To browse the Internet we can use different devices. Normally, we connect directly to the router, but we could also be using another access point. For example, another router that connects to the main one by Ethernet cable and can offer a wireless signal in another place. In this article we are going to talk about what a WiFi access point , also known as an Access Point, is and how it works.
What is an access point
An access point is a device that will connect to the router in order to offer a connection elsewhere. It basically creates a second point that we can connect to from other computers. It is important to note that it will be connected to the router or main device by cable and not by Wi-Fi. This will maintain the speed and stability of the connection.
With this type of device we will be able to expand the presence of the Internet connection to other areas . The router can cover a certain area if we connect other equipment by Wi-Fi. However, as soon as we move a few tens of meters away, the signal begins to drop until we reach a point where the speed is very limited or we even lose the connection.
What the access point does is serve as if it were an extension of the router itself . It will be connected to it through an Ethernet cable and in this way it will allow the connection to reach another area without loss. It will be able to emit a Wi-Fi signal as if you were next to the router, even if you really are in another more remote area.
Keep in mind that it is not the same as a repeater . Although the objective may seem the same, the operation is not. A repeater or amplifier is not an access point, but a device that will receive the signal from the router wirelessly and then send it to other computers. There is signal loss there, obviously.
What and where is it used for?
The main use of an Access Point is to be able to offer a stable connection in different places and not only where the router is located. For example in a large public space, a multi-storey building or where there may be many obstacles that prevent the signal from reaching it correctly. We are going to see the main places where access points are usually installed.
Offices
The first place where it is very common to install access points is in the offices of a company . Think of an organization that has different sections: administrative, sales, organization… In each of the rooms they will need to have an Internet connection and that it also works correctly.
One option is to install Wi-Fi repeaters, for example. However, the loss of signal can cause a computer not to connect correctly and problems appear. That’s where an Access Point comes into play. They can connect it by Ethernet cable directly to the router and receive connection so that other devices can connect to it.
Big buildings
Something similar happens with a large building . Think for example of a store that has several floors. So that in each of these plants there is a good Internet connection available for customers and workers, a good idea is to install access points. This way we can connect without problems, with optimal performance.
Basically the objective is always going to be to cover a large surface. A router alone has capacity for a few tens of square meters. If we are dealing with a large building, that is insufficient and alternatives should be sought, such as installing an Access Point and serving as a point to obtain a connection.
Hotels
In hotels it is also very common that there are different access points to be able to connect. There is usually at least one per floor, but if it is a large building there may be several on each floor. In this way, clients can connect to the Internet and achieve good speed without interruptions.
All these access points are going to be connected to the main router. Keep in mind that this type of device can manage dozens of simultaneous connections, so many clients can connect at the same time without problems, something that would not happen with a Wi-Fi repeater, which is more limited.
living place
It is not usual, but it is also possible to install an Access Point at home . However, the most common is to opt for a Wi-Fi repeater or PLC devices. The distance to be covered will be less, as well as the number of users connecting at the same time, and there will be fewer problems.
But yes, access points can be useful in a home too. For example, in a house that has two floors, it is a good option to maintain an acceptable connection at all times and that the speed does not drop. An alternative to having to use repeaters or Wi-Fi amplifiers.
How to choose an Access Point
What to consider when buying an access point? We are going to see some features that cannot be missing and that can be differential to choose between the multiple options that we are going to find. The objective will always be to achieve good coverage, speed and avoid annoying cuts.
Maximum speed
The first thing to consider is what maximum speed that access point can offer. This is going to be vital to be able to connect other devices and surf the Internet correctly, download files, use the cloud… An important factor is whether or not it has dual band , since if it is compatible with 5 GHz it will allow maximum speed to be achieved. over Wi-Fi.
If it is dual band, access points generally support a speed of up to 1200 Mbps. If it only works through the 2.4 GHz band, on the other hand, you will possibly be limited to 300 Mbps. The latter may be enough for you, but in certain situations it will be better to have a higher speed. It is interesting that it has Wi-Fi 6 technology and can reach higher speeds.
Ethernet ports
It is also interesting that it has Ethernet ports, beyond offering Wi-Fi connection. In this way you can connect other devices by cable, such as a computer, a television, a game console… It is better to achieve good speed, but also stability and avoid annoying cuts.
Here is a very important point: Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet . In the first case, you would be limited to a maximum speed of 100 Mbps over the cable. On the other hand, if it is compatible with Gigabit Ethernet, you can reach up to 1 Gbps, so you could access the maximum fiber optic speed currently available in Spain.
encryption type
If we focus on security, a very important factor to prevent intruders and ensure that the connection is always protected, the type of encryption you use will be essential. It is basically the same as routers and you should always opt for an encryption that is not obsolete and can protect your connection well.
Today the most secure encryptions are WPA-3 and WPA-2 , which are the most recent. You must see that the Access Point you are going to buy is compatible with them. It is important not to use obsolete ciphers, such as WPA or WEP, which can be easily exploited through computer tools.
Number of devices supported
Another issue to consider is how many devices you are going to allow to connect at the same time. This can be a very important point on certain occasions. Installing an Access Point for a private home is not the same as doing it in a company with multiple connected devices or in a hotel.
Therefore, you should look at how many computers it supports connected at the same time. A good access point allows you to connect more than 128 devices without problems. There are even those that accept up to more than 200. Without a doubt, it is a much higher figure than that supported by most Wi-Fi repeaters, for example.
In short, as you have seen, an access point is a very interesting option to have Internet in other areas of the home, a building, office, hotel or any place where you need to connect away from the router. It connects to this main device via cable and allows you to have a good Internet speed without interruptions. It is an alternative option to using Wi-Fi repeaters.