inside the building connects to the router indirectly through switches, not directly from endpoints. ### **Network Switches** A **network switch** connects multiple wired devices within the same local network. Switches generally come in a few common types: **unmanaged switches**, which are simple plug-and-play devices with minimal configuration; **managed switches**, which offer advanced features like VLAN support, QoS, port security, and monitoring; and **PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches**, which can deliver power over the Ethernet cable to devices such as wireless access points and other endpoints. ![](https://www.usorion.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Switch-png.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=Switch-png.png) #### **What switches do** - Forward data between devices on the same LAN - Expand the number of available Ethernet ports - Provide **PoE** to devices like APs, VoIP phones, and cameras - Support VLANs and network segmentation Switches are typically installed in the main rack, in IDF closets on larger campuses, and/or at aggregation points for AP and camera cabling ### **Putting it Together** Here’s a simple way to visualize it: **ISP → Router → Switch → Access Points / Devices** - The **router** talks to the outside world - The **switch** distributes network connections inside the building - The **access point** provides wireless access to the switch’s wired network Each device plays a distinct role. A failure in one layer can affect everything downstream, which is why properly planned structured cabling—and correct equipment selection—is critical. When we design network infrastructure for clients, understanding these roles helps determine: - How many cables need to be run - Whether PoE switches are required - AP placement and coverage - Rack layout and power management - Router/firewall sizing based on bandwidth and users Poor network design often comes from mixing up these roles—for example, using a consumer Wi-Fi router as a business AP, or relying on one device to do all jobs. ### **Conclusion** Access points, routers, and switches are the backbone of any modern network. Understanding their differences helps ensure your installation is efficient, secure, and scalable. In most deployments, access points, routers, and switches only work as well as the planning around them. [Orion US](https://www.usorion.com/)approaches install from that practical, layered perspective: start with **pre-site surveys and audits**, run the right **structured cabling** to support the design (including **network refreshes and access point installs**), and then complete **post-install surveys/validation** to confirm everything performs as expected. For wireless specifically, Orion US also offers **Ekahau site surveys** with centralized coordination and reporting, which helps translate coverage needs into real AP placement and a cleaner handoff at the end of the job. Please [get in touch](https://www.usorion.com/contact-us-orion-us) with the experts at Orion US today. [![Book Your Wireless Survey Long CTA - Green](https://www.usorion.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CTAs%20-%20Wireless%20Surveys/Book%20Your%20Wireless%20Survey%20Long%20CTA%20-%20Green.webp?width=735&height=268&name=Book%20Your%20Wireless%20Survey%20Long%20CTA%20-%20Green.webp)](https://www.usorion.com/contact-us-orion-us) Image Source: [Canva](https://www.canva.com/photos/MADI_h087RQ-women-working-with-cables-in-data-center/) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/usorion/) [twitter icon](https://twitter.com/UsOrion_) ### Posts By Topics - [Wireless Site Survey (44)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/wireless-site-survey) - [Ekahau Site Survey (40)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/ekahau-site-survey) - [WIFI Survey (27)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/wifi-survey) - [USA (26)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/usa) - [Canada (22)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/canada) - [Predictive Wireless (20)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/predictive-wireless) - [Structured Cabling (14)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/structured-cabling) - [Design (11)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/design) - [Pre-Deployment Survey (11)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/pre-deployment-survey) - [Cat6 (7)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/cat6) - [Passive Site Survey (7)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/passive-site-survey) - [Talent Acquisition (7)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/talent-acquisition) - [Wired Site Survey (7)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/wired-site-survey) - [MDF/IDF Setup (5)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/mdf-idf-setup) - [Optimizing Wireless Network (5)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/optimizing-wireless-network) - [Cisco Meraki (4)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/cisco-meraki) - [Post Survey (4)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/post-survey) - [Structuring Cabling Install (4)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/structuring-cabling-install) - [APOS Survey (3)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/apos-survey) - [Network (3)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/network) - [Network Installation (3)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/network-installation) - [AP-On-a-Stick (2)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/ap-on-a-stick) - [Fiber Splicing (2)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/fiber-splicing) - [RF Fundamentals (2)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/rf-fundamentals) - [Site Survey (2)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/site-survey) - [Antenna (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/antenna) - [Arkansas (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/arkansas) - [Cable Management (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/cable-management) - [Cabling Standards (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/cabling-standards) - [Documentation (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/documentation) - [Ekahau Heatmap (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/ekahau-heatmap) - [Manitoba (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/manitoba) - [On-Site Survey (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/on-site-survey) - [Routers (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/routers) - [Switches (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/switches) - [WAPs (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/waps) - [dB v dBm v dBi (1)](https://www.usorion.com/blog/tag/db-v-dbm-v-dbi) see all ### Articles [dB vs. dBm vs. dBi: Understanding RF Power Before Designing Wi-Fi](https://www.usorion.com/blog/db-vs.-dbm-vs.-dbi-understanding-rf-power-before-designing-wi-fi) [RF Fundamentals: Why Wi-Fi Behaves Differently in the Real World](https://www.usorion.com/blog/rf-fundamentals-why-wi-fi-behaves-differently-in-the-real-world) [From Floorplan to Deployment: What Happens Before the First Access Point Is Installed?](https://www.usorion.com/blog/from-floorplan-to-deployment-what-happens-before-the-first-access-point-is-installed) [Why Network Documentation Is Critical for Maintenance, Upgrades, and Future Growth](https://www.usorion.com/blog/why-network-documentation-is-critical-for-maintenance-upgrades-and-future-growth) ### Subscribe to our blog ### Need more information? Talk to us today. - [+1 (803) 724 1204](tel:+1%20(803)%20724%201204) - [sales@usorion.com](mailto:sales@usorion.com) - [Wireless Surveys (Ekahau)](https://www.usorion.com/wireless-site-surveys) - [Cabling](https://www.usorion.com/structured-cabling-solutions) - [Talent Acquisition](https://www.usorion.com/talent-acquisition) - [About Us](https://www.usorion.com/about-us) - [Coverage](https://www.usorion.com/coverage) Copyright 2026 Orion Global Managed Services US, Inc. All rights Reserved. Designed and Developed by [JDR Group](https://www.jdrgroup.co.uk/). [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/usorion/) [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/UsOrion_) [Like us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572939841282) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/orionusinc/) - [Terms and Conditions](https://www.usorion.com/terms-conditions) - [Privacy](https://www.usorion.com/privacy-policy) - [Cookie](https://www.usorion.com/cookie-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Orion US", "url" : "https://www.usorion.com/blog/author/orion-us" }, "dateModified" : "2026-05-19T15:24:01.874Z", "datePublished" : "2025-12-15T17:03:27.000Z", "headline" : "Understanding Access Points, Routers, and Switches", "image" : [ "https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/coverpic.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.usorion.com/blog/understanding-access-points-routers-and-switches", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.usorion.com/hubfs/USOrionLogoNew.png" }, "name" : "Orion Global Managed Services US, Inc." } } ```