
Indoor Wifi Access Points: everything you need to know
Wireless Access Points are an integral part of any wireless network connection as they act as the major point that connects wireless devices to the network. They send and receive data in the air, transform it into a wired signal, and then transfer it back to the wired broadband router. These wireless access points are categorized as indoor wireless access points and outdoor wireless access points. Outdoor Wi-Fi access points are designed to bear harsh weather conditions. While indoor Wi-Fi access points, like Grandstream GWN7664, are designed according to home and office requirements. In this blog, you will learn crucial information about indoor wi-fi access points to make an informed decision for your in-house network connections.
What is An Indoor Wireless Access Point?
A wireless access point, known as a WAP or Wi-Fi routers is a networking device that provides wireless network connectivity for the latest-designed devices. It acts as a main point, allowing devices to access the internet easily. An indoor Wi-Fi access point is a wireless network infrastructure used for indoor environments, such as homes, offices, schools, and other residential areas, such as Grandstream GWN7602 and others. They allow users to meet the connectivity needs of mobile and other network devices with stable wireless connections and comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage.
Benefits of Indoor Wifi Access Points:
An indoor Wi-Fi access point allows users to connect with wireless devices without using Ethernet. Due to their many advantages, they are preferred in homes and offices.
To use a wireless access point, you don’t need any wired connection as they offer users a wireless internet connection. You can install them anywhere in the house of offices for better productivity and quick internet access.
Indoor Wi-Fi access points allow users to easily connect various devices, such as cellphones, computers, and other smart devices.
They offer strong security and protection to user’s data and privacy from hackers and external attacks with advanced security features.
They provide users with faster and more reliable internet connections for multiple online activities, like streaming, video calling, and others.
The wireless connectivity infrastructure is less expensive and allows users and businesses to save more money as compared to conventional infrastructure.
These access points require less upkeep and are easier to maintain than wired connectivity networks.
Types of Indoor Wifi Access Points:
The following are some major types of indoor wifi access points:
Commercial AP:
Commercial access points are suitable for commercial settings, such as Grandstream GWN7660. You can use them for seamless connectivity in hotels, supermarkets, and other indoor places.
Enterprise AP:
They are suitable to come with security criteria that make them suitable for large corporations and businesses. You can use multiple enterprise APs, such as Grandstream GWN7615, Huawei AP, Aruba AP, and many others, for a secure internet connection in your offices for extensive coverage.
Wall-Plate AP:
The in-wall APs are usually small in size, and you can hang on walls. You can use them for your homes and smart apartments as they operate at 150 Mbps to 300 Mbps, enough for residential network connectivity.
Ceiling AP:
These APs provide a greater transmission rate than wall APs, such as Grandstream GWN7664. You can install them on the ceiling without any penetration.
What are Popular Access Point Configurations?
The following are some popular access point configurations:
Individual Access Point: This is the simplest and easy configuration and manages each AP separately. Thus, it's ideal for small networks with two or three APs.
Controller-based: In this configuration, a wireless controller manages different types of APs. So, it becomes easy to tackle a huge number of APs, use constant configurations, and monitor the network. It's better for medium to large-scale networks due to its easy management.
Cloud-managed: This is the latest approach where cloud servers manage different APs. This type of configuration offers flexibility and scalability.
Mesh Networks: In this configuration, APs are connected with wireless connections. This configuration is ideal when linking with Ethernet cables to each AP. It's somehow challenging but is durable, as the network can still work even if one AP shuts down.
Point-to-Point: This configuration utilizes a wireless bridge to connect within two locations, like two buildings. One AP serves as the source, and the other as the recipient.
Point-to-Multipoint: This is the same as point-to-point, but one AP that is the base station links to different other APs. However, it delivers internet access in building complexes or outdoor areas.
What are the Significant Factors in Determining the Right Access Point?
It can be challenging to choose the right Access Point (AP) regarding your needs, because there are several options available. The following are some crucial factors to consider while making a choice:
User population: Also, you must consider the number of users or devices connected with the AP. The areas with a higher user population, like a school area, need an AP to tackle more real-time connections without affecting speed or performance.
Bandwidth demands: If your network utilization demands high-bandwidth activities such as streaming video, gaming, or video conferencing, you need an AP for consistent wireless networking.
Security: you must use APs that support strong network security protocols such as WPA3. Anyhow, APs have features of automatic client security configuration and a combination with your current security infrastructure.
Ease of administration: If you are applying different APs, then you should consider solutions that provide centralized local management via a physical controller or a cloud-based channel.
Closing thoughts:
Indoor WiFi access Points are an important part of any effective Wi-Fi network. While choosing an access point, it's crucial to assess your environment, utilization requirements, preferred technologies, and capacity needs. A proficient and strong Wi-Fi network is about having advanced APs and perfect positioning, configuration, and administration. You can also Upgrade these access points can for better networking solutions, connectivity, and support for upcoming devices and applications.