What is an Access Point?
An access point is a device that creates a wireless local area network, or WLAN, usually in an office or large building. An access point connects to a wired router, switch, or hub via an Ethernet cable, and projects a WiFi signal to a designated area. For example, if you want to enable WiFi access in your company’s reception area but don’t have a router within range, you can install an access point near the front desk and run an Ethernet cable through the ceiling back to the server room.
WiFi technology has improved greatly in recent years, but it’s not one-size-fits-all, especially when it comes to businesses. Large office spaces with heavy traffic typically utilize WiFi access points, while small offices with limited users are more likely to have WiFi routers and range extenders. Let’s take a look at how their features compare to find the best WiFi solution for you.
What is a Range Extender?
As its name implies, a range extender lengthens the reach of an existing WiFi network. Since range extenders connect wirelessly to WiFi routers, they must be placed where the WiFi router’s signal is already strong, not in the location of the actual dead spot. For instance, if your router is in the basement of a two-story building, installing a range extender on the ground floor (where coverage from the WiFi router is still strong) will eliminate potential dead zones on the second floor.
Why Access Point Are Better for Businesses?
While range extenders are great for home WiFi networks, they’re not efficient for modern businesses. This is because they can only support a limited number of devices at one time, usually no more than 20. While range extenders do increase the coverage of a WiFi router, they do not increase its available bandwidth. Depending on the number of devices you have connected simultaneously, a range extender could end up weighing down your connection.
Access points, on the other hand, can handle over 60 simultaneous connections each. By installing access points throughout the office, users can roam freely from room to room without experiencing network interruptions. As they move through the building, their devices shift seamlessly from one access point to the next without dropping the connection—they won’t even realize they’re switching between networks.
access pointWhy 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 Furthermore use a WAP or mesh extender to extend the signal range and strength of your wireless network. Thus, it provides complete wireless coverage and gets rid of “dead spots,” especially in larger office spaces or buildings. More so, you can configure the settings of your WAPs using a single device.
Common types of access point configurations
Root access point
In this configuration, we connect directly an access point to a wired LAN, providing a connection point for wireless users.
Repeater access point
We can configure an access point as a standalone repeater to extend the range of your infrastructure or overcome an obstacle that blocks radio communication.
The repeater forwards traffic by sending data to either another repeater or an access point connected to the wired network. They sent the data through the route that provides the best performance for the client.
Bridges
We can configure access points 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. They then passed traffic over the wireless link to the wired network.
Workgroup bridge
Access points that are in workgroup bridge mode can “associate” with other access points as clients. Also, it provides network connections for devices connected to Ethernet ports.
Central unit in an all-wireless network
In an all-wireless network, an access point acts as a standalone root unit. We do not attach it 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 to your network.
For one, a wireless network is more convenient to access. Adding new users is a lot less complicated, too.
Furthermore, you can easily segment users, including guests, to help protect your network resources and assets.
Advantages of Using Wireless Access Point.
When you have both employees and guests connecting with desktops, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets, 20 devices on a wireless network adds up quickly. At 60 simultaneous connections each, access points give you the freedom to scale the number of devices supported on your network. But that’s only one of the advantages of using these network enhancers—consider these points:
Business-grade access points can be installed anywhere you can run an Ethernet cable. Newer models are also compatible with Power over Ethernet Plus, or PoE+ (a combination Ethernet and power cord), so there is no need to run a separate power line or install an outlet near the access point.
Additional standard features include Captive Portal and Access Control List (ACL) support, so you can limit guest access without compromising network security, as well as easily manage users within your WiFi network.
Select access points include a Clustering feature—a single point from which the IT administrator can view, deploy, configure, and secure a WiFi network as a single entity rather than a series of separate access point configurations.
Conclusion
Nowadays, wireless network is everywhere around us saving a lot of troubles for managing cable mess. A wireless router is often enough for family use since the coverage is limited. A Wireless Access Point is necessary for any enterprise or institution that constantly connects numerous wireless internet users. The WAP network offers many unique advantages compared to a conventional wireless router. Access point devices are easy to set up, cover a broader range than a router, offer flexible networking, and connect more users and devices than a router. Also, using Wireless Access Point to set up a wireless LAN can provide better connectivity and eliminate buffering even when transmission signal strength is weak.
WAP network is more convenient for accessing that router. Adding new users to the network is less complicated when compared to routers. Also, you can add guest users to the wireless LAN and give them secured access through a password. Additionally, you can segment users to safeguard your network assets and resources. When you opt for Wireless Access Points to connect to wireless LAN, you allow the IT infrastructure to assist the next-generation technologies with uninterrupted internet over a wide transmission range. Overall, we can conclude that Wireless Access Points have many benefits that can’t be overlooked and hence definitely worth the investment.
At Hubtech Limited we offer a wide offer a wide range of access points. Contact us for more information on the right access point for your business.
