If you’re like me, you rely on Wi-Fi to keep your digital life humming. From streaming music and movies to video chatting with friends and family, a strong, fast wireless signal is a must. So when it’s time to upgrade your home network, which factors should you consider when selecting a new wireless access point?
Read on for top tips!
Why Buy a Wireless Access Point?
There are many benefits of using a wireless access point, including the following:
Increased productivity
A wireless access point makes your employees more productive because they can move around freely without being tethered to a desk.
Improved customer service
A wireless access point makes it easy for your employees to stay connected with customers on the phone or in person. This can help improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Increased security
A wireless access point can help improve security by providing a separate network for guests and employees. This can help keep sensitive data safe and prevent unauthorized access.
How to Choose a Wireless Access Point
Here are ten ways to choose a WAP.
1. Coverage Area
The first thing you need to consider when choosing a WAP is the coverage area. How large is the area that you need to cover with your WAP? Do you need indoor or outdoor coverage? If you have a large area that you need to cover, you may need more than one WAP.
2. Number of Users
Another essential factor to consider is the number of users using the WAP at any given time. If you have a lot of users who will be using the WAP simultaneously, you will need a more powerful WAP that can handle the increased demand.
3. Bandwidth Requirements
You also need to consider your bandwidth requirements when choosing a WAP. How much bandwidth do you need? What kind of applications will be running on your network? If you have applications that require a lot of bandwidth, you will need a WAP to support that demand.
4. Security Requirements
Security is another crucial consideration when choosing a WAP. What kind of security features does the WAP offer? Does it support Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)? These are basic security standards that should be supported by any WAP you are considering.
5. Power over Ethernet
If your business has Power over Ethernet (PoE) infrastructure, you want to choose a WAP that supports PoE. This allows you to power the WAP with an Ethernet cable, which can be convenient if there is no power outlet near where you want to place the WAP.
6. Management and Monitoring Capabilities
When running a business, it’s crucial to manage and monitor your network so you can ensure it is running smoothly and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Make sure the WAP you choose has management and monitoring capabilities so you can always keep an eye on your network.
7. Budget
Finally, you need to consider your budget when choosing a WAP. Wireless access points can range in price from around $50 to $500 or more, so it’s important to find one that fits your budget while still meeting all of your other criteria.
8. Gain Antenna
Gain antennas are directional antennas with a narrow beamwidth that can increase a wireless access point’s range and signal strength. When choosing a wireless access point, it is important to consider the antenna’s gain. Higher-gain antennas will provide better coverage and performance, but they may also be more expensive. In addition, higher-gain antennas may require more careful planning and installation to avoid interference with other devices on the network.
9. No Hardware Controllers
There are several disadvantages to using hardware controllers. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain and require significant technical expertise to set up and manage appropriately. In addition, if something goes wrong with the controller, it can take down the entire network. For small businesses or businesses with limited IT resources, this may not be an acceptable risk.
10. WAP Capacity
The capacity will determine how many devices can be connected to the WAP and the speed and quality of the connection. A WAP with a higher capacity will be more expensive, but it can accommodate more devices and provide a better connection. A lower-capacity WAP will suffice if you only need to connect a few devices. However, if you have many devices that need to be connected or need a high-quality connection, then you will need to choose a WAP with a higher capacity. Therefore, when choosing a WAP, consider its capacity to ensure that it meets your needs.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when choosing a wireless access point for your business. Be sure to consider the coverage area, the number of users, bandwidth requirements, security requirements, power over Ethernet capabilities, management and monitoring capabilities, and budget when making your decision. By considering all of these factors, you can be sure to choose the best possible option for your business needs.
FAQs
1. What is a wireless access point?
A wireless access point (WAP) is a device that connects wireless devices to a network. A WAP typically has one or more antennas to transmit and receive signals, and it may also have a built-in router to connect the WAP to the Internet.
2. What are the benefits of using a wireless access point?
There are many benefits to using a wireless access point. A WAP can provide a better range and coverage than a traditional router and support more devices. In addition, a WAP can be easier to install and manage than a conventional router.
3. What factors should I consider when choosing a wireless access point?
When choosing a wireless access point, you should consider the coverage area, the number of users, bandwidth requirements, security requirements, power over Ethernet capabilities, management and monitoring capabilities, and budget.
4. What is the difference between a WAP and a router?
A wireless access point (WAP) is a device that connects wireless devices to a network. A WAP typically has one or more antennas to transmit and receive signals, and it may also have a built-in router to connect the WAP to the Internet. A router is a device that routes traffic between networks.