Many businesses, institutions, and home users now require WAP devices. WAP can eliminate major issues such as poor Wi-Fi coverage and slow connectivity, dead zones or weak signal.
What is a WAP (Wireless Access Point), you ask?
An access point (WAP), also known as an access point (AP), a small electronic device that connects other Wi-Fi devices with a wired or wireless network is called a wireless access point.
WAP devices allow for more wireless devices to be connected to an existing Wi-Fi network. They increase the range of a WiFi router and eliminate dead spots, particularly in larger homes, offices, buildings, and outdoor areas.
It is easy to create a WAP, and allow any Wi Fi-enabled device or computer to join a Wi Fi network without the need for wires and cables.
Below is an illustration of the physical connectivity between a router and a Wi-Fi device. The router is connected to a WAP/AP via a wired medium.
What are the advantages of using a wireless access points (WAP)?
Many businesses, institutions and home users have made WAP devices a necessity due to the following advantages.
- Signal coverage is strong throughout the building (inside/outside).
- You can easily extend the range of your Wi-Fi router
- Increase the potential user base
- Transmission range large
- It is useful for expanding the wireless range of an already existing network
- Flexible installation
The following section will focus on the top-selling WAP devices, along with their different models and features.
Ubiquiti WAP
Ubiquiti’s wireless solutions are robust and flexible. Many access point (AP), models are available to meet the needs of small and large businesses.
The Wi-Fi Base Station model XG supports 1,500 users. This is enough for large halls or stadiums. The point-to-point bridge option allows multi-gigabit wireless connections between two points up to 500m apart. This could be used for office buildings or IT parks.
Each model was carefully designed to meet specific connectivity needs.
Its uniqueness lies in the fact that all wireless devices can now be controlled and managed centrally by its UniFi controller software. This software runs in the NOC (Network Operations Center), or the cloud.
UniFi provides access point solutions to any size network in order to improve the wireless experience, remote connectivity, and simplify traffic management.
The U6 Lite and the U6 Long-Range WiAP devices, both new models, are based upon Wi-Fi 6 technology. This technology supports 300 simultaneous WiFi devices and OFDMA (Multiple Access With Orthogonal Frequency Split). These devices allow for the simultaneous transmission and reception large data volumes across multiple devices, increasing upload and downloading speed.
UniFi UAP-AC-PRO
It supports both 2.4 and 5.GHz frequency bands and 3x3MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology. These features are essential for critical system applications and high density networks.
It offers five times faster connectivity, and can work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
The UAP AC PRO offers Wi-Fi connectivity for up to 122m and can be connected to a third party network switch to provide enterprise-grade access.
Features
- Multifunctional and weather-resistant design
- To increase Wi-Fi device’s capacity and efficiency, limit airtime access.
- Band steering technology automatically optimizes the connection speed
- It’s easy to use the UniFi Network mobile app or web app.
The Gigabit AP device is enterprise-grade and can be scaled to ensure high availability and low latency. Remote control of the UniFi controller is possible while you are on the ground.
Unifi UAP-AC-LR-US
The UniFi UAP–AC-LR–US Long Range Access Point Device is indoor. It can be used indoors at distances of up to 183m (600 feet), and with a connection speed of up to 1317Mbps. It can simultaneously work in both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands with speeds of up to 450Mbit/s and 867Mbit/s, respectively.
The unique antenna design guarantees symmetrical signal reception between antennas and Wi-Fi devices.
Features
- Innovative antenna design for long-distance and high power devices
- Remote updates of firmware are possible
- UniFi Network Controller can be used to monitor and control the network.
This WAP device uses the most recent 802.11ac Wi Fi technology to connect long distances.
UniFi nanoHD
It is compact and nano-sized, and can work with 802.11ac Wave 2 dual band.
It can support over 200 concurrent users at a speed of more than 2 Gbps. You can integrate it into your office or home decor with the four available skins.
This device is POE compatible, meaning it can be installed without the use of an electrical outlet. It works only with LAN cable.
The 4×4 Multi User MIMO feature at 5GHz frequency allows devices to simultaneously communicate with four Wi Fi-enabled devices. It can transmit speeds of 1.733 Gbps at 5 GHz and 300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz.
It can be easily integrated with UniFi Network Controller which allows administrators to manage and control the network from one central console.
This video will give you an overview of Ubiquiti access point.
NETGEAR WAP
NETGEAR, a multi-national company based in California, USA, manufactures networking equipment for businesses and retailers. It offers a wide range of products including WLAN devices, NAS routers, storage devices and many more.
NETGEAR WAP devices offer superior Wi-Fi performance and the best bandwidth. WAP also offers flexibility in deployment and excellent performance even in high-density environments. All devices come with NETGEAR Insight software.
The NETGEAR Insight Software is used to facilitate device installation, user monitoring, remote control of WAP devices, and remote control from multiple locations.
These are the top-selling NETGEAR WAP products.
NETGEAR WAC104
This is one of NETGEAR’s most popular desktop access points. The WAC104 Wi-Fi 5 device supports dual bands (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz) with speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps. The device can provide Wi-Fi signals for 64 WiFi devices, and covers an area up to 1000 sq. ft.
This device has 4 Ethernet ports that can transmit 1 Gbit/s at high speed direct Internet. It can be used to connect gaming devices, printers and storage devices.
This WAP device uses the most advanced WAP2 wireless security protocols in order to protect all Wi-Fi devices.
Features
- Two antennas can be used to transmit stronger signals and provide greater range.
- To improve performance, support Internet Protocol 6 version
- It contains 128 MB NAND flash memory, and 128MB DDR3 RAM.
- Wireless distribution system support to connect with other APs
It’s a very functional device that is affordable and can be used in both homes and offices to provide Wi-Fi coverage as well as a secure wireless network.
NETGEAR WAX214
The WAX214 Wi-Fi 6 device supports speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps, which is great for data downloads, live conferencing and other bandwidth-intensive tasks.
The device is easy to set up without the need for any technical knowledge. It also has an intuitive user interface that allows you to control it. It is small enough to attach to walls or ceilings without the need for a power outlet.
Features
- To create a separate, secure Wi-Fi network, you will need 4 SSIDs (Service set Identifier).
- Flexible installation options to maximize Wi-Fi coverage
- Security protocol WAP3
- Supports MU/MIMO technology
This device is a cost-effective WAP device that can be used in small offices, retail stores, conference spaces, and other places. This device supports the highest level authentication protocol to ensure secure wireless access for Wi Fi devices.
TP-LINK WAP
TP-LINK Access Points are designed to connect multiple Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously and create scalable wireless networks.
The TPLINK AP has powerful features that increase productivity. You can enjoy a more enjoyable experience when downloading, playing online, streaming live, and so forth.
Below are some of the most popular TP-LINK access points models.
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TP-Link EAP225
The EAP225 Omada AC1200 Outdoor Wireless Gigabit Access Point is the latest and most advanced version of this access point. It can be used indoors or outdoors. It communicates at 1200 Mbit/s with multiple devices and works with Wi-Fi 802.11ac Wave 2
The device is protected from weather elements by being housed in a weatherproof enclosure. It transmits Wi-Fi signals up to 200m at 2.4GHz and 300m at 5GHz.
It features the most recent Wi-Fi technology including beamforming, airtime fairness and band steering.
Protected by 6kv lightning and dust protection, the device also has a waterproof enclosure.
Features
- Omada SDN Compatibility (Software Defined Network).
- Supports 802.3af/on PoE and passive power
- It can all be managed via a central cloud system
- Self-recovery technology for routing data in the event of lost connection
The EAP225WAP is a business-class device that is suitable for high density environments. It is equipped with MU–MIMO (multiuser, multiple input, multi-output) technology. It can communicate with multiple devices simultaneously thanks to the MU-MIMO technology. The device can be placed outdoors and is protected against extreme weather conditions.
TP-Link CPE210
The TP-Link CPE210 was specifically designed for outdoor long-range use. It features a Qualcomm Atheros chipet and a high-gain antenna. The housing is specially designed to withstand temperatures of -40°C to +70°C.
The device transmits WiFi signals up to 5km with the help a high-gain dual-polarized antenna.
It features TP-Link’s MAXtream TDMA Technology from TP-Link, which provides enhanced signal output and collision-free signal transmission.
It can be used with a pharos central control system for end-to–end device control. This includes device discovery, status monitoring and firmware upgrades.
Features
- Simple web-based management system that allows you to configure more devices
- Antenna transmission power adjustable
- Strong protection from the elements – protection against lightning at 6KV and electrostatic discharge at 15KV
- An integrated 9dBi dual-polarized MIMO directional antenna with built-in 9dBi MIMO 2×2 dual-polarization MIMO
The TP-Link CPE210 external wireless solution is affordable. It is a professional-grade solution that offers high performance and the most recent design.
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How do you choose the best WAP for your professional or personal needs?
These WAP devices are among the most popular models sold by world-famous businesses. The question is: Which one is best for you? It is easy to choose the right WAP, just like choosing an electronic device.
When choosing your WAP, consider the following.
Area Coverage: Zone Coverage is one of the most important parameters to consider when buying a WAP. It will be easier to choose the right Wi-Fi service provider if you have an idea of how large an area your Wi-Fi signal should cover. Because they are more reliable, WAPs that offer greater long-distance coverage will be preferred.
Speed Speed is the most important factor for all users. The speed of a Wi-Fi device is usually measured in gigabits or megabits per second. Wi-Fi protocols supported by WAP devices determine the speed of Wi-Fi connectivity. Below is a table listing the supported Wi-Fi protocols as well as their speeds.
Capacity A WAP device’s capacity is determined by the number of Wi-Fi devices it supports. This does not affect its performance. The device’s price will increase if it supports more devices. Check out the number of devices that need to be connected via WAP before you choose your device.
Watch out for the following key features:Dual band (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), coverage and indoor and outdoor coverage depending on your needs. Power over Ethernet (PoE), which reduces installation costs and allows you to install devices anywhere.
Remote Management You can easily manage and control multiple WAP devices in a larger area if you use WAP management software.
Security function. Secure internet access is not something that should be an option these days. Content filtering, guest acces, anti-spam and role-based access are just a few of the many features that every device should have.
Conclusion
A wireless access point (WAP) is required to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted wireless connection, whether you are at home, work, or outside. Consider the following factors when purchasing a WAP.
We hope you find this article helpful in choosing the best WAP.
