According to a recent survey, 90% of USA adult citizens have access to the Internet. This makes the USA the third biggest population to have internet access standing right after China and India. Most people use the internet via Wi-Fi or cellular internet so their understanding of networking system used for internet settings is limited. Therefore, it is only fair that almost 80% of the population in the USA is not familiar with the working of the internet.
Usually, when users subscribe to the internet provider company,brands helps the user in setting up the equipment and get it up and running in no time. Apart from this, the user needs to know nothing at all about wiring, routing, and hardware setup.
Although, it is important for people, who choose self-installation kits, their number is very low. Most people opt for professional installation services only so; their understanding of Wi-Fi only stays limited to the password and rebooting.
If you have zero knowledge about the working of the internet and Wi-Fi, but you want to get a good internet connection that will offer you professional installation, you need to consider Optimum Internet. Optimum Internet offers state-of-the-art internet connectivity with no data limit and blazing-fast speed. If you are worrying about technical difficulties, leave it to their fully trained technical team. In case you need to get help or guidance regarding the working of your internet, outage, or any technical complaint you can rely on their 24/7 customer service.
Within this article, we will discuss one of the most important parts of the wireless or Wi-Fi internet. We will look at the wireless access point, what is it used for, and how it works.
What Is A Wireless Access Point?
If you are familiar with the router and networking switches, you might have seen these devices helping in connecting the devices to relay the message.
However, what if there are no wires involved?
This is where you will see Wi-Fi or wireless internet. Technically, the wireless access point, or WAP in general is a hardware device that is used for designing a wireless network.
This device helps in connecting wireless communication devices to form a network. However, it is not completely a wireless system because you will be connecting the wireless devices to the wired network. For instance, you might have noticed that an Ethernet wire enters the internet device, which means you are connecting your router to the wire. However, after that, you can just detect the Wi-Fi and put on a password to get it connected without any wire.
The wireless access point works as the central hub that joins wired and wireless communication together. Wireless access points help in offering connectivity to the devices. Their main function is to convert the internet into a detectable signal used by devices to pick up Wi-Fi signals. These wireless access points are used in the home, offices, and even in public places to transmit Wi-Fi signals.
Type of Wireless Access Points Available
If you are looking for a wireless access point for your home, business, or just a public space, you need to know that there are so many different types that you can use. The users based on the functionality, capacity, and purpose choose the types of WAP.
The most commonly used WAP that most people will come across is the home router. The home router is generally used for connecting the computer, laptop, and other devices to connect to the internet wirelessly. The router in itself is not a WAP instead; it has a built-in WAP that helps in connecting the devices. This means that you can also buy a standalone WAP. Setting the WAP is simple. Generally, the professionals from the internet service provider that you have subscribed to do the setup. However, if you opt for a self-installation kit you will get all the essential details that you need for the setup.
Apart from this, you will also find high-end wireless access points that are used for sophisticated devices and applications that consume a big chunk of bandwidth. Most people use these wireless access points for online gaming, watching movies, or conducting webinars.
Apart from this, you can get outdoor wireless access points that are used for extending the range of your Wi-Fi in the weak signal area and dead zones generally, people use these wireless access points in their backyards and gardens for seamless connectivity without lag.
Why Do You Need Wireless Access Point?
There are so many different reasons people opt for wireless access points. Some of the main reasons have been listed below:
Extending the Range
This might seem like a functionality linked with the signal repeater and booster but standalone wireless access points are helpful for extending the signal dead zones.
Maintenance Ease
Wireless access points are simple and easy to maintain because there is no cord involved. With wired networks, you have to make sure that the health of the cord is not compromised as it will impact the signals availability and overall connectivity. With wiring, you also need to upgrade it now and then.
Cost Reduction
WAP is easier to manage, easier to install, and offers great value for the money. Businesses are switching to WAP so the cost of maintenance can be minimized and wire damage issues can be resolved.
Convenience
You can install WAP anywhere you want without thinking about the power cord or Ethernet. It will not clutter your surrounding and will not affect your aesthetic. Moreover, it boosts productivity by offering your employees and everyone at home to easily move around without losing internet.
Boost Security
WAP helps in making sure that you can separate the network for employees, families, and guests. This eventually helps with the safety of the data.
Better Connectivity
WAP ensures that you can connect more devices simultaneously without worrying about range, bandwidth, and signal strength.
Bottom Line
The modern-day routers have built-in WAP so; you do not have to worry about buying a standalone WAP. However, if you are experiencing a Wi-Fi-related issue, there is an option for standalone WAP as well.