They formwireless local-area networks (WLANs).
An access point acts as a central transmitter and receiver ofwireless radiosignals.
The access point can be incorporated into a wired router or a stand-alone router.
Lifewire / Tim Liedtke
Lifewire / Tim Liedtke
What Is a WAP Used For?
Stand-alone access points are small physical devices that closely resemble homebroadband routers.
Wireless routers used for home networking have access points built into the hardware and work with stand-alone AP units.
AP hardware consists of radio transceivers, antennas, and gadget firmware.
Wi-Fi hotspots commonly deploy one or more wireless APs to support a Wi-Fi coverage area.
Business networks also typically install APs throughout their office areas.
Businesses can install a set of APs to cover an office building.
Access points enableWi-Fi infrastructure mode networking.
Modern access points support up to 255 clients, while old ones support only about 20.
APs also provide thebridgingcapability that enables a local Wi-Fi data pipe to connect to other wired networks.
History of Access Points
The first wireless access points predated Wi-Fi.
Access points achieved mainstream adoption soon after the first Wi-Fi commercial products appeared in the late 1990s.
In recent years, smart home virtual assistants have come into wide use.
