What wireless AP?

What wireless AP?

A wireless AP is a wireless network access point, commonly known as “hot spots.” The main equipment is a routing switch and access equipment and pure access point equipment, integrated implementation of access and routing equipment work, pure access equipment is only responsible for wireless client access, pure access equipment is usually used as a wireless network extension, and other AP or connect with the main AP to expand the wireless coverage, and integrated devices are generally the core of the wireless network.

Principle

Wireless AP is an access point that uses wireless devices (mobile devices such as mobile phones and laptops and other wireless devices) to access wired networks. It is mainly used in the home wireless broadband, campus, warehouse, factory, where, the typical distance covers dozens of meters to the upper 100 meters. It also can be used for long-distance transmission, the farthest up to 30KM, the main technology for the IEEE802.11 series. Most wireless APs also have an access point client mode (AP client) that enables wireless connectivity with other APs to extend network coverage.

Function

The general wireless AP has two functions. 1. As the wireless LAN’s central point for other computers equipped with wireless network card through which access to the wireless LAN; 2, through the wired LAN, to provide long-distance wireless connection, or small wireless LAN to provide long-distance wired connection, so as to achieve the purpose of extending the network. Wireless AP can also be used for small wireless LAN connection to achieve the purpose of expansion. When enough wireless network users are available, a wireless AP should be plugged into the wired network to connect the wireless network to the backbone of the cable network. The AP acts as a bridge between the wireless workstations and the wired backbone, enabling seamless integration of wireless and wireline. APs allow both wireless workstations to access network resources while adding additional resources to the wired network.

Application areas

A typical enterprise application, including the addition of several wireless access points to the wired network, and then provide wireless access to the office LAN. Wireless Access Point management is handled by the wireless LAN controller to automatically adjust RF power, channel, authentication, and security. In addition, controllers can be combined into a wireless mobility group that allows roaming across controllers. The controller can be part of a liquidity domain that enables customers to access an entire large or regional office location. This saves customers time and administrative overhead because it automatically reassociates or re-verifies.

Wireless AP and Wireless Router Difference

Comparison	Wireless AP	Wireless Router
Different functions	AP full name is Access Point, its function is to convert a wired network to a wireless network. The wireless AP is like a bridge between the wireless network and cable networks. Its signal range is spherical, it is best to put it into a relatively high place when it is set up to increase the coverage area. The wireless AP is also a wireless switch that is connected to a wired switch or router. The access wireless terminal and the original network Belong to the same subnet.	Wireless router is a wireless AP with routing function, access in the ADSL broadband line, through the router function to achieve automatic dial-up access to the network, and through wireless capabilities to establish an independent wireless home networking.
Different applications	Wireless APs are used by large companies. Large companies require a large number of wireless access nodes to achieve large-area network coverage. All access terminals belong to the same network, and network administrators can easily control and manage the network.	Wireless routers are generally used in home and SOHO environment network, the general coverage area and users are not large, only need a wireless AP is enough. Wireless router ADSL network access, while converted to wireless signals, compared to buy a router plus a wireless AP, the wireless router is a more affordable and convenient choice.
Different connection methods	Wireless AP cannot be connected to the ADSL MODEM, to use a switch or hub or router as an intermediary.	The wireless router with broadband dial-up function, you can dial directly connected to ADSL MODEM Internet access, wireless coverage.