A wireless access point (WAP), usually just called an access point or AP, is a device that broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal and connects laptops, phones and other wireless devices to a wired network. It is typically mounted on a ceiling or wall, connected to a network switch by an Ethernet cable and often powered through that same cable. In a business, many access points work together to provide coverage across a building, forming the wireless side of the local area network.
At a glance
- An access point bridges wireless devices onto the wired network; it is not, by itself, an internet connection.
- Larger business deployments use many access points managed together, so devices can move around the building and stay connected.
- Most are powered over the network cable using Power over Ethernet (PoE).
- Placement, density and radio settings matter as much as the model chosen.
- Unlike a home wireless router, a business access point typically leaves routing and firewalling to separate equipment.
What problem it solves
People and devices expect to connect without a cable: laptops, phones, tablets, scanners, printers, cameras and a growing number of sensors. A single consumer router cannot cover a large building or handle dozens of users in one room. Access points solve that by extending the wired network into the air at many points, each covering an area and sharing the load.
For a buyer, the access point layer is where most Wi-Fi complaints show up: dead spots, slow speeds in crowded rooms and drops when walking between areas. Getting the number, placement and configuration right is what turns a building with Wi-Fi into a building where Wi-Fi works.
How it works
Radio. Each access point transmits and receives on Wi-Fi frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and, with newer standards, 6 GHz). It shares airtime among the devices connected to it, so the more active devices on one access point, the less each one gets.
Connection to the wired network. The access point is cabled to a switch, which links it to the rest of the LAN. Traffic from wireless devices passes through the access point onto that network. Different Wi-Fi networks, such as staff and guest, are usually mapped to separate VLANs to keep their traffic apart.
Power. Most business access points draw power from the switch through Power over Ethernet (PoE), which avoids a power outlet at every ceiling location. The switch must have enough PoE budget for all of them.
Central management. In a wireless local area network (WLAN) with many access points, a controller or cloud dashboard sets channels and power levels, pushes security settings and helps devices move between access points. Some providers deliver all of this as managed Wi-Fi.
Design. A site survey or predictive model maps where access points should go, taking into account walls, materials, interference and expected user density.
For help planning or refreshing access points along with switching and cabling, see our wired and wireless LAN infrastructure page.
When it matters for buyers
- Opening or redesigning an office. Plan access points with the cabling, so cable runs and PoE ports are in place before move-in.
- Persistent Wi-Fi complaints. Problems in particular rooms or at busy times often point to too few access points, poor placement or interference.
- End of life. Older access points may stop receiving security updates or vendor support.
- Adding devices. Cameras, sensors, scanners and voice handsets add load and may need specific bands or settings.
- Switching vendors or management models. Moving from controller-based to cloud-managed systems, or the reverse, changes licensing and support.
Questions to ask vendors
- How did you decide the number and placement of access points: a site survey, a predictive design or an estimate?
- How many users and devices is each access point designed to support in our busiest areas?
- What PoE standard and power budget do these access points need, and can our switches supply it?
- Is management on-site, controller-based or cloud-based, and what licensing is required to keep it working?
- How long will this model receive firmware and security updates?
- How are guest, staff and device networks separated?
- Who monitors the Wi-Fi and responds when coverage or performance drops?
How it differs from a WLAN
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is the whole wireless network: the access points, the controller or management system, the network names, the security settings and the devices that connect. An access point is one component of it, the radio that devices actually connect to. A small office may have a WLAN with one access point; a large campus may have hundreds working as a single network. When people say “the Wi-Fi is down”, the cause may be one access point, the management system, or the wired network behind them.