What Is a WAP (Wireless Access Point)?

Imagine accessing the Internet from anywhere in your home, office, or school without having to rely on cables. Wireless access points, or WAPs, make this possible. They allow wireless devices to connect to a wired network without the necessary cable connections. In this article, learn what a wireless access point is, how WAPs work, and how you can configure them for your home or office.

What is a wireless access point?

A wireless access point, often referred to as a WAP, is a networking device that allows wireless devices such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones to connect to a wired network. Wireless access points create wireless local area networks (WLANs). They act as the interconnection point between the wired network and wireless devices, enabling them to access the Internet.

Essentially, a wireless access point relays data over a wireless local network. It receives data from the wired network and transmits it wirelessly to connected devices and vice versa. WiFi access points can be configured to provide different levels of access to the network. We use them to extend the coverage of a wired network to provide wireless connectivity in areas where it would be difficult to run Ethernet cables.

A wireless access point (WAP) on a network

WAPs are used in a wide variety of settings, including homes, businesses, schools, and public places. They are especially useful in large areas where it is difficult to run cables to every device. A large organization, for example, will have multiple access points to ensure that it covers the entire building.

How a wireless access point works

A wireless access point covers an area with a WiFi signal. It serves as a bridge between the transmitter and the receiver of the wireless radio signals. These signals are sent over the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency bands.

When a wireless device, such as a laptop, wants to connect to the network, it sends a signal to the WAP. The WAP receives the signal, decodes it, and forwards it to the wired network.

Similarly, when the wired network wants to send data to a wireless device, it sends the data to the WAP. The wireless access point then transmits it wirelessly to the intended device. This process then allows multiple devices to connect to the network at once, providing all the devices with Internet access.

Once the access point connects to a wired router, switch, or hub via an Ethernet cable, it then projects the WiFi signal to the designated area. It broadcasts its own wireless network name, or SSID, which is what the wireless devices then connect to.

Most WAPs support the latest WiFi standards and work closely with WiFi security protocols, like WPA2 and WPA3, to protect your network.

Common types of WAP configurations

Wireless access points can be configured in a variety of ways depending on the specific needs of the network. Some of the most common wireless access point configurations include the following.

Standalone access points

A standalone access point doesn't require a central controller. It connects directly to a wired local area network. These APs are primarily used in small networks that only require a few wireless access points.

Controller-based access points

Controller-based access points are managed by a central wireless LAN controller. This allows for more centralized management and configuration of the wireless network. These are ideal for larger networks.

Mesh access points

Mesh access points create a self-configuring network. They work best in areas where it's difficult to run cables to every access point. Mesh access points are common in outdoor environments.

Bridges

Bridge mode allows an access point to connect two or more wireless networks. This can be useful for extending the range of a wireless network or connecting two different networks together.

Repeater access points

Repeater mode allows an access point to amplify the signal from another access point. You can use these APs to improve signal strength in weak signal areas. In addition to these basic configurations, IT experts can configure wireless access points to support a variety of advanced features, such as:

  • SSID support. It's easier to create multiple wireless networks, but too many SSIDs consume more airtime. When setting up office APs, users should limit SSID support to a maximum of five networks. This helps conserve airtime utilization.
  • Security protocol. Security protocols should be set on APs to encrypt communication over the wireless network. WPA2 is the most widely used protocol; though it has vulnerabilities, it's significantly safer than WEP or WPA.

Benefits of wireless access points

A WAP provides a number of benefits for networks. They include:

  • More user access. It allows multiple Internet-enabled devices to connect to your home or office network at the same time. This means more people can access the network without the need for physical cables.
  • Flexible networking. WAPs are easy to install and can be scaled to meet the needs of any network, from a small home network to a large corporate network.
  • Broader transmission range. The AP has a stronger wireless signal than most routers and covers a wide area. This extended range can support up to hundreds of wireless connections. High-end WAPs offer the widest coverage.
  • Mobility. Users can move freely while still connected to the network from anywhere within the range of the access point.
  • Outdoor networks. WAPs can be used to create outdoor wireless networks, such as WiFi hotspots in parks and public places. This is important for providing Internet access to people on the go.

Limitations of wireless access points

While WAPs have enabled WiFi connectivity for many, they still have some significant limitations to be aware of.

  • Instability. When an AP connects to the Internet, it uses air as a medium of transmission rather than cables. Cables are easier to manage and troubleshoot when needed, making WAPs more unstable.
  • Technical complexity. Setting up a wireless access point can be tedious. They require a lot of work for configuration, from setting up the network name to choosing the password and security settings. Businesses that lack in-house networking expertise will find it hard to keep their wireless APs up and running.
  • High cost. Prices have come down in recent years, but a single WAP can still cost anywhere from $50 to $200.
  • Bandwidth limitations. WAPs share the available bandwidth from your Internet service provider with all connected devices. Activities that consume a lot of bandwidth, like streaming media, gaming, and file sharing, can slow down your entire wireless network.

How to set up a wireless access point

Setting up a WAP in your home is not difficult if you know how it's done. Follow the steps below to establish a wireless access point in your space.

Step one: Find a good location

Pick a central spot in your place. Choose somewhere that is higher up, like on a bookshelf or counter. The higher the location is, the wider the signal range will be. Ensure that there are power outlets nearby so that the WAP can transmit a strong, stable signal throughout your home or office.

Step two: Change the default settings

When you take the WAP out of the box, it has default settings like an SSID and password. Connect your WAP to a modem, then access the WAP's web interface by entering its default into a web browser address bar.

Step three: Enable security

While in the WAP settings, enable WPA2 security. This security protocol will encrypt your wireless signal to prevent others from accessing your network.

Step four: Test the signal strength

Do a walkthrough of your location with a device, such as a laptop, to ensure that you have a strong signal throughout. If some spots are weak, relocate the WAP or add a WAP extender to boost the range.

Step five: Connect your devices

Finally, connect your wireless devices to the new network using the login credentials that you set up. Now, you can surf the web wirelessly.

Wireless access point security

Like any router, modem, or switch, you need to secure your wireless access point. To ensure that you properly protect your network, follow these security procedures for your wireless access point.

  • Change the default username and password. Like routers, all wireless access points have a default username and password. Change both of these to protect the network.
  • Use MAC filtering. MAC filtering allows the network administrator to enter the MAC addresses of devices that they use regularly into the system. Then, if a device with an unapproved MAC address tries to enter, it won't be able to.
  • Use a firewall. Firewalls are a network's first line of defense against threats, such as malware. Employ a reliable firewall to protect the devices and data on your network.
  • Encrypt the network. Make sure that you choose a wireless access point with strong encryption, like WPA2 or WPA3, to secure your network.

Properly securing your network requires a few additional steps, but it's worth it in the long run for the strength and security of all your devices.

Comparing wireless access points. vs. WiFi routers

Most people believe that wireless access points and WiFi routers are the same thing. However, this is not the case. Though they look similar, they serve distinct roles in a network.

A WAP connects to a wired network and allows wireless devices to connect to that network. It's used in larger businesses where multiple access points are required to give thousands of users access to the Internet.

WiFi routers, on the other hand, combines the function of a WAP with a router to distribute a signal to multiple devices. It allows both wired and wireless devices to join together in a local area network.

Comparing wireless access points vs. WiFI extenders

Wireless access points and WiFi extenders are both devices that can improve the coverage of a wireless network, but they work in different ways. An access point is a wireless hub used by wireless devices to connect to an existing wired network. WAPs are now becoming dominant in home offices.

A WiFi extender, on the other hand, is a networking device that amplifies an existing WiFi signal. It helps extend the range of a WiFi network in order to reach areas where the signal is weak.

The key difference between the two is that WAPs connect to a wired network using an Ethernet cable, while WiFi extenders connect to an existing WiFi network wirelessly.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for when choosing a wireless access point?

When choosing a wireless access point, consider the wireless standards, its throughput, its coverage area, its non-disruptive scalability, and its dual-band capacities.

You want a WAP with the most up-to-date wireless standards, such as 802.11ac. Many Cisco wireless access points, for example, have these current standards. You also want to ensure that the device can support the speeds and coverage area that you need. Non-disruptive scalability ensures that you can add more access points if your network needs to grow, and dual-band capacity means that you can support both 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies.

How many wireless access points do I need?

There's no single number. The number of access points you need depends on the area you want to cover and the number of devices that connect to your network.

What are wireless access points used for?

Wireless access points are used for a wide variety of network environments. They help businesses and learning institutions, for example, connect their employees and students to the Internet. Many airports use them to provide travelers with Internet access while they wait for their flights. Public libraries and hotels also use them for similar reasons; they allow patrons to access the Internet while staying or working at those locations.

Can I use multiple wireless access points on the same network?

Yes, you can. This extends your wireless coverage even further.