What is a wireless access point. Wireless access point

It is quite difficult to understand the current variety of access points. Each manufacturer considers it their duty to release several dozen Wi-Fi devices and at the same time does not particularly bother to clearly explain how one device differs from another. I hope I can do this.

So, the first thing to do is decide on the type of device. As a rule, you have to choose between a wireless access point and a router. If you are already connected to the Internet using an ADSL modem, cable modem or some other box, then most likely this box acts as a router. In this case, you can limit yourself to purchasing an access point. But I wouldn't do that. It is better to buy a WiFi router with a corresponding WAN port and get rid of the old router.

Access points are mainly used to increase the coverage of your Wi-Fi network. This is relevant for large private houses and organizations. For any ordinary apartment, in 90% of cases a WiFi router is purchased and this device solves all network-related issues. In general, a WiFi router is a WiFi access point with the function of connecting your network to an Internet provider.

Any WiFi signal amplifiers and other exotic items should not deserve your attention. Devices of this type are bought out of desperation or human stupidity. However, I digress about the correct construction of a WiFi network, I’ll write something separately.

It is possible to connect via Ethernet (for example, a desktop computer, TV, NAS, etc.), and use Wi-Fi for mobile devices (mobile phones, laptops, tablets).

1. We select the network standard 802.11 b/g/n (the most important thing is the presence of the letter N)
2. Speed ​​300 Mbit/s. (the actual speed will be lower, and you shouldn’t overpay for 450 Mbit/s, because very few devices work in the 5 GHz range and I very much doubt that your laptop or mobile phone is a device that can operate in the 5 GHz range)
3. Number of antennas. The bigger, the better. But for an apartment two are enough. (if you want to read more about this, google about MIMO)
4. Manufacturer (purely subjective opinion). For home it is better to choose among TP-Link, ASUS and DLink
5. This device must support DD-WRT firmware. This is the first sign that his insides are normal. Look list of supported DD-WRT devices. There you can also see how powerful the device’s processor is and what else it has inside.
6. It is better to take a router with gigabit ports, this is the first sign that it has a normal processor and will not reduce the speed of downloading torrents.
7. If you plan to mount it to the wall, you need to make sure that the case is suitable for this
8. If the nearest electrical outlet is far from the WiFi router, then it is better to take a router with the PoE (Powe over Ethernet) function and a PoE adapter included. Then there will be no need to run electrical wiring to the router.

Honestly, I’m too lazy to write another instruction today, so I decided to talk about access points. What is an access point, what are they for, how do they differ from routers, and how to make an access point from a router. You will not find any specific, step-by-step instructions in this article. Later, in a separate article, I will write about how to use a Wi-Fi router in AP (Access Point) mode.

Wireless access point: what is it and what is it for?

First of all, an access point is a separate device. A router and an access point are not the same thing. Yes, they are similar in many ways. We can say that an access point is a stripped-down, simpler version of a router. The fact is that a wireless access point is designed to connect devices to an already created network. Its task is simply to organize an Internet connection via Wi-Fi. Also, it can operate in different modes: wireless client, bridge, repeater, access point. It all depends on the specific model.

The access point does not distribute IP, does not connect to an ISP, does not have a built-in firewall, etc. It simply receives the Internet from a router or modem and distributes it via Wi-Fi. Some wireless access points that are on sale can distribute IP, organize a separate network, and even connect to an Internet provider. But, only via the Static IP protocol, or DHCP. Most likely, you can’t do everything without a router or modem. And one more important point: the access point has only one network connector. So, it does not distribute Internet via cable.

For example, if you need to distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi from an ADSL modem, or expand an existing Wi-Fi network, then an access point is perfect in this case. This is what they are created for. As I wrote above, many models can work in client mode, or . Many modern routers can also work in all of these modes.

In access point mode, we connect it to a router or modem via a network cable and access the Internet via a Wi-Fi network. If you want to connect a wireless access point over the air, you can configure it in bridge mode (WDS), or in repeater mode. You need to look at what is best suited specifically in your case.

Router and access point

The router itself also acts as an access point; it allows you to connect to a Wi-Fi network. In addition, almost every router can operate in AP mode. For some manufacturers, for example ASUS, ZyXEL, this mode is simply enabled in the router settings. Later, I will definitely write detailed instructions for setting up this operating mode on routers from different manufacturers.

In access point mode, the distribution of IP addresses (DHСP), firewall, and IP address translation (NAT) must be disabled on the router. It simply disables several features of the router and turns it into an Access Point.

On some routers, there is no AP operating mode as such. There you just need to manually disable the DHCP server and make a few more settings.

conclusions

If you don’t know what device you need, a router or an access point, then it’s better to ask knowledgeable people, or buy a regular router. Buy an access point only if you know for sure that it suits you.

Almost any router can operate in Access Point mode. And the access point itself cannot act as a router. It lacks many of the features that a regular router has.

By the way, an ordinary laptop or computer with a Wi-Fi adapter can also be turned into a wireless access point. I already wrote, . And if you have Windows 7, then look.

That's all. If you still have any questions, you can leave them in the comments. Best wishes!

Introduction

Connecting computers to a wired network usually requires running multiple cables through walls and ceilings. Also, wired networks impose certain restrictions on the location of devices in space. Wireless networks do not have these disadvantages: you can add computers and other wireless devices with minimal physical, time and material costs. To transmit information, wireless access points use radio waves from the frequency spectrum defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard.

Usage

Most often, wireless access points are used to provide access to mobile devices (laptops, printers, etc.) to a fixed local network.

Also, wireless access points are often used to create so-called “hot spots” - areas within which the client is usually provided with free access to the Internet. Typically, such points are located in libraries, airports, and street cafes in large cities.

Recently, there has been an increase in interest in wireless access points when creating home networks. To create such a network within one apartment, one access point is enough. Perhaps this will be enough to include neighbors of adjacent apartments in the network. To connect an apartment to the network through one, you will definitely need another access point, which will serve as a repeater for the signal that has weakened due to passing through the load-bearing wall.

Design

This device is similar in many ways to a client adapter. Like the latter, it consists of a transceiver and an integrated interface chip, but is equipped with more intelligent functions and more sophisticated electronics.

Structurally, access points can be designed both for outdoor use (an option protected from environmental influences) and for use inside business and residential premises. There are also devices intended for industrial use, taking into account the specifics of production.

As for functionality, it can vary significantly between different access points, sometimes providing tools for diagnostics and network monitoring, remote configuration and troubleshooting. In addition, recently access points have appeared that allow multi-user file sharing (broadcasting) bypassing the server.

At the end of 2009, we can talk about the growing popularity of combined devices that integrate the functions of a wireless network adapter (board, card, controller), a router and, for example, a cable modem.

Application

Access points are designed to perform a wide variety of functions, both for connecting a group of computers (each with a wireless network adapter) into independent networks (Ad-hoc mode), and for performing the function of a bridge between wireless and cable sections of the network (Infrastructure mode).

For Ad-hoc mode, the maximum possible number of stations is 256. In Infrastructure mode, up to 2048 wireless nodes are allowed.

Please note that the access point is a regular hub. With multiple connections to one point, the bandwidth is divided by the number of connected users. Theoretically, there are no restrictions on the number of connections, but in practice it is worth limiting it based on the minimum required data transfer speed for each user.

Using an access point, you can easily organize roaming when the user's mobile computer moves in a coverage area greater than the coverage area of ​​one access point, organizing “cells” of several access points and ensuring that their coverage areas overlap. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that in the intended area of ​​movement of the mobile user, all access points and mobile computers have the same settings (channel numbers, identifiers, etc.).

Application example

If you need to not only connect computers into a wireless network, but also connect this network segment to a wired one, then the easiest way is to install a so-called “access point”. When using an access point, you actually have a dedicated network device, the operation of which does not depend on the workload of other PCs or their configuration, which is a definite plus. You don't have to configure complex software or worry that the computer will turn off again and the necessary service will not start.

Signal Boost

WiFi repeater

This is a WiFi amplifier that works on the principle of a signal repeater. The repeater allows you to expand your existing WiFi network. It receives the WiFi signal and transmits it further.

installed indoors; expands the coverage area by 15-20 meters;

Standards

The most popular standards for access points are Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth. Bluetooth technology has a special PAN (Personal Area Network) profile for these purposes.

Links

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

• Wireless network supporting IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards
• Operation in harsh climatic conditions, protection class IP65
• Operating modes: AP, Client Bridge, WDS
• Supports Airmax technology for collision avoidance
• Reliable protection of network information with WEP, WPA and WPA-2 encryption
• Output power up to 600 mW
• Antenna coverage sector in the horizontal plane 55°
• Built-in dual polarization antenna with 10.4~11.2 dBi gain
• Intelligent prioritization of streaming traffic
• Power over Ethernet cable

Access point NanoStation M2K is a Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz transmitter with a power of 600 mW with an integrated sector MIMO 2x2 antenna with a gain of 11dBi: very impressive, especially considering its more than modest size and weight of only 400 g. This access point is made in a waterproof, frost-resistant case and designed for operation in a wide temperature range from -30 to +70°C. NanoStation M2K The 802.11b/g/n standard is designed to maintain maximum coverage at the highest data rates. It optimally combines low weight, high quality performance, and PoE power supply. NanoStation M2K is a simple and convenient device that allows you to organize a wireless network anywhere with minimal investment.

NanoStation M2K features

NanoStation M2K supports technology Airmax, the use of which allows you to prevent collisions during wireless data transmission. The intelligent scheduler will make it possible to assign high priority to video and voice traffic, as well as assign priorities to individual clients.

Access Point mode

Since the integrated antenna has a horizontal sector of 55°, it will be very appropriate to use NanoStation M2K as an access point. This will make it possible to connect wireless clients to it at a distance of up to 6 km. Flexibility in configuration and impressive power of the device will help you build an entire network As a Station using the same NanoStation M2K. Such an infrastructure will be applicable for organizing wireless access in populated areas or will allow remote branches to be connected to the central office.

Wireless client mode

If the task is to connect to an access point remote at a distance of several kilometers, you can implement it using NanoStation M2K. The compactness of the device and the ability to operate uninterruptedly under different climatic conditions provide a wide range of possibilities for its installation on the client side.

Point-to-Point mode (bridge)

NanoStation M2K indispensable when organizing Wi-Fi bridges. What could be easier than using two such devices to connect to the Internet in a country house a short distance from the city? This mode will also be very useful for a video surveillance system when streams from several cameras need to be transmitted over a wireless network. In addition, the stability and outdoor performance of the device will be decisive factors when building backbone wireless channels. This access point will allow making bridges over a distance of about 10 km.

Management and Application

In Russia NanoStation M2K has found widespread use as a means of organizing Wi-Fi networks in rural regions, but it is perfect for connecting any remote office, production building, logistics complex or warehouse to the corporate network. All access point interfaces (2 RJ-45 network connectors) are located under a protective cover. This protects them from damage and adverse climatic conditions. NanoStation M2K- this is one of the most popular and time-tested solutions today.

Wifi surrounded us everywhere. We can no longer imagine life without these networks, which allow us to connect to the Internet anywhere. But they cannot arise on their own. For this, special network devices are used. A large variety of them are produced. In this article, we’ll look at one of these devices and figure out what a wifi access point is.

Access point and router

Let's first look at the definitions of each of these devices.

An access point is a small station that creates a connection to a ready-made network. It receives Internet connection from the router and transmits it further. There are more expensive models that allow you to do this without routers, but they vary greatly in price. It should also be noted that the access point has only one connector.

Router ( router) is a special network device that has several interfaces. It allows you to exchange data between different devices on the network. The router is capable of distributing Wi-Fi to all devices located nearby.

What do a router and an access point have in common? The answer is quite simple. Most modern routers have the function of creating a new wireless network. Access points operate on a similar system. This allows all home devices to use wifi.

But the access point has additional functions. It allows you to create a Wi-Fi connection based on an existing one. This is necessary in cases where the router cannot distribute the Internet at the required distance on its own. It can also help reduce the load on the router. There are many applications that can be found.

Next, let's talk about how to choose an access point

access points and their applications

Access point specifications

Manufacturing materials

The device is divided into the following types based on materials of manufacture:

• For external placement. Used when you need to place the device outdoors or in other unpredictable environments.
• For indoor placement. Placement in an office or home.

It should be noted that the first type requires stronger materials in order for the device to work as long as possible.

Installing an access point

Also, the device can be placed in different ways. Standard placement options are on a table or on a wall. But you can also plug it into a power outlet, which is ideal for repeater mode. This is the most convenient and easiest way of all.

• Operating frequency

Transmitters can operate at different frequencies - 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Models that support these frequencies simultaneously are also sold.

• Transmitter power

The resulting transmitter power affects the strength and distance over which the signal is transmitted. The higher it is, the further you can distribute the wifi network. Also, with high power, the network passes through walls and other obstacles better.

But it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to buy a device with the strongest signal without obtaining special permits. The maximum permitted transmitter power in our system is 20dBm. Anything more is professional equipment that must be registered with special authorities.

• Maximum wifi speed

Each access point has its own standard of supported communication. It allows you to draw conclusions about the speed at which you can use the Internet. Information about the standard must be clarified before purchasing. The best thing to do here is to consult a specialist.

• Number of antennas

This option is completely related to the previous point. The more antennas a wi-fi access point has, the faster its speed. But you need to understand that not all antennas can be used. Some of them will not work if there are fewer of them in the receiving device, such as a laptop.

Antennas can have different operating ranges.

• Antenna types

There are two types of antennas:

1. internal;
2. external.

The second type of antenna can often be removed in order to replace it with a more powerful and suitable one. This helps strengthen the signal.

• Ethernet port speed

These ports connect the transmitter to a wired network. If you have a high-speed Internet connection, then you should choose the maximum allowable speed of these ports, i.e. up to 1000 Mbit/s. If your provider does not allow you to use a very fast connection, then a speed of 100 Mbit/s will be sufficient.

• PoE support

This is a special function that transmits electrical energy and data using a transmitter. It is used in cases where the transmitter is located at a considerable distance from sockets and other means of supplying electricity. But this function

will significantly increase the cost of the access point. This function is used mainly in professional models.

Transmitter operating modes

• Access point

The most popular and used operating mode, which creates a wifi network for connecting devices. It is also possible to create a network based on an existing one.

A bridge connects two wireless networks together. This increases range and capabilities.

• Repeater

A wifi access point is used as a signal repeater. Allows you to repeat an existing signal, which greatly increases the network coverage area.

This is what allows you to turn the received wireless signal into a wired one. Used for desktop computers.

• Router

Allows you to create a new wifi connection with your own settings.

Making a choice

We have already decided on access point and what is it. Now let's move on to the choice.

First of all, you need to choose in which mode your transmitter will be used, options:

1. If you want to create wifi on an existing wired network, then select the “access point” mode
2. If you need to connect two networks into one, then select support for the “bridge” mode.
3. If you want to expand the coverage area of ​​one wifi network, you must choose models with repeater support.

After you decide on the operating mode, proceed to selecting the connection speed. The common range is 2.4 GHz. It is cheaper than other options. 5 GHz is suitable for residents of high-rise buildings who require less network congestion. Also, when choosing a speed, keep in mind that devices must support the same connection standards.

Let's sum it up

We answered the question about what a wi-fi access point is. This is a way of creating or expanding the range of a signal. You should not buy models with a large number of antennas or high speed if this is not necessary. Choose a device that suits your individual needs.