Wireless AP

Wireless Access Point

Many residences and offices were not designed with wireless networking in mind. If a space is too large or has too many barriers, an internet signal can fail to reach far-flung devices. A network degrades as it travels over the air, so a wall can prevent a computer from connecting to a router.

Setting up a wireless access point creates a new source for a wireless signal, so that every Wi-Fi enabled gadget can go online successfully. The device acts as a bridge for the internet connection so it can cover a larger area without losing strength.

An access point syncs with a wireless router to rebroadcast the signal it receives. Unlike a PC, which needs to be near a modem for a fast internet connection, a wireless bridge has a direct connection to the Wi-Fi router so it can be far enough away to increase the coverage area.

Some devices cannot support local gadgets and require an additional ethernet port to allow wireless devices to go online. These models are usually smaller so you aren't losing much additional space because of the second unit.

For offices and workspaces, there are access points that can be mounted to the wall or ceiling and don't have to sit on an employee's desk. The network coverage area will be larger as well, because the bridge is close enough to a barrier to prevent it from blocking the signal.

Residential users must to consider what type of access point meets their needs. If there aren't additional ethernet jacks in rooms that don't have internet connections, consumers should make sure they buy a bridge that can support devices without an additional port.

Wireless access points are a cost-effective alternative to contacting an internet service provider for increased Wi-Fi connectivity.