Access Points

The Access Point Guide by etree: Strong and Stable Wi-Fi Everywhere

Fast and reliable Wi-Fi is a basic requirement in almost all areas of life and work today. However, the signal from the central Wi-Fi router often isn't sufficient to cover every corner of a building or property satisfactorily. Dead spots, slow connections, and dropouts are the result. This is exactly where Wi-Fi Access Points (APs) come into play. They are the professional solution to purposefully extend your network and ensure a high-performance, comprehensive wireless connection.

But what exactly is an Access Point? How does it differ from a repeater or a mesh system? Which technologies are important, and what should you pay attention to during purchase and setup?

This guide answers your questions about Wi-Fi Access Points. We explain how they work, highlight the different types and application areas, clarify the relevant technical features, and provide practical advice for planning your Wi-Fi network with Access Points.

1. What is an Access Point (AP)?

An Access Point is a network device whose primary function is to create a bridge between a wired network (LAN) and wireless end devices.

• 1.1 Core Function: An AP is typically connected via an Ethernet cable to your existing network (usually connected to a switch or directly to the router). It receives data from the wired network and transmits it via radio waves as a Wi-Fi signal. Simultaneously, it receives data from connected Wi-Fi devices (laptops, smartphones, etc.) and forwards it into the wired network. Thus, it creates a wireless access point to the wired network.
  

• 1.2 Distinction from a Wi-Fi Router: Although modern Wi-Fi routers themselves have an integrated access point function, a dedicated Access Point differs in one crucial aspect: It does not perform router functions. This means it does not assign IP addresses (that's done by the router's DHCP server), it does not manage traffic between different networks, and it does not establish a direct connection to the internet (that's the job of the router or modem). An AP merely extends the existing network with wireless access.
  

• 1.3 Distinction from a Wi-Fi Repeater: Both devices serve to increase range, but they work fundamentally differently:
  

• Access Point: Receives its data signal via an Ethernet cable from the main network. This allows it to broadcast a new, strong Wi-Fi signal with potentially full speed.
  

• Repeater: Receives the router's Wi-Fi signal wirelessly and retransmits it amplified. This is easier to set up (no cable needed) but inherently leads to a halving of the maximum available bandwidth in the extended area and can increase latency, as the signal has to be "relayed".

Conclusion: If a cable connection to the desired location of the extension device is possible, an Access Point generally offers significantly better and more stable performance than a repeater.

• 1.4 Distinction from a Mesh System: Mesh Wi-Fi systems consist of multiple devices that work together intelligently to create a single, seamless Wi-Fi network over a large area. They can communicate with each other wirelessly or via cable (Ethernet Backhaul). While a single AP represents a targeted extension, a mesh system is a comprehensive solution for area-wide coverage with seamless roaming. However, some modern APs can also support mesh functions.
  
  
  

2. When and Why is an Access Point the Right Choice?

Using one or more dedicated Access Points makes sense in many scenarios and is often the most powerful solution:

• Overcoming Range Problems: When the router's Wi-Fi signal doesn't reach certain areas (other floors, distant rooms, garden), but an Ethernet cable can be run there or already exists.
  

• Increasing Wi-Fi Capacity: In environments with many Wi-Fi devices, a single router can become overloaded. Additional APs distribute the load and offer more capacity for simultaneous connections.
  

• Providing Wi-Fi in (Newly) Cabled Areas: In offices, hotels, warehouses, or new buildings with structured Ethernet cabling, APs are the standard solution for deploying professional Wi-Fi.
  

• Network Segmentation: Professional APs often support VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks). This allows separate Wi-Fi networks to be created for different user groups (e.g., employees, guests, IoT devices) that are logically separated from each other – an important security feature.
  

• High User Density: In environments like conference rooms, schools, universities, or public venues where many users need to connect simultaneously, special High-Density APs designed for this load are necessary.
  

• Specific Requirements: For outdoor areas, special mounting locations (ceiling, wall), or when advanced management and security features are needed that a simple router or repeater doesn't offer.
  
  
  

3. Access Point Types: The Right Model for Every Location

Access Points come in various form factors and performance classes:

• 3.1 By Mounting Location:
  

• Desktop APs: Similar to routers, designed to be placed on tables or shelves. More common in homes or small offices.
  

• Ceiling Mount APs: Inconspicuous, often round devices mounted on the ceiling. Ideal for broad, even coverage from above in offices, hallways, halls, etc. The most common form factor in professional settings.
  

• Wall Plate APs: Often installed in the wall instead of a network socket. Common in hotel rooms, hospital rooms, or student dormitories. Often provide additional LAN ports for wired devices directly at the location.
  

• Outdoor APs: Feature weatherproof housings (e.g., according to IP67 standard) and are designed for outdoor use in varying temperatures and weather conditions.
  

• 3.2 By Performance Class:
  

• Home/SOHO APs: Simpler models for home use or small offices. Management is via a simple web interface.
  

• Business/Enterprise APs: Offer higher performance, more capacity for simultaneous users, advanced security and management features (VLANs, RADIUS, central management). They are designed for continuous operation.
  

• High-Density (HD) APs: Specially optimized for environments with extremely high user density (e.g., lecture halls, stadiums, convention centers). These can manage hundreds or thousands of clients simultaneously.
  
  
  

4. Crucial Tech Features: What Matters in APs

The performance of an Access Point is determined by its technical specifications:

• 4.1 Wi-Fi Standards: Look for current standards for optimal performance and future-proofing.
  

• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): Should be the minimum standard for new purchases today. It offers significant advantages in speed and efficiency, especially with many devices.
  

• Wi-Fi 6E: Useful if you already have 6 GHz capable end devices and need a low-interference, fast band.
  

• Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be): The latest generation for the highest demands on speed and latency, especially in combination with Multi-Gigabit connections.
  

• 4.2 Frequency Bands:
  

• Dual-Band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz): Standard and sufficient for most applications.
  

• Tri-Band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 5 GHz OR 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 6 GHz): Offers more total capacity, flexibility, and can reduce interference. Useful in high device density environments or as a basis for mesh systems with a dedicated backhaul.
  

• Band Steering: A useful feature that automatically assigns devices to the best band.
  

• 4.3 Speed & Throughput: Ratings like AX1800, AX3000, BE11000 etc., refer to the theoretical, cumulative maximum speed across all bands. More important is the real-world performance, which also depends on the number of antenna streams (MIMO Streams, e.g., 2x2, 4x4) and channel width.
  

• 4.4 Efficiency Technologies: MU-MIMO and especially OFDMA (from Wi-Fi 6 onwards) are crucial for performance with many simultaneously active devices.
  

• 4.5 Antenna Design: Internal antennas provide a more inconspicuous design; external antennas can sometimes be adjusted more flexibly. The design (number, orientation) influences the radiation pattern (Coverage Pattern).
  

• 4.6 Ethernet Connection:
• The uplink port to the network should be at least Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbit/s).
  

• For high-performance Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 APs, a Multi-Gigabit Ethernet port (2.5G, 5G, or 10G) is important to utilize the full Wi-Fi potential and avoid a bottleneck at the cable.
  

• Additional LAN ports on the AP can be practical for connecting other wired devices (e.g., on wall plate APs).
  

• 4.7 Power Supply:
  

• Power over Ethernet (PoE): The preferred method in professional environments. Allows power supply and data transmission over a single Ethernet cable. Greatly simplifies installation as no power outlet is needed at the mounting location.
  

• PoE Standards: Ensure the AP and your switch (or injector) support compatible standards:
• 802.3af (PoE): Up to 15.4 Watts.
• 802.3at (PoE+): Up to 30 Watts (for more powerful APs).
• 802.3bt (PoE++): Up to 60W or 100W (for very high-power APs or other devices).
  

• Power Adapter: If no PoE is available, a separate power adapter is required.
  

• PoE Injector: An adapter that "injects" power into an Ethernet cable if the switch does not provide PoE.
  
  
  

5. Management & Security: Configuring and Protecting Professional APs

Especially in professional environments, management and security functions are crucial:

• 5.1 Management Options:
  

• Standalone: Each AP is configured individually via its own web interface. Suitable for a few APs (e.g., home, small office).
  

• Controller-based: Multiple APs are managed centrally via a hardware controller (a dedicated device on the network) or a software controller application (running on a server or PC). Enables unified configuration, monitoring, and updates. Common in medium to large enterprises.
  

• Cloud Management: Management is done via the manufacturer's online platform. Offers maximum flexibility (access from anywhere), scalability, and often easy deployment. Popular with many modern business solutions (e.g., from Sophos, Meraki, Ubiquiti UniFi).
  

• 5.2 Essential Security Features:
  

• Encryption: WPA3 is the current standard, therefore the better choice and significantly more secure than WPA2.
  

• VLANs (Virtual LANs): Allow logical separation of the network into segments. For example, you can create a separate Wi-Fi for guests (Guest Network) with no access to internal resources, or a dedicated network for IoT devices. Requires a VLAN-capable switch and router/firewall.
  

• Guest Network Portal (Captive Portal): Guests must accept terms of use or authenticate (e.g., with a voucher, social login) before accessing.
  

• 5.3 Authentication: Besides the usual password (Pre-Shared Key, PSK), professional APs often support RADIUS (802.1X). Here, each user authenticates individually with their own account (e.g., via the company directory), which is significantly more secure than a shared password.
  

• 5.4 Interaction with Firewalls: Professional APs can often communicate with firewalls to enforce security policies, detect threats, and monitor traffic. Some firewalls even have an integrated AP.
  

• 5.5 Roaming Functions: To allow mobile users to move seamlessly between different APs without connection drops, good systems support roaming standards like 802.11k (reports neighboring APs), 802.11v (helps decide when to switch), and 802.11r (speeds up the handover).
  
  
  

6. Access Points in Practice: Setup and Optimization

Careful planning and setup are crucial for performance:

• 6.1 Planning: Location and Number
  

• Site Survey: Consider which areas need coverage. Perform a (simplified) Wi-Fi site survey if necessary (apps are available) to find optimal locations.
  

• Placement: Central in the area to be covered, ideally free from obstacles (furniture, walls). Ceiling mounting is often ideal for even coverage. Avoid sources of interference.
  

• Quantity: Start with one AP and test coverage. Add more APs to fill gaps. In professional environments, more detailed planning (heatmaps) is advisable. Multiple APs with lower transmit power are often better than a single one at maximum power.
  

• Overlap: Ensure some overlap between radio cells (approx. 15-25%) to enable seamless roaming.
  

• 6.2 Basic Installation:
  

• Cabling: Connect the AP via a high-quality Ethernet cable (Cat 6 or better) to your switch or router.
  

• Power Supply: Ensure power is supplied (via PoE or power adapter).
  

• Initial Setup: Follow the manufacturer's instructions. This is often done via an app, a web interface (find the default IP address in the manual), or the central management platform. Be sure to change the default admin credentials!
  

• 6.3 Important Configurations:
  

• SSID (Network Name): Assign a unique name for your Wi-Fi. If multiple APs are intended to work together (roaming), use the same SSID and security settings for all APs.
  

• Security: Choose WPA3 (or WPA2/WPA3 transition mode) and a very strong password. Set up a separate guest network if necessary.
  

• Channel Selection: Modern APs often select channels automatically. In congested environments, manually selecting non-overlapping channels (in the 2.4 GHz band: 1, 6, 11; more options in the 5/6 GHz bands) can be useful to minimize interference.
  

• Transmit Power: Maximum transmit power is not always optimal. Reducing it can decrease interference with neighboring networks and improve roaming behavior, as devices are more likely to switch to the closer AP.
  

• 6.4 Managing Multiple APs: Whenever possible, use a central management solution (controller or cloud) to keep configurations consistent, roll out firmware updates centrally, and optimize roaming.
  
  
  

7. Conclusion: Targeted WLAN Expansion with Access Points

Wi-Fi Access Points are the professional and most powerful method to extend existing wired networks with a stable and fast wireless connection or to purposefully improve the coverage and capacity of an existing Wi-Fi network. Unlike simple repeaters, they offer full network speed thanks to their wired connection and are significantly better suited for demanding applications and environments with many users.

Selecting the right Access Point heavily depends on the deployment scenario. Consider the required coverage, the number of devices to connect, the necessary speed, and the environmental conditions. Pay attention to current Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6, 6E, or 7 to benefit from higher efficiency and capacity. Professional environments also require special attention to management options (cloud, controller) and robust security features (WPA3, VLANs, 802.1X). Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a significant convenience and installation advantage.

With careful planning of locations and thoughtful configuration, you can implement a high-performance, stable, and secure Wi-Fi network using Access Points that meets your requirements – whether at home, in the office, or in public areas.