Wireless Access Points: Everything You Need To Know
Businesses rely on wireless networks more than we realize. Wireless networks offer a whole host of benefits, including increased mobility within the business environment, better collaboration in meeting and conference rooms, easier scalability to accommodate more users, and centralized management.
And, it is the use of Wireless Access Points that makes wireless networks in a business environment possible, allowing businesses to reap all of the benefits of WiFi networks. This blog post gives you all the information you need to understand and effectively use wireless access points in your own business networks.
A Wireless Access Point, more commonly referred to as an Access Point (AP), is a networking hardware device that allows Wi-Fi-enabled devices to connect wirelessly to a wired network. An AP connects to a wired router or switch via an Ethernet cable and acts as a bridge between wireless clients (such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets) and a wired Local Area Network (LAN).
APs play a critical role in large networks by extending the physical range of the network, without the need for physical cables, and facilitating the connection of multiple wireless devices through each wired connection.
APs are generally used to provide Wi-Fi connectivity in large homes, businesses, educational institutions, and public spaces. The APs are strategically placed so that the network covers the entire space, creating a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), commonly referred to as a Wi-Fi network.
How Does An Access Point Work?
An access point integrates with the existing wired network infrastructure by connecting to a wired switch or router via an Ethernet cable. It then broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal, allowing nearby Wi-Fi-enabled devices to connect to the network wirelessly. The AP broadcasts one or more SSIDs, which are unique identifiers for different wireless networks. Users can select the desired SSID to connect to specific wireless networks.
Large corporate networks typically have multiple APs and in such environments, provide roaming support, allowing devices to seamlessly switch between access points, as they physically move within the coverage area, without losing connectivity.
APs typically support encryption protocols such as WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) or WPA3. Advanced APs also have security features such as authentication methods like WPA-Enterprise with the use of a RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) server.
Difference Between Access Points And Router
Although, in small networks, the wireless router performs the functions of both the router and the access point, routers and APs are quite different. The following are their primary differences:
Types Of Access Points
Based on their functionalities, APs can be classified into the following three types:
1. Standalone AP
A standalone access point provides the same functionality in a wireless network that a switch or hub provides in a wired network. It accepts frames, i.e. information at the data link layer of the OSI model, from the connected device and forwards it to the destination device based on its physical address.
Wired and wireless networks use different networking standards. While wired networks use the Ethernet standards, wireless networks use the IEEE802.11 or Wi-Fi standards. Network devices typically understand and support only one of these standards but APs support both. It can receive a frame formatted with the Wi-Fi standards and reformat it with Ethernet standards and vice versa.
Standalone APs are commonly used in large networks such as those found in offices, schools, public places, etc.
2. Multifunction AP
A multifunction access point is a networking device that provides more functionality than a standard AP by combining networking features of two or more devices. The specific functions and features included in a multifunction AP vary but typically include wireless connectivity, routing capabilities, switching features, firewall functionality, and centralized management.
Multifunction APs are typically used where simplicity, space, and ease of use are important. The most common example of a multifunction AP is the wireless router supplied by ISPs to home users. These devices are a combination of three networking devices, namely, an access point, an Ethernet switch, and a router.
3. Controlled AP
A controlled access point, also known as Lightweight Access Point (LWAP) is a type of wireless AP that works in conjunction with a central controller called the Wireless LAN Controller (WLC). LWAPs don’t take any forwarding decisions and, in fact, offload much of their intelligence and configuration to a centralized WLC.
When a LWAP receives a frame from a connected device, it forwards the frame to the WLC, which makes the forwarding decision and sends the frame to the LWAP to which the destination device is connected. Finally, that LWAP sends the frame to the destination device.
In the WLC - LWAP setup, the central controller facilitates the handover process, as devices move within the network coverage area. This ensures that devices can seamlessly switch between access points without losing connectivity. In this architecture, new APs can be easily added to the network and centrally managed, making this setup highly scalable. Because of this reason, the WLC - LWAP setup is used in environments where a single wireless network spans a large geographical area.
Benefits Of Access Points In Wireless Networks
Wireless access points offer the following benefits:
1. Broader Transmission Range
Wireless APs have a broader transmission range of around 100 to 300 meters compared to wireless routers, which typically cover only around 10 to 12 meters. So wireless APs make coverage of large areas much easier.
2. Flexible Networking
APs provide greater flexibility in device placement by eliminating the need for physical cables. This facilitates easy access to the network from all locations within the coverage area.
3. Simplified Network Infrastructure
The reduced need for physical connections simplifies the network infrastructure. This is especially beneficial in places where running cables is impractical or inaesthetic.
4. Mobility and Roaming
Wireless APs support roaming, which ensures seamless transitions between different APs as users move from one area to another, allowing users to move within the coverage area without losing connectivity.
Applications Of Access Points
The following are some common applications or use cases of wireless access points:
If the router is not able to accommodate any more wireless devices, you can increase the device capacity by adding an access point instead of a second router. APs can theoretically support up to 250 devices, but in a real-world scenario, a figure of 30 devices is more realistic depending on the brand and model.
Access points are also useful when you need to ensure full network connectivity is available across the entire office premises. You can use multiple APs to cover each and every part of the office.
Wireless APs can also be used to increase the signal range and strength of a WLAN. Strategically placed APs offer complete wireless coverage and eliminate “dead spots,” especially in large office spaces, conference centers, hotels, resorts, etc.
Importance Of AP Location And Mounting
The location and mounting of APs are crucial factors that significantly impact the performance and coverage of a wireless network. To ensure optimized wireless coverage and seamless connectivity, APs need to be strategically located and properly mounted.
The placement of APs considering the building layout and materials, helps optimize signal propagation and ensures that the wireless signal reaches all desired areas and that there are no dead zones. On the other hand, improperly located APs cause inadequate coverage leading to weak or unstable connections.
Strategic AP location also helps distribute users, preventing the overloading of a single AP. Additionally, AP location can also be used to minimize the interference from neighboring networks and electronic devices that could otherwise degrade signal quality and reduce the wireless connection reliability.
Proper placement of APs is also necessary for ensuring smooth roaming and handoff as users move within the coverage area. Seamless transitions between APs contribute to a consistent and uninterrupted user experience. On the other hand, poorly positioned APs result in handoff delays and dropped connections, leading to poor user experience.
Besides, the location and mounting of APs are also important from aesthetic, physical security, ease of maintenance, and regulatory compliance perspectives.
Here are some best practices related to the location and mounting of access points:
Conduct a detailed site survey to identify all possible sources of interference so that you can optimize AP locations.
Install APs away from corners, walls, and other physical barriers in a central location.
Install APs at elevated locations for better signal strength reception and performance.
Do not install APs above dropped ceilings for aesthetic purposes.
Do not install APs near equipment such as televisions, microwave ovens, air conditioners, elevators, etc. that cause signal interference.
Leave sufficient space between any two APs to provide maximum coverage while avoiding interference. APs placed too close together cause interference, hampering wireless network performance.
When covering multiple floors, stagger the placement of APs to cover both the horizontal and vertical spaces.
For wall-mounted APs, use directional antennas considering radiation patterns.
Avoid placing APs near lighting fixtures and other conductive materials.
Perform a post-installation validation site survey.
Conclusion
Access points play a crucial role in modern business networks. They provide wireless connectivity to devices, facilitate mobility, and enable seamless access to network resources. However, to get the most out of them, you need to properly deploy and manage them.
Many important considerations and nuances go into building a robust and efficient wireless network infrastructure in a business environment. A thorough knowledge of the network components is one of them. If you need help getting the most out of your network infrastructure, reach out to us by clicking the button below.
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