Wireless Access Point
In computer networking, a wireless Access Point (WAP) is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, or related standards. The AP usually connects to a router (via a wired network) as a standalone device, but it can also be an integral component of the router itself.
Wireless Access Point |
In computer networking, a wireless Access Point (WAP) is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, or related standards. The AP usually connects to a router (via a wired network) as a standalone device, but it can also be an integral component of the router itself.
Prior to wireless networks,
setting up a computer network in a business, home or school often
required running many cables through walls and ceilings in order to
deliver network access to all of the network-enabled devices in the
building. With the creation of the wireless Access Point (AP), network
users are now able to add devices that access the network with few or no
cables. An AP normally connects directly to a wired Ethernet connection
and the AP then provides wireless connections using radio frequency
links for other devices to utilize that wired connection. Most APs
support the connection of multiple wireless devices to one wired
connection. Modern APs are built to support a standard for sending and
receiving data using these radio frequencies. Those standards, and the
frequencies they use are defined by the IEEE. Most APs use IEEE
802.11standards.
Prior to wireless networks,
setting up a computer network in a business, home or school often
required running many cables through walls and ceilings in order to
deliver network access to all of the network-enabled devices in the
building. With the creation of the wireless Access Point (AP), network
users are now able to add devices that access the network with few or no
cables. An AP normally connects directly to a wired Ethernet connection
and the AP then provides wireless connections using radio frequency
links for other devices to utilize that wired connection. Most APs
support the connection of multiple wireless devices to one wired
connection. Modern APs are built to support a standard for sending and
receiving data using these radio frequencies. Those standards, and the
frequencies they use are defined by the IEEE. Most APs use IEEE
802.11standards.
Specialized APs :
Industrial
grade APs are rugged, with a metal cover and a DIN rail mount. During
operations they can tolerate a wide temperature range, high humidity and
exposure to water, dust, and oil. Wireless security
includes: WPA-PSK, WPA2, IEEE 802.1x/RADIUS, WDS,WEP, TKIP,
and CCMP (AES) encryption. Unlike some home consumer models, industrial
wireless access points can also act as a bridge, router, or a client.
Industrial
grade APs are rugged, with a metal cover and a DIN rail mount. During
operations they can tolerate a wide temperature range, high humidity and
exposure to water, dust, and oil. Wireless security
includes: WPA-PSK, WPA2, IEEE 802.1x/RADIUS, WDS,WEP, TKIP,
and CCMP (AES) encryption. Unlike some home consumer models, industrial
wireless access points can also act as a bridge, router, or a client.
