To clarify. An extender is used to extend the existing wireless access point signal on the same channel. A wireless access point can be used to extend the network coverage area, but doesn't "extend" the same signal. Wireless APs are generally given the same SSID, but operate on a different channel so they don't interfere with the neighboring access points. A router is strictly a wired device for routing IP traffic between network segments. A switch separates the collision domains but the not broadcast domains of network traffic. These lines are blurred in a home setting because your "home wireless router" combines a wireless AP, a router, and a switch in one device. Another difference between a wireless AP and wireless router, is that an AP doesn't lease DHCP address or do any routing logic. It simply sends it out the wired connection to your router.