There is internet access everywhere. You’re able to connect to WiFi at Starbucks, Target, Garages, Gyms, and more. While we are all familiar with routers, does your organization use a wireless access point?
A wireless access point may be just what your organization needs; especially if you need to cover a large area and have many devices connecting to the network.
We’re going to take a look at what a wireless access point is, how they differ from your router, and when you may want to use one.
What is a Wireless Access Point?
We all like to enjoy internet access just about everywhere we go, right? When you go to target, do you connect to their Wi-Fi? Probably. Waiting at the garage for your car maintenance? It’s nice to be able to connect to the Wi-Fi and browse YouTube, scroll through Social Media, or get some work done.
A Wireless Access Point (Also referred to as a Wireless AP) lets devices connect to a wired network wirelessly. When you set up a wireless AP, the AP becomes the central transmitter and receiver of the Wi-Fi signal. The wireless AP creates a wireless local-area network or WLAN. You may use a wireless AP in your home, to set up a public hotspot, and in your business/organization to allow wireless and mobile devices to connect to the internet.
How does a wireless access point differ from your router?
To get into this, let’s first look at what a modem and router are.
At their cores, a modem connects you to the internet and a router connects your devices to the modem. A wireless AP allows your devices to connect wirelessly.
But your modem is also a router that lets you connect your devices wirelessly, right? It is true that these days, you often find these all-in-ones, single units. Your internet provider (ISP) sets your business up with the internet and gives you a modem that is also a router with Wi-Fi capability.
Why would you utilize a wireless AP? There are a few reasons here. Wireless AP’s allows you to establish a WLAN. Wireless AP’s act as range extenders, allowing you to be further away from the modem while still be connected to the network. Think of your home internet for a moment. Mesh networks have gained popularity lately, especially in larger homes. How these mess networks work is by using multiple wireless AP’s to effectively blanket your home with Wi-Fi.
When should you use a wireless access point?
Range extenders are great in certain situations. However, wireless AP’s allow you to more effectively extend the range of your network while providing a more stable connection. Wireless AP’s also allow more devices to connect to the network without the connection speeds and stability suffering.
You should use a wireless AP when you need your Wi-Fi to cover a larger area, you have many devices connecting wirelessly to your network, and when you care about network security. WLANs are designed with robust security systems in place.
Think of when you go to your local coffee shop. You’re able to connect to their network regardless if you sit inside or outside on their patio. There are many people at the coffee shop, and you are all able to use the Wi-Fi without your connections suffering. When you’re at your gym, which may be a large building, you can connect to the Wi-Fi anywhere in the building. This is thanks to their WLAN utilizing wireless AP’s.