Complete Guide to Wireless Access Points

Key takeaways

Wireless access points are a vital part of a firm’s digital infrastructure, ensuring employees have internet access to complete their daily tasks.

• Wireless access points extend a business's local area network by allowing multiple devices to connect by providing each one with an IP address. 

• Common types of wireless access points include enterprise access points, ceiling access points, dual-frequency points, and stand-alone access point controllers. 

• You can use wireless access points to connect more wireless devices than a single router can, allowing your network to scale.

Discover more about wireless access points, their benefits for business operations, and how they compare to routers. If you're ready to start building in-demand skills in information technology (IT), enroll in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. In just three months, you can build the day-to-day skills needed to succeed in an entry-level IT job. 

What is a wireless access point?

A wireless access point (WAP) is a device that allows wireless hardware, such as smartphones and laptops, to connect to a wired internet source. It transmits the signal from the wired source, such as an Ethernet cable, and projects it into a wider area to provide access to multiple devices. 

What does a wireless access point do?

Wireless access points are helpful for businesses, and sometimes even households, that have multiple devices needing internet access. A modem usually only has one Ethernet port, producing only one IP address. IP addresses identify a device’s location on the internet source and are necessary to ensure the right data is successfully transmitted to the right device. With only one IP address, you wouldn’t be able to have two different computers accessing the internet simultaneously.

Wireless access points remove this issue by simultaneously providing unique IP addresses to multiple devices at the same time. This system of addresses and devices accessing the same router is a local area network (LAN), which connects to the wide area network (WAN) of internet access provided by your internet service provider.

Types of wireless access points

Several different aspects categorize wireless access points, including applications, installation methods, frequency bands, and controllers. Consider these access points within those categories:

• Commercial or enterprise access points: Commercial access points are ideal for businesses with hundreds of potential users, such as hotels, grocery stores, or restaurants. Enterprise access points have stricter security and higher performance capabilities, ideal for large corporations.

• In-wall or ceiling access points: In-wall access points anchor inside a wall, while ceiling access points attach to the ceiling.

• Single-frequency or dual-frequency access points: Single-frequency wireless access points support 2.4 GHz, while dual-frequency supports both 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz signals.

• Single-AP or controller-needed AP: A single or standalone access point works in high-demand environments and requires a dedicated wireless controller. A controller-needed access point implements all of its functions, such as routing, access, and authentication, through a single device.

How many devices can connect to one access point?

Many wireless access points can support hundreds of connected devices. However, the quality of those connections can suffer greatly with that many clients. When connecting many devices to a wireless access point, consider the age of the Wi-Fi technology on the access point, the types of applications it will run, and the range you need it to reach. Some vendors recommend around 30 per access point to keep the network running smoothly. 

Pros and cons of wireless access points

Wireless access points offer convenience, flexibility, and enhanced security to businesses that need employees to access the Internet. They enable staff members to connect to the Internet from anywhere in the office from any device, such as smartphones, desktops, or tablets. Wireless access points require less maintenance than a wired connection and can save businesses money over time.

However, wireless access points require additional infrastructure and sometimes require more financial investment when it’s time to scale up. Plus, the stability of a wireless access point tends to be less reliable than a wired connection.

What is the difference between a router and a wireless access point?

Routers work similarly to wireless access points, allowing users to connect multiple devices to a single internet source. Routers often have built-in wireless access, so you can connect a device through an Ethernet port or connect wirelessly. Many businesses use a wireless access point instead of a router simply for scalability. 

Wireless access points provide the ability to have hundreds of devices connected to the same internet source. They are also effective at creating a larger, more consistent area of internet coverage, which is helpful for businesses in large buildings or those that experience dead spots. Wireless access points provide flexibility and customization to businesses as they grow, as you can add more wireless access points to cover more office space and devices.

What is a range extender?

Range extenders are devices connected wirelessly to routers that help project a larger range of internet access. For example, if you have a two-story building, the range extender could help provide more consistent internet access to users in the second story who may be experiencing dead zones. 

Range extenders broadcast the internet signal to larger areas, so it’s recommended to install the units next to a strong signal and not in the actual dead zone. While useful in homes, range extenders only support a limited number of users, making them less effective additions to large businesses. This is why a wireless access point is still a better fit for businesses, as they are far less limited and can cover a wider array of devices within a building. 

Who uses wireless access points?

Though wireless access points are relevant in households, they are mainly important for businesses because they can support many simultaneous connections for each device. Wireless access points offer strong, consistent signals. This is helpful when usage is at its peak since it helps reduce lag, delays, and downtime that might occur during the workday. When connected to a wireless access point network, employees can move from room to room without losing connectivity, which is key for meetings and collaboration.

Wireless access points for businesses are also easy to scale. If you need a larger network because you’ve added users or your building has expanded, it’s very simple to add a new wireless access point to your existing system and add new users. 

Finally, wireless access points are compatible with multiple setups, so you can add them to a system that already includes routers, modems, and other access options.

If you want wider, stronger, and more consistent wireless internet access for your team, using wireless access points in your office may be a good fit for you.

Read more: What Is a Network Engineer? (And How to Become One

What security features do you need for a wireless access point?

The very nature of wireless access points leaves them open to hacking and data breaches. Since the signal is often broadcast beyond the walls of a business, a wireless network is identifiable by anyone with a wireless computer in a method known as piggybacking. Hackers might try to find weaknesses in the network to break into, or employees might lose sensitive hardware.

It’s essential that businesses remain aware of current and emerging risks, allowing them to make sure their wireless access points are properly secured. One effective way to secure your network is to purchase wireless access points with Wi-Fi Protected Access, which offers encryption when employees connect to the internet. Other key strategies include using a firewall, maintaining anti-virus software, and restricting access to further protect your network from any unauthorized access.

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