An access point (AP), also known as a wireless access point (WAP), is a device that forms a bridge between wired networks and wireless devices. Access points can both send and receive data, allowing them to receive a WiFi signal and then broadcast it out to wireless devices.
Access points work by connecting to a router via an ethernet cable. The internet signal is sent from the router to the AP through the cable before it is emitted by the AP for wireless devices to connect to.
What are wireless access points used for?
Wireless access points are primarily used to provide WiFi to devices outside of a network’s normal range. They are wired into the router which means they receive a stronger signal than if connected wirelessly. This is what makes them so effective at providing fast WiFi to additional devices.
It’s more common to find access points being used in commercial buildings than in homes. This is because commercial buildings tend to be bigger and have higher usage demands. Access points help big buildings get WiFi all around the site so that everyone can enjoy a high-speed internet connection.
WiFi infrastructure in hotels, offices and conference venues often utilises access points to ensure reliable and extensive coverage is available wherever it is needed.
What is the difference between a wireless access point and a WiFi router?
WiFi routers can be used as wireless access points, but this doesn’t mean they are the same thing. Unlike an access point, a router connects directly to the modem (the device through which your internet service provider delivers internet access).
Modems aren’t as common as they used to be. This is partly due to the rise of fibre internet, which doesn’t usually require a modem, and the fact that some modern routers have modems built in.
The key takeaway here is that routers are necessary for receiving, managing and transmitting internet. This is why a router will work without an access point, but an access point won’t work without a router.
To break things down, here are the key differences between a wireless access point and a WiFi router.
Wifi router:
- Wide area network (WAN) port allows it to connect the local area network (LAN) to the wider internet
- Inbuilt firewall and password protection
- Each router has its own network, so any changes need to be made on each router individually
- Devices can connect either wirelessly or via ethernet cable
- Built-in DHCP service (automatically assigns IP addresses to devices)
Wireless access point:
- Connects to the router via ethernet cable and won’t work if it’s not connected
- Extends the internet signal to more devices, which all connect wirelessly
- All access points are part of the same network (this is useful for network administrators as any changes can be made just once at the source)
- No inbuilt DHCP or firewall
What is the difference between an access point and a WiFi repeater?
Access points and WiFi repeaters have similar functions but with some important overall differences.
An access point connects to a wired network and provides big areas with stable connectivity. A WiFi repeater, on the other hand, wirelessly receives and transmits WiFi by extending the existing signal.
WiFi repeaters are more commonly used in small homes to boost weak WiFi signals. Access points are generally used for large premises, construction sites and outdoor areas.
A WiFi repeater works by repeating the signal that it receives, which can affect the overall performance and speed of the network due to signal sharing. For this reason, access points usually provide stronger and more reliable coverage.
How many access points do I need?
The number of access points that you need will depend on what you intend to use them for. Here’s how many you might need for some common scenarios.
How many access points do I need for a home network?
For most homes, a single access point in the form of a router will be sufficient. If your home is on the larger side, has more than two storeys, has a big garden or suffers from weak signal in certain areas, an additional access point can come in handy.
How many access points do I need for an office network?
The number of access points needed in an office network can vary drastically depending on the size of the office and its layout.
For small offices, one or two access points should ensure that all employees can access reliable internet. Offices with higher square footage (over 2,000 sq ft) will usually benefit from additional access points – one access point for every 1,000 sq ft or 10-15 people is a good guide.
How many access points do I need for an outdoor event network?
Wireless access points are often used when setting up WiFi for events. The number of access points required is impacted by both the event area and the number of people in attendance.
For small outdoor events with fewer than 100 people, one or two access points should be enough. Bigger events covering areas over 5,000 sq ft or with more than 100 people in attendance will usually require three or more access points.
Events that cover a large area of land and have a high-density crowd, such as festivals, might sometimes use 10 or more access points to maintain signal strength across the event.
How to set up a wireless access point
Setting up a single access point is fairly straightforward and involves the following steps:
- Choose the best location – position your AP as centrally as possible within the area where you need internet to provide the most even coverage.
- Plug into your router – use an appropriate length and capacity ethernet cable to connect your AP to your router.
- Configure the settings – once your AP has powered up, you’ll need to use a computer to set up the SSID (service set identifier), channel and frequency settings, and security features.
How do I know if my wireless access point is working?
The easiest way to tell if your access point is working is to see if you can connect to the WiFi through it. If everything works as expected, your AP is likely working just fine. You can also take a look at the AP itself to see if the indicator lights are expressing any issues.
