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Today, maintaining a good internet connection is important both socially as well as with professional work due to technological advancement across the world. However, with the increase in the use of the internet comes the necessity for stronger and more reliable wireless transmission. In comes the AP or the Access Point - a tool that can change the way you use the internet forever. But what is an access point in the first place and how does it help in bettering your existing Wi-Fi network? Let’s break it down. 

What is an Access Point? 

An Access Point (AP) is a device which enables a wireless device to connect to another wired network using the Wlan technology and vice versa. To clarify, an AP differs from a router in the sense that a router incorporates both the network controller and the communication unit. APs are various devices employed for the enhancement of an already available network’s proliferation over enormous distances. It is a major connecting point for wireless-enabled devices such as laptops, phones, and tablets that require constant access to the internet. 

Access Point vs. Router: What's the Difference? 

You might be wondering what’s the difference between an access point and a router. While both devices provide Wi-Fi, they serve distinct purposes: 

• Router: This device connects to your internet service provider (ISP) and manages traffic between your home devices and the internet. It also provides a basic Wi-Fi signal. 

• Access Point: This device connects to the router, expanding the Wi-Fi network and improving signal strength in areas where the router’s range may not reach. 

In simpler terms, a router provides internet access, and an access point enhances that access across a broader area. 

How an Access Point Enhances Your Wi-Fi Network 

Now that we know what an access point is, let’s discuss how it improves your Wi-Fi network: 

• Extended Range: Wireless access points make it possible to expand the Wi-Fi service out of range of the regular single router. If you live in a large house or a multistory apartment or work in a big office, one or more access points will help ensure that there is good signal strength in every corner of the area. 

• Better network: An excessive number of Wi-Fi-enabled devices connected to a single router can lead to a choke in the connection resulting in a generation of slow speeds. Implementing an access point means that instead of all the traffic being processed through one device, each one of several access points APs can handle a limited number of users which will mean faster speeds for everyone. 

• Controlled Switching: In case you have access points spaced over a wide area, the devices which are close to more than one access point will switch from one to the other without losing any connection. This feature is especially important in a business facility or home consisting of several Wi-Fi areas.  

• Supports More Devices: First off, a router has a maximum number of devices that can be connected to it. When you add further access points, the number of possible devices that this network can take increases without affecting its speed or reliability when it comes to connection. 

Read More:- What is a Switch in a Network? Definition, Types, and Functions

When Should You Use an Access Point? 

The following are a few examples where using an access point is justified: 

• For Large Homes or Offices: If your wireless internet router’s range does not extend to all rooms or floors, further adding access points can solve the dead spots. 

• Outdoor Connectivity: If there are places like the backyard or the patio where you would like to be able to connect to the internet thanks to Wi-Fi, there are outdoor access points that can give out a strong signal. 

• Heavy Device Load: If many devices are using the network (for instance in smart homes or very busy offices), access points will distribute the load more evenly. 

How to Set up an Access Point 

Setting up an access point is easy enough and I'll show you how in this guide. Here are the main steps: 

• Choose the Right AP: Based on your requirements select either an indoor or an outdoor access point as suited to your space and coverage requirements. 

• Position the AP Strategically: The AP should be located in areas where the Wi-Fi signal is the weakest. In this case, the objective is to try and improve coverage to such areas which are rather awkward to reach. 

• Connect the AP to the Router: Proceed to plug in the access point to your router using an Ethernet cable. This is very helpful in maintaining the connection and supplying the AP with the needed internet. 

• Configure the AP: You also need to set your access point as explained by the manufacturer. You may customize the name of the Wi-Fi connection and the available security features. 

• Test the Network: After quieting your airflow, find the Wi-Fi in different parts of the house to see if the coverage and strength are satisfactory. 

Read More:- Importance of Network Technologies and Network Technology Types

Conclusion 

Adding a wireless LAN access point to your network is an excellent idea, especially in cases where there are too many devices, there are too many dead zones or it is simply too slow. Access points improve range, and performance and provide constant connectivity eliminating the internet problems that homes and businesses have. Access points make even tougher situations more bearable whether you are making adjustments to your home network or you are building systems for enterprises.