What is the difference between router mode and AP mode? (2024)

NETGEAR Support

Was this article helpful? Yes No | 7 people found this helpful in last 30 days

Discover our entire line of business-grade WiFi 6 and 6E Access Points.

In router mode, your NETGEAR device functions normally and all of the router’s features are available.

In access point (AP) mode, your NETGEAR router acts as a gateway for other devices to connect to. You can set up your router in AP mode to extend the existing WiFi of your ISP-provided hardware. However, some popular features are disabled in AP mode, including the following:

  • Guest network
  • The ability to block specific websites
  • VPN Service
  • Remote Management

We recommend that you enable bridge mode on your ISP gateway and install your NETGEAR or Orbi router in router mode to use all the features of your router. If you cannot enable bridge mode on your ISP gateway, you must turn off the WiFi on your ISP gateway and install your NETGEAR or Orbi router in AP mode.

For more information about features disabled in AP mode:

For more information about AP mode setup:

Last Updated:03/01/2023 | Article ID: 000061927

Was this article helpful?

Yes No

This article applies to:

How to Find Your Model Number

Read this article in another language:

Looking for more about your product?

Get information, documentation, videos and more for your specific product.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Quick and easy solutions are available for you in the NETGEAR community.

Need to Contact NETGEAR Support?

With NETGEAR’s round-the-clock premium support, help is just a phone call away.

See Support Options

Complimentary Support

NETGEAR provides complimentary technical support for NETGEAR products for 90 days from the original date of purchase.

Contact Support

NETGEAR Premium Support

GearHead Support for Home Users

GearHead Support is a technical support service for NETGEAR devices and all other connected devices in your home. Advanced remote support tools are used to fix issues on any of your devices. The service includes support for the following:

  • Desktop and Notebook PCs, Wired and Wireless Routers, Modems, Printers, Scanners, Fax Machines, USB devices and Sound Cards
  • Windows Operating Systems (2000, XP or Vista), MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Adobe Acrobat
  • Anti-virus and Anti-Spyware: McAfee, Norton, AVG, eTrust and BitDefender

Learn More

ProSUPPORT Services for Business Users

NETGEAR ProSUPPORT services are available to supplement your technical support and warranty entitlements. NETGEAR offers a variety of ProSUPPORT services that allow you to access NETGEAR's expertise in a way that best meets your needs:

  • Product Installation
  • Professional Wireless Site Survey
  • Defective Drive Retention (DDR) Service

Learn More

What is the difference between router mode and AP mode? (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 6722

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.