Access Point and its Types

Introduction

An access point, also known as AP, serves as a bridge between wireless networks and enables wireless devices to connect. It acts as a gateway that allows internet access and grants users connectivity to network resources. In this blog, we will discuss the topic of “access points”. We will look into its definition, its purpose in networking, and the various types available. Also, we will discuss how it works.

Let’s first understand what Access Points are in detail.

What is an Access Point in Networking?

An access point (AP) refers to a network device whose sole purpose is to connect wired and wireless networks together. Consumer-oriented APs are commonly referred to as “routers” since they typically fulfill the roles of both internet routers and firewalls. Conversely, commercial or industrial APs prioritize network routing capabilities, and only a few have firewalls. Its function involves receiving data from the network and converting it into radio signals for transmission to devices like laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.

Similarly, it receives radio signals from these devices and further assists in converting them back into data transmitted through the network. It typically comes equipped with one or multiple antennas that transmit and receive radio signals within a range like 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.

It can come in two forms; either as a device or integrated into another device, like a router, switch or modem. When it’s an access point, its typically connected to a router. Switch using an Ethernet cable. On the other hand, an integrated AP is built into the router. Switch itself and share the same network address.

Purpose of Access Point

The primary purpose of an access point is to offer internet connectivity to devices that either lack a built-in adapter or cannot directly connect to the wired network. For instance, an AP allows a laptop in order to connect to the internet wirelessly without needing a cable or enables a smartphone to access the internet without using cellular data.

Apart from that, it can enhance the performance and reliability of a network by reducing interference, congestion, and latency. One way it achieves this is through multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology, which boosts both data rate and signal strength for wireless connections.

Now that we have a basic understanding of AP and their purpose in networking. Let’s discuss the different types of access points available.

Types of Access Points in Networking

Depending on needs and requirements, there are different types of access points that can be configured for different networks. Below, we have discussed each type in detail.

Root access point

One common type is known as the root access point, which directly connects to a wired LAN and serves as a connection point for users that are connected wirelessly. If there is more than one AP that is connected to the local area network (LAN), users have the ability to move within a facility without experiencing any disruption with respect to their network connection. 

Repeater access point

This is an access point that is configured as a standalone repeater to extend the range of a wireless network or overcome an obstacle that blocks radio communication. The repeater forwards traffic between wireless users and the wired network by sending data to either another repeater or a root AP that is connected to the wired network.

Bridge

This is an access point that is configured as a root or non-root bridge to join multiple networks. An AP in this role will establish a wireless link with another bridge. Traffic is then passed over the wireless link to the other network.

Workgroup bridge

This is an access point that is configured as a workgroup bridge to provide network connections for devices connected to Ethernet ports. For example, if a business needs wireless connectivity for a group of network printers, it can connect the printers to a hub or a switch, connect the hub or switch to the access point Ethernet port, and configure the AP as a workgroup bridge. The workgroup bridge will then associate to an AP on the network.

Central unit in an all-wireless network

This is an access point that acts as a standalone root unit in an all-wireless network. It is not attached to a wired LAN. Instead, it functions as a hub that links all wireless devices together.

As we discussed the different types of access points, now let’s move on to the functioning of APs.

How Does an Access Point Work?

An AP is a device that has one or more radios, a built-in computer, and at least one port for a wired network. The AP uses the radios to send and receive radio signals based on one or more public standards. This enables the AP to talk to any other devices that use the same standards and frequencies. The AP then connects the wireless network that uses radio signals with one or more wired networks that use cables.

• Many APs for consumers are meant to be the only physical part of a home network.
• These are mainly provided by Internet Service Providers to their customers or clients and are bound to make it cheap.
• Consumer APs have many features, but they cannot handle a lot of network traffic or many devices at the same time.

Commercial and industrial APs have different designs, usually focusing on scale and network security. Focusing on scale means having more antennas in an AP so that it can support more wireless devices or the same number of devices with faster speeds. Having more antennas requires either a more complicated radio, multiple radios, or both. Usually, the CPU of an AP that is made for scale will also be much stronger than what is used in a normal consumer AP.

• An access point functions on one or more channels within a range like 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
• These channels are divided into sub-channels with varying bandwidths, such as 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or 160 MHz.
• The bandwidth determines the amount of data that can be transmitted per second.
• To enhance the data rate, an access point can simultaneously utilize channels through a technique called channel bonding.

In order to communicate with devices on the network, it adheres to a set of rules and standards. These rules and standards are defined by the IEEE 802.11 family of protocols, which outline how devices should access the medium, authenticate and associate with each other, encrypt and decrypt data, handle errors and collisions efficiently, and so on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is an access point?

The access point acts as a bridge that is connected to a wired router, switch, or hub with the help of an ethernet cable and afterward projects the WIFI signal, which assists data transmission.

Q2. What is difference between router and access point?

A router connects devices to the internet and assigns IP addresses. An access point extends the wireless network of a router and allows more devices to connect.

Q3. What is an example of an access point?

An example of an AP is a router with Wi-Fi capabilities.

Q4. What is access point and repeater?

An access point is a device that creates a wireless network from a wired one. A repeater is a device that extends the range of a wireless network by amplifying the signal.

Conclusion

Access points in networking play a role in facilitating connectivity in various environments and situations. There are types that cater to diverse needs and preferences. They operate by bridging the gap between wired networks and wireless devices using radio signals and established protocols. We hope this blog was helpful, Access Point is an important topic for all network engineers and is covered under the CCNA Course. In this blog, we have explained AP in detail, its types, how they function, and their purpose.