Wireless Access Points

What Is A Wireless Access Point?

A wireless access point (WAP) is a central device that broadcasts a WiFi signal for WiFi clients to connect to. Generally, each wireless network, like those you see popping up on your phone’s screen as you walk around a neighborhood, belongs to one wireless access point. A WiFi client or WLAN client is a device that can detect the signal broadcast by a wireless access point, connect to it and maintain the connection. Today’s laptops, smartphones and tablets come with built-in WiFi capability.

Typically, a good WiFi network is most viable within about 150 feet from the access point. This distance, however, changes based on the power of the devices involved, the environment and (most importantly) the WiFi standard. The WiFi standard also determines how fast a wireless connection can be and is the reason WiFi gets complicated and confusing, especially when considering the fact there are multiple WiFi frequency bands.

When it comes to networking, you probably don’t want to run network cables all over your house, making WiFi a great alternative. Unfortunately there are some places, such as the guest house or backyard, that a WiFi signal won’t reach. Because it’s too far away or because there are thick concrete walls in between them. In this case, the best solution is adding wireless access points.

Unfortunately, the typical ISP’s simplistic model of providing a single “all-in-one” modem+router+wireless gateway for your home quickly breaks down when faced with the real-world challenges of serving larger homes. By far the best way to get high-performance networking throughout a larger home is to deploy wireless access points throughout.

Benefits of Wireless Access Points

Wireless access points expand your connectivity. So, no matter how large a home is, WAPs work to ensure your Wi-Fi connection is seamless. This means, no more dead spots, or weak Wi-Fi no matter where you are in your home. Wireless access points provide a greater range to connect to a wired network. If you are unable to connect to hard-to-reach areas, this could smooth out the process. By installing access points throughout a home, you and your family can roam freely from room to room without experiencing Wi-Fi interruptions.

As you move through your home, your devices shift seamlessly from one access point to the next without dropping the connection. And because it happens within milliseconds, you won’t even realize you’re switching between access points. To optimize your home wireless network, the first step is to discover where the signal is the weakest. Another great benefit will be the ability to maximize security. With IP surveillance, your cameras operate over Wi-Fi signals. This grants you remote accessibility, higher image quality, and easy video management.

Wireless Access Point VS Range Extender

As its name implies, a range extender lengthens the reach of an existing WiFi network. Since range extenders connect wirelessly to WiFi routers, they must be placed where the WiFi router’s signal is already strong, not in the location of the actual dead spot. WiFi access points (WAPs), and range extenders/repeaters (sometimes also known as boosters) are often confused. A WiFi range extender receives a WiFi signal and rebroadcasts it. An access point receives a wired connection and broadcasts it wirelessly. A range extender is just that. Extends the range. At the expense of actual performance. It has to talk in both directions at once.

A wireless access point on the other hand simply works to provide WiFi anywhere you need it. Or put simply, an access point can be thought of as the base station for a WiFi signal. So, the access point is what generates the radio waves needed for WiFi transmission. Additionally, they also manage the connection and disconnection of new devices to the network.

Range extenders are a kind of wireless repeater. In that, they do not broadcast a unique WiFi signal. Instead they rebroadcast the signal already created by an access point, which inevitably reduces the strength of your WiFi signal.

Why You Need Access Points

Optimizing Your Home’s Wi-Fi Network

Basically, WiFi is a radio signal. But unlike the big radio towers blasting high-powered signals to thousands and thousands of cars, homes and businesses, the WiFi signal only travels short distances. The WiFi signal from your router and modem generally travels about 150 feet. However, since the signal is weak, it is affected by physical structures in the home such as walls, metal ductwork, steel I-beams and stonework. This means the WiFi in your home may work great in one room but be spotty in another.

Demands on your home’s WiFi will increase as more and more products become connected. A few years ago, a typical home may have had a laptop or two. Today the average home has eight to 10 devices on the network — and that number will continue to grow. Many homes have tablets, printers, video games, laptops and Blu-ray players that are all competing for the WiFi signal. If we add smart home devices such as Alexa or Google Home, plus WiFi-connected door locks, lighting controls, thermostats and motorized window shades, the burden on the WiFi system becomes substantial.

There are ways to improve the WiFi signal throughout your home. You can add a Wireless Access Point, which is typically hardwired to the router and serves as an extended antenna. In addition, there are weatherproof WAPs that are mounted outside and extend your WiFi signal to outdoor patios or pool areas. WAPs and high-quality routers are typically installed by custom home electronic integrators and audio-video and home technology specialists.

Araknis Networks

Every wireless access point, switch, and router has been put to the test in the Araknis Lab, ensuring strength, quality, and reliability. From temperature testing in a thermal chamber to full bandwidth and surge testing, they push their products to the limit. In fact, reliable systems, strong signals, and quick connections are at the heart of what makes an Araknis Network so unique. Picture a home where complex equipment is seamlessly connected, and each piece of your home network delivers top speed and incredible performance, welcome to the right choice for your home networking needs, now and in the future.