Differences Between a Router and an Adapter

For most modern networking equipment, wireless functionality is a necessity. Two of the main wireless devices in home networking are routers and adapters. While both of these product types are wireless, they have key differences.

Wireless routers

The main component for networks is the wireless router. This device behaves exactly as a normal, cabled router with a large number of available ports. Instead of cables, it uses radio waves to communicate with computers, servers, different network devices and other routers, forming a self-managed network.

Wireless adapters

Wireless adapters have a much narrower set of functions. Some may interface directly with wireless routers, converting devices built for cabled computer networks into wireless devices. Most of them, however, fulfill simpler tasks, such as receiving data from a wireless pointing device, interfacing with a cellphone to retrieve photos and contacts or getting data from a nearby wireless weather station.

Main differences between the two

Single-use devices, such as pointing devices or keyboards, do not need the added complexity of communication protocols for networks and, thus, rely on simpler wireless adapters that perform those specific functions with speed, accuracy and lower costs in both design and manufacturing processes. On the other hand, when several devices need to communicate via the same channels, a wireless router is essential, and the added complexity is offset by greater flexibility.

Wireless routers are built to manage network traffic, and wireless adapters are designed to replace cables in simpler devices, such as keyboards and pointing devices. Adapters do not replace routers, but they both have uses in desktop computing.