How is WDS Relay and WDS Remote different?

Have you ever wondered what is the difference between WDS Relay and WDS Remote?

Have you ever wondered what is the difference between WDS Relay and WDS Remote?Can be understood in a simple way as follows:

WDS (wireless distribution system) is a wireless signal distribution system, which allows you to create a network of access points that work seamlessly together without having to use connection wires. .In other words, these devices will communicate wirelessly with each other.WDS devices can operate as a WDS Relay or a WDS Remote.Therefore, the biggest difference between WDS Relay and WDS Remote is the specific function of each device.

  1. Compare 4 types of security WiFi WEP, WPA, WPA2 and WPA3

WDS Remote works like a wireless access point where the client can connect easily, and is responsible for communicating with the base station and transmitting information back and forth.Meanwhile, WDS Relay only works as an intermediate hub between two access points.This is the most obvious difference between the two standard WDS Relay and WDS Remote connections.

How is WDS Relay and WDS Remote different? Picture 1How is WDS Relay and WDS Remote different? Picture 1

The main purpose of WDS Relay is to operate as a range extender to allow WDS Remote to be located farther away from the base station.As a result, users will have more options in setting up WDS Remote devices to achieve more optimal coverage.Not only that, you can even install a series of daisy chain multiple repeaters to further extend the reach.However, you also need to pay attention to the bandwidth limit on each device placed between the client and the base station because in this case, the bandwidth will be divided equally for both.This is enough if the purpose is only for internet access and emailing.But when there are too many devices connected, performing tasks such as file transfer and heavy applications that consume bandwidth will be difficult.

There will be a specific limit on the number of devices you can connect via WDS.You can connect up to 4 WDS Relay to a base station.After that, it is possible to continue to connect up to 4 WDS Remote with a WDS Relay chain or a single WDS Relay.So, you will have 16 WDS Remote, connect to 4 WDS Relay, then be connected to 1 base station.This helps to provide a range as well as enough coverage to meet the needs of most devices.

  1. Learn about Wi-Fi 6

In general, WDS will be the optimal method if you want to cover large open spaces or areas where WDS Relay can provide connectivity to base stations and WDS Remote.In contrast, in enclosed spaces where there are many obstacles, it is better to use wires to connect access points because obstacles can greatly affect WiFi signals.

The difference between WDS Relay and WDS Remote can be summarized as follows:


  1. WDS Remote acts as an access point while WDS Relay acts as a repeater between the two devices.
  2. You can create WDS Relay string (Daisy Chain) to extend the connection range of WDS Relay.
  3. You can set up to 4 WDS Relay on a base station and up to 4 WDS Remotes on a WDS Relay.

Hope the information in the post useful to you!

3.8 ★ | 5 Vote