| An access point (AP) is basically a | | | | with different operational modes: Access point, |
| network-capable device containing a transceiver | | | | Repeater, Network Bridge, and wireless Client |
| and antenna for transmitting signals to and | | | | mode. In the Wireless Access Point Mode, the |
| receiving signals from the remote clients. The | | | | device allows for any existing wired network to |
| access point thus provides a "point of access" to | | | | go wireless by simply attaching the device using |
| the wired network for the remote clients. The | | | | the Ethernet cable to an open port in your router |
| access points allow wireless clients to be quickly | | | | or switch. |
| and easily connected to a wired LAN. | | | | In the Wireless Ethernet Bridge Mode or Client |
| Wireless Outdoor Access Point | | | | mode, the device enables any wired |
| Generally wireless access point is designed for | | | | Ethernet-ready device to connect to your existing |
| indoor purposes where the environments are not | | | | wireless network. Connect your PC, notebook, |
| harsh. But deployment of the wireless access | | | | printer, network camera, or even an entire wired |
| points in harsh environments should have specific | | | | network to the AP device via a Switch and |
| design. For outdoor or harsh environments, the | | | | establish a wireless connection to your wireless |
| device must be manufactured with rugged | | | | network. In repeater mode, you can add other |
| housing and industrial-grade components to allow | | | | AP devices to extend the wireless network |
| the devices to operate under extreme | | | | without the need to run backbone cables. |
| temperatures ranges for example from -30~70 | | | | WDS Support |
| degrees C and embedded with the surge | | | | Best wireless access point should support the |
| protection, weather-proof, water-tight, and rust | | | | Wireless Distribution System (WDS). WDS allows |
| resistant. | | | | a wireless network to be expanded using multiple |
| When We Need Wireless AP | | | | access points without the need for a wired |
| Basically in home usage you require a wireless | | | | backbone to link them, as is traditionally required. |
| access point if you want to share your broadband | | | | WDS allows you to build wireless infrastructure |
| Internet connection wirelessly with many | | | | completely because the network equipment no |
| computers within the household. You can connect | | | | longer has to be connected to a wired LAN. The |
| the wireless access point to your existing modem | | | | WDS features you can create large wireless |
| router to create a wireless network for internet | | | | networks by linking several wireless APs with |
| sharing. But you must assure that your modem | | | | WDS links. WDS is normally used in large, open |
| includes the router or firewall NAT feature. If | | | | areas where pulling wires is cost prohibitive, |
| your current modem is a pure modem without a | | | | restricted or physically impossible. |
| NAT firewall feature, you need a wireless router | | | | Wireless N |
| for Internet sharing. Unless there will be one client | | | | Best wireless access point should be powered by |
| computer only that can connect to the internet. | | | | new wireless technology standards – the |
| In business networks when you require providing | | | | wireless 802.11n. 802.11n standard is the latest and |
| wireless connection to areas where running | | | | fastest wireless technology available in the market |
| network cables is impossible, you can use the | | | | today. With the wireless N and MIMO technology, |
| wireless access point for wireless access to the | | | | the AP device provides the speeds of up to 300 |
| network. Or when you require providing mobile | | | | Mbps or faster and longer distance coverage. |
| devices wirelessly access the network, you can | | | | When you use high-intensive bandwidth |
| create hotspots with security segregation. Or in | | | | applications such as High Definition Video |
| harsh plant environments you can create | | | | streaming and voice, you should also consider the |
| point-to-point, point-to-multi point, or mesh | | | | dual-band version of both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
| networks, you require wireless outdoor access | | | | frequency bands. |
| points. | | | | Advanced Security Features |
| Which Best Wireless Access Point | | | | The best wireless access points should support |
| Technology makes life easier. Manufacturers | | | | advanced security features including latest |
| develop new better technology with introduction | | | | industrial wireless security Wireless Protected |
| of new products with better performance. | | | | Access (WPA/WPA2), MAC filter and SSID |
| Choosing the best wireless access point is a | | | | Broadcast Control. For deployment in the |
| moving target because there will always come | | | | corporate networks, the AP should support |
| new introduction of new products with better | | | | advanced wireless protection (EAP-MD5, EAP-TLS, |
| technology and innovation. For now how to | | | | EAP-TTLS, and PEAP), and also support RADIUS |
| choose the best wireless access point you should | | | | authentication. And for easiness of the wireless |
| examine the manufacturer specs to include the | | | | security connection, the AP should also support |
| following features: | | | | the Wireless Protected Setup (WPS) for |
| Multifunction Modes | | | | effortless installation. |
| The wireless access point should be able to work | | | | |