Choosing the Right Wireless Access Point for Your Business
We all rely on the Internet to conduct business, and it has become the heart of how we work, relax, and gather information.
Businesses rely on a strong internet connection to communicate with employees, hold video conferences, access cloud infrastructures, and use other business-based tools for smooth operation and collaboration.
As businesses expand and demand for their platforms grows, companies need a reliable internet connection to avoid downtime and loss of money. This is where wireless access points (WAPs) can help.
A wireless access point is the key for businesses to support and connect dozens of devices to the Internet. In this article, we will explore this topic in more detail so you have all the information you need to effectively and securely set up a wireless access point for efficient business management.
Table of contents
- What is a wireless access point?
- The difference between wireless access points and routers
- Types of wireless access points
- Benefits of wireless access points
- How to choose the right WAP
- How to set up a wireless access point
- Conclusion
What is a wireless access point?
A wireless access point is a hardware device allowing Wi-Fi enabled devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets to connect to the network. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi routers, a WAP does not route traffic but instead acts as an access point for wireless devices to join the network.
WAPs help extend a network’s range without physical cables to facilitate connectivity in large homes, businesses, educational institutions, or other public spaces. WAPs are strategically placed across different access points to ensure users get consistent Wi-Fi access and to eliminate weak spots or dead zones.
Each access point can handle numerous devices connected simultaneously, efficiently distributing traffic and reducing network congestion to ensure everyone can work without interruption.
How do access points work?
An access point connects to an existing wired network via a router or switch and turns this connection into a wireless signal. Once connected, the access point relays data between the device and the wired network.
Unlike routers, a Wireless Access Point doesn’t route traffic or assign IP addresses. Instead, it focuses on managing wireless connections and transferring data to the router for processing.
Modern access points may also include MU-MIMO, a wireless technology that improves the network by allowing multiple devices to receive data simultaneously rather than one at a time.
For example, an access point with MU-MIMO means a laptop, smartphone, or tablet can all receive data at the same time without competing for bandwidth and slowing the connection speed.
The difference between wireless access points and routers
Routers and access points work together but function differently. To understand the differences, we will examine each in more detail.
Wi-Fi routers
A Wi-Fi router is a multifunction device that provides routing, firewall, IP address management, and Wi-Fi coverage, making it ideal for smaller, simpler networks. It combines the functions of a router and wireless access point to connect to an internet source, i.e., on a modem and routes data between the devices on a local network.
Routers are usually used in smaller areas, such as your home or small office, where they can manage a small number of devices connected to the Wi-Fi. It will have a limited range and can only handle a few amount of devices connected to the network before the internet speed is affected.
Wireless access point
A wireless access point is responsible for creating a wireless signal and extending the range of an existing network rather than creating one. It acts as a bridge for wireless devices to connect them to the network, and it doesn't route data or assign IP addresses like a router does.
WAPs are suited for high-density areas where many devices need to connect to the Internet. By connecting multiple access points to the main router, the network’s wireless range can be extended to cover dead zones or additional floors, providing the best connectivity across expansive areas.
Types of wireless access points
Next, we will take a look at the three types of access points commonly used.
Standalone
Standalone APs operate independently. They accept information from the connected device and forward it to the destination device based on its physical address. They come equipped with their own configuration interfaces, allowing users to set them up and manage them directly.
Each AP is managed separately via a web interface or software, so they can be time-consuming if multiple APs are required, as each one must be changed individually. Standalone APs can be a cost-effective choice for smaller environments where only one access point is needed, such as small offices.
Controlled
A controlled access point, or Lightweight Access Point (LWAP), works in conjunction with a central controller called the Wireless LAN Controller (WLC). LWAPs offload their configurations to a centralized WLC, making network management much easier.
This architecture allows administrators to configure, monitor, and update connected APs from one interface, reducing complexity and ensuring consistent configurations across the network. Controlled APS are ideal tools for larger enterprises, educational institutions, and venues with high-density Wi-Fi requirements.
Cloud managed
Cloud-managed APs use cloud technology for a centralized management system, which lets administrators access and control the network from anywhere that has internet access.
Cloud-managed wireless access points are becoming more popular due to their ease of use and management software.
They include automatic firmware updates, which are essential to maintaining the network's security. They also offer analytics and reporting features to gain insights into network performance, user behaviors, and device usage patterns.
This type of AP is well-suited for businesses with multiple locations, those requiring easy scalability, and those that want to add new APs without complex installation.
Benefits of wireless access points
WAPs have many benefits. Below are some you can consider if you’re interested in setting up access points for your business, office, or home.
Extended coverage
The main attraction of wireless access points is that they can expand the range of a wireless network in large areas, giving people access to the Internet that a single router wouldn’t be able to reach. This means there are no weak spots or dead zones so that everyone can work without interruption.
Scalability
If you choose a controlled or cloud-managed wireless access point model, multiple APs can be added to ensure and maintain smooth connectivity. So, as your needs grow and more devices need internet, you can add more APs to ensure new devices don’t overload the system.
Centralized management
Many APs, especially those in controller-based or cloud managed setups, provide centralized control, making it easier to manage large networks from a single interface. This centralized control allows IT teams to implement settings and security policies across all access points quickly.
Performance
On top of extended coverage, multiple APs mean that networks can handle more users connecting to the network without it becoming congested. As multiple APs allow for more connections, it means the network can handle multiple connections and gives users better data speeds.
Security
Wireless access points also included advanced security features, the most important of which being WPA·encryption, the most secure method to protect your connection and your network from hackers and to prevent breaches which can cost businesses millions.
Other valuable security features include SSID broadcast control to hide your network from appearing in searches and MAC address filtering, which restricts access to the network to known devices only.
How to choose the right WAP
To choose the right wireless access point, consider your coverage needs and how your access points will fit into your space's layout. Other things to consider beforehand are compatibility with your current devices, how the installation process will work, and whether this will be done internally or externally.
Next, you will need to consider how many users will be connecting to the network and how many access points are needed to meet these demands. At the same time, you will also have to consider whether you plan to scale these needs in the future. If so, you would have to consider an option that allows additional APs to be added as easily as possible.
Lastly, be aware of security features and encryption protocols you will need to help secure your network and protect sensitive information.
How to set up a wireless access point
Proper placement of APs will give you the best performance, ensure signals are received no matter where a user is, and also prevent damage to the device. Poorly placed or improperly mounted APs can lead to dead zones, handoff delays, and poor connections.
Here are some best practices to consider when setting up your wireless access point.
- Place the access point in a central, elevated location for the best coverage.
- Install APs away from corners, walls, or other physical barriers in a central location.
- Install at elevated locations for increased signal strength reception for better performance.
- Keep away from equipment such as televisions, microwave ovens, air conditioners, etc. that could cause interference with the signal.
- Leave sufficient space between any two APs to provide maximum coverage and reduce the chances of network interference.
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable WPA3 encryption for better security.
- Enable automatic firmware updates to keep security features current.
Conclusion
A wireless access point is the best and most common way to ensure we can all stay connected online regardless of the number of devices connected to the server. As is the case with any new technology you wish to install for your business, make sure you understand your needs and which AP has the best features to meet them.
As a convenient way to keep your business connected, keep your WAPs regularly updated and ensure compliance for your business so that you and your employees can connect safely without fearing network attacks.