What are wifi access points

What Is an Access Point?

A wireless access point (WAP) is a networking device that allows wireless-capable devices to connect to a wired network. It is simpler and easier to install WAPs to connect all the computers or devices in your network than to use wires and cables.

Why use a WAP to set up a wireless network?

Using a WAP lets you create a wireless network within your existing wired network, so you can accommodate wireless devices.

You can also use a WAP or mesh extenders to extend the signal range and strength of your wireless network to provide complete wireless coverage and get rid of «dead spots,» especially in larger office spaces or buildings. Additionally, you can configure the settings of your WAPs using a single device.

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Common types of access point configurations

Root access point

In this configuration, an access point is connected directly to a wired LAN, providing a connection point for wireless users. If more than one access point is connected to the LAN, users can roam from one area of a facility to another without losing their network connection.

Repeater access point

An access point or mesh extender can be configured as a standalone repeater to extend the range of your infrastructure or overcome an obstacle that blocks radio communication.

The repeater forwards traffic between wireless users and the wired network by sending data to either another repeater or an access point that is connected to the wired network. The data is sent through the route that provides the best performance for the client.

Bridges

Access points can be configured as root or non-root bridges to join multiple networks. An access point in this role will establish a wireless link with a non-root bridge. Traffic is then passed over the wireless link to the wired network.

Workgroup bridge

Access points that are in workgroup bridge mode can «associate» to other access points as clients and provide network connections for devices connected to Ethernet ports.

For example, if your business needs wireless connectivity for a group of network printers, you can connect the printers to a hub or a switch, connect the hub or switch to the access point Ethernet port, and configure the access point as a workgroup bridge. The workgroup bridge will then «associate» to an access point on your network.

Central unit in an all-wireless network

In an all-wireless network, an access point acts as a standalone root unit. It is not attached to a wired LAN. Instead, the access point functions as a hub that links all stations together. It serves as the focal point for communications, increasing the communication range of wireless users.

Key benefits of upgrading to WAPs

WAPs are a more convenient, secure, and cost-efficient alternative to using wires and cables to connect every computer or device in your network. And using WAPs to set up a wireless network can provide many advantages and benefits for your small business.

For one, a wireless network is more convenient to access. Adding new users is a lot less complicated, too. And you can easily provide Internet access to guest users by giving them a password to access your wireless network securely.

Also you can easily segment users, including guests, to help protect your network resources and assets.

Preparation for the future

When you invest in WAPs that feature future-ready modularity, you are helping to ready your IT infrastructure to support next-generation technologies.

WAPs that meet the new Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, for example, can help you build a reliable, scalable, and secure wireless network to handle the rapidly growing number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices—and the data that those devices will create.

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What is an access point and how does it extend your Wi-Fi?

With a Wi-Fi access point, you can boost your Wi-Fi signal and improve the internet at home. In this article, we explain what an access point is, how it’s distinguished from a repeater, and finally what you should pay attention to when it comes to features and setup.

The essentials in brief:

What is an access point?

An access point (AP) is a device that can send and receive data. The access point receives an Internet signal via an Ethernet cable connection to the router, which it converts into a separate Wi-Fi network. This makes comfortable surfing possible even in remote living areas – and additional end devices that would otherwise not be able to reach the router network are equipped with fast Wi-Fi.

When does an access point make sense?

A classic scenario: You can enjoy fast internet near the router – often situated in the hallway and living room area – but the router signal does not reach the first floor or the other end of the apartment. By setting up an access point here, you can supply other end devices with fast Wi-Fi. This is particularly useful for demanding applications such as home office, streaming and gaming.

What is the difference between access point and repeater?

Repeaters and access points usually have the same goal: expanding the home network and strengthening the Wi-Fi signal in remote areas of the house. While an access point receives router data via an Ethernet cable, the repeater does so wirelessly. This is generally more convenient and less noticeable visually, but also more inefficient because the Wi-Fi signal strength decreases over long distances. An access point is therefore preferable for an optimal Wi-Fi performance.

The advantages and disadvantages of access points at a glance

Expanding your home network by means of an access point offers clear advantages:

• Strong Wi-Fi for additional end devices and users – wherever the router signal is not sufficient
• Optional LAN ports for potentially data-intensive applications such as home office, streaming and gaming
• Full data usage thanks to the Ethernet connection to the router (in contrast to Wi-Fi extension using repeaters)

If you choose an access point in lieu of a repeater, you have to accept some disadvantages – including a more complex setup, the hassle of laying an Ethernet cable, and less flexibility. But with the right access point solution these disadvantages can also be easily eliminated.

Which features should an access point have?

Wi-Fi 6

The current Wi-Fi standard 802.11ax is particularly fast, secure, and efficient. If you want to get the most out of your home network, you should use an access point with Wi-Fi 6 support.

Dual Band

An access point with dual band functionality can transmit in both the 2.4 and 5 GHz networks. The latter enables higher data rates over short distances, which benefits demanding applications.

MU-MIMO

MU-MIMO allows parallel data streams to be sent to multiple end devices and users connected at the same time in the home network. Thus, the Wi-Fi capacity of your access point is utilized much better.

Ethernet outputs

If your access point offers one or, ideally, several Ethernet outputs, you can also connect your end devices via LAN in parallel to the Wi-Fi – a major advantage for data-intensive applications.

How to set up an access point

– Preliminary considerations and basic steps

Identify important devices and rooms that lack a strong Wi-Fi signal

A question that you should definitely ask yourself: In which rooms, which currently have no or only weak Wi-Fi, do you absolutely need a better signal? Where are most of your end devices with a dependency on strong Wi-Fi located?

For example, is it just about a room that is located on the same floor as the router is? Or a smart device that just barely gets enough Wi-Fi to function properly? Then the use of a flexible Wi-Fi repeater could already be of sufficient help.

On the other hand, are we talking about an entire home office or entertainment center with several end devices that depend on fast Wi-Fi and LAN connections? Possibly located on another floor? Then you should buy an access point and set it up as centrally as possible in the desired expansion area.

Smart placement of the access point and cables

If you want to supply several rooms and end devices with Wi-Fi, you should place your access point as close and as centrally as possible. This allows you to ensure an even signal distribution. Tip: If you use a PoE access point (Power over Ethernet), no external power supply is required, which makes the placement more flexible.

It gets a bit more complicated if you operate end devices in one or more rooms that benefit from a LAN connection. In our Ethernet guide, you can find out which applications and end devices fall under this category.

So, would you like to supply a Smart TV, a home office PC, a gaming console, or other data-hungry end devices with particularly constant, fast Internet signal? Then you need to lay LAN cables from the access point to every room where this is the case.

Use the right cable standard, cable channels & Co.

You should use an appropriate cable standard when wiring the router to the access point and when connecting any end devices. In the store you will find CAT 5, CAT 6, CAT 7 and CAT 8 network cables.

These differ in various specifications, including transmission speed and distance. A CAT 5 network cable is usually sufficient for home users. With data rates of up to 1 Gbps, this is more than sufficiently fast, and also offers a decent range of 100 meters.

Attaching LAN cables along baseboards and door frames makes it more discreet. Additional aids such as flat cables and cable channels can help to keep the unpleasant strings as invisible as possible.

Setup: SSID, Wi-Fi frequency bands and more

Once you have placed your access point and made the appropriate cabling, you can finally take care of the virtual setup. This varies depending on the device. The following aspects can and should play a role in this.

If your access point is dual-band capable – i.e., supports the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands –you should activate this option in the Wi-Fi settings of your device. You should also configure your SSID (Service Set Identifier), i.e., set the name under which this second Wi-Fi network is displayed within your network environment.

With patience, money, and a little manual skill, you can place your access point ideally and thus expand your router Wi-Fi. You could also make it easier on yourself, though, by simply using the powerlines that are already laid in the walls of your house.

Access points on the socket — with Powerline

You can turn every single socket in your living area into its very own access point for strong Wi-Fi. The key to success: Magic Powerline Powerline Powerline (Powerline Communication — PLC) describes a technology for using the power grid for data transmission. Without the need for complex and often expensive LAN cabling, a network can be implemented wherever power outlets are available.

Learn more . The efficient home network extension from devolo uses the powerline in your house to transport the Internet signal throughout the entire living space. Simply place an adapter near the router and another as an access point in the room of your choice – and you’re done.

The huge advantage: You do not have to lay a long cable from your router all the way to the access point. Therefore, you are much more flexible in the design of your home network. Even outdoor access points are feasible if you place an adapter in your garden shed. In addition, each adapter offers two Gigabit Ethernet ports for particularly powerful LAN connections. In this way, each of your end devices gets the amount of data it needs.

Our recommendation: devolo Magic 2 WiFi 6

Internet everywhere – with Powerline Powerline Powerline (Powerline Communication — PLC) describes a technology for using the power grid for data transmission. Without the need for complex and often expensive LAN cabling, a network can be implemented wherever power outlets are available.

Whether streaming, cooking, gaming or even in the home office:

devolo provides strong Wi-Fi for the whole house.

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