What is Wireless Access Point (WAP)
Wireless Access Points (WAP) is used in office environments to offer network connectivity, allowing employees to move around, and work within the office environment with network access. WAPs are also used widely to provide wireless Internet access in public spots such as cafes, bars, restaurants, airports, and other commercial/public centres.
Also known to the layman as Wi-Fi, WAPs are often regarded in the context of the 802 series wireless standards. A host of other wireless standards have been introduced, however in most situations the terms Wi-Fi hotspot, and WAP are synonymous.
In computer networking, a Wireless Access Point relates to a device component that allows other Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired network. As a standalone device, the Access Point (AP) could have a wired connection to a router. In a wireless router, it can also serve as an integral component of the router.
An AP works by connecting directly to a wired local area network, typically Ethernet. The AP then enables wireless connections using wireless LAN technology, typically Wi-Fi, so that other devices have access to that wired connection. APs allows multiple wireless devices to be connected through one wired connection.
How to Choose The Best Wireless Access Point in Malaysia?
Wireless Access Points (WAP) eliminates the need for messy cables, and allows endpoint device users to connect to a wireless network from anywhere within the transmission range.
Wireless access points are also better for businesses because of its broad transmission range, more users can also connect to a WiFi network, with stronger signal sending and receiving capabilities. Wireless APs also have a better safety performance, which is essential for any business.
The wireless access point will cost more than a wireless router because there is more coverage. If your business requires multi-AP interconnection, it may cost a little more. However, the price is justified because of the reliable, and consistent internet access your employees, or customers will have.
The different types of WAP
Indoor access points
Indoor access points are usually made for performance and simplicity, some support AI capabilities, the latest Wi-Fi 6 standards, and offer multiple form factors for deployment in any environment. Ruggedized models also support extreme temperature and humidity requirements.
Outdoor access points
Outdoor APs will provide seamless connectivity for large public venues, as well as pop-up sites and loading docks. You have point-to-point wireless options that provide Wi-Fi mesh backhaul and 60GHz speed to adjacent buildings.
Remote access points
If your employees work from home, or you want to set up a temporary site with a solution that’s easy to deploy and manage, you will need a remote access point. Some remote access points are automatically configured, so employees can just plug them into any existing Internet connection, and they’re ready to go.
Important considerations for selecting the right WAP
Range (Performance and Density)
The span of range is a key consideration when deciding on a WAP. WAPs that come with range improvements are preferred as it minimises the amount of access points, and therefore associated costs. Basically, having adequate range brings down overall expenses because less access points will be required.
WAP Capacity
Capacity of AP means the number of users the device can support without slacking in performance. Capacity is a big consideration when deciding on the right WAP device. Look for the specific number of users a WAP device is capable of supporting.
Wireless Standards
Speed is the rate of information moving in and out, and is usually measured in bps (but per second), kilobits, megabits, or gigabits.
Wireless AP can have speeds from 300Mbps, and above if the precise 802.11n (WiFi 4) protocol is being supported.
WAP supporting 802.11ac (WiFi 5) protocol can reach 1200Mbps.
802.11ax (WiFi 6), released in 2019, will offer three times the speed of WiFi 5.
So if you have plans for your organisation to take advantage of WiFi 6 in the near future, then you will need a WAP that is compatible.
Price Range
A higher price does not necessarily equate to a better WAP, on the other hand you should not be lured by lower WAP prices, as that may result in inferior-quality or imitation products. The idea is to look for WAP brands that are credible, with the performance specifications that meet your requirements.
Preparation for the future
Investing in WAPs that feature future-ready modularity, help to ready your IT infrastructure to support next-generation technologies that may benefit your organisation.
WAPs that meet the new Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, for example, can help you build a reliable, scalable, and secure wireless network to handle the rapidly growing number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices—and the data that those devices will create.
Aruba Access Points
Aruba access points give you maximum deployment flexibility in a broad range of wireless LAN environments, whether it is for a central or remote site, locations with more than one Wi-Fi clients, both indoors and outdoors, and even coarse industrial type of work environments.
Working with Aruba Mobility Controllers, these centrally managed single- and multi-radio APs provide zero-touch configuration and automatic software updates.
Multifunctional Aruba APs perform spectrum analysis to mitigate Wi-Fi interference, air monitoring to ensure wireless security, and operate as Remote APs (RAPs), or as part of a secure enterprise mesh.
Gartner has recognized HPE (Aruba) in their 2020 Magic Quadrant for the Wired and Wireless LAN Access Infrastructure Report.
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If you have questions on WAP solutions and installation, please contact AceTeam Networks, the Authorized Gold Partner of Aruba in Malaysia.
AceTeam Networks provides free consultation, on-site inspection and assessment, to ensure you have the right WAPs for your organisation.