Wireless Access Points
Wireless access points can be a game changer at the office. Anywhere there is an access point, employees can securely access company resources such as printers and servers, while at the same time, providing guests a dedicated, secure, and totally separate network to access the internet. While any new support system or infrastructure upgrades can have price flash across management’s mind, the solution is much more cost-effective than one might think.
Read below to discover how a wireless access point can enhance how work is done and ease network security concerns below.
What is a Wireless Access Point
A wireless access point, or WAPs, is a type of network device that allows WiFi devices to connect to the wired network and form a wireless local-area network, or WLAN. They can extend and improve the WiFi connection throughout multiple spaces, buildings, or large office spaces where walls would cause less than an ideal wireless connection. These access points can be thought of as hot spots, extending the secure network so employees aren’t forced to go off the network or their productivity suffers from lack of connection and wait time.
How Do the Access Points Work?
The wireless access point (WAPs) is an ideal device when a physical Ethernet cable cannot be connected or it would be painstaking to do. WAPs are able to connect with smart devices, tablets, laptops, wireless audio systems, and smart TVs, as well as a host of other device types. They can do this by connecting directly to your broadband router or network switch with either an Ethernet or data cable, giving the access point devices an internet connection and connecting with the Local Area Network.
It’s important to note that a wireless access point doesn’t need to be placed near a power outlet, as they are powered by the data switch via Power over Ethernet (PoE), and some devices can even pass this power onto other devices such as a phone. This enhances their versatility and helps to delete WiFi blackout areas without being bound by an outlet.
Difference Between Wireless Access Point and a WiFi Range Extender
When companies are looking to extend the reach of their WiFi network, they often consider a range extender. Both a wireless access point and the range extender do the same thing, on paper, but there are significant differences that should be noted before you buy a network extension device:
- The range extender only lengthens the reach of an existing WiFi signal due to it connecting wirelessly.
- The range extender must be placed only in areas where the signal is only strong, not a WiFi dead spot.
So, while the extender does extend the signal, it cannot be placed as an access point around large spaces, and we generally recommend that extenders not be used.
Access Your Network with F2F Telecommunications
F2F Telecommunications supplies a free firewall, data switch and wireless access point along with our managed business phone service plan, which enables better connections and safer networks for Cincinnati’s small to medium-range businesses. It’s essential that companies have access to quality devices and services in order to compete, and without costing them enterprise-level setups.
Discover how our cloud-based phone systems and the wireless access point provided for your company keep your business connected, no matter where you are in the office.