What is wireless communications? Everything you need to know
What is a wireless access point?
A wireless access point (wireless AP) is a network device that transmits and receives data over a wireless local area network (WLAN), serving as the interconnection point between the WLAN and a fixed wire network. Conceptually, an AP is like an Ethernet hub, but instead of relaying LAN frames only to other 802.3 stations, an AP relays 802.11 frames to all other 802.11 or 802.3 stations in the same subnet. When a wireless device moves beyond the range of one AP, it is handed over to the next AP.
Wireless access point vs. wireless router
Typically, wireless routers are used in homes and small businesses where all users can be supported by one combined AP and router to provide internet access to wireless capable devices. Wireless AP is traditionally used in larger businesses and venues where many APs are required to provide an internet connection to support thousands of users. The number of access points needed will increase depending on the number of network users and the physical size of the network.
Wireless access point vs. Wi-Fi extender
Wireless AP is traditionally used in larger businesses and venues where many APs are required to provide service to support thousands of users with devices connected to the network. Gone are the days of a wired router and Ethernet cable in the home office -- APs are entering the home office market for large homes, and some people use them to provide Wi-Fi to their outside property. A Wi-Fi extender repeats the signal from your router and expands internet coverage by creating a second network. An extender is a more common tool for extending home office networks, as it can only support a limited number of devices at a time.
Common access point configurations
Vendors have made huge inroads to make AP configuration easier, such as through mobile app interfaces and APIs that enable integration with other network management platforms. Some common configurations that IT and users must set on their APs include security protocol, legacy device support and service set identifier (SSID) support.
