Many organizations, enterprises, or home users now require WAP devices. However, major challenges, including dead spots, sluggish connectivity, weak signals, and poor Wi-Fi coverage, are rising problems that may be solved by deploying WAP or Wireless Access Point.
What’s Wireless Access Point (WAP)?
A wireless access point (WAP), also known as an access point (AP), is a small electrical device that allows other Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired or wireless network. WAP devices create a Wi-Fi network inside an existing wired and/or wireless network to accommodate more wireless devices. For example, bigger houses, outdoor spaces, apartments, workplaces, and buildings increase the range of a Wi-Fi router to give comprehensive wireless coverage and eliminate dead spots. Any Wi-Fi-capable computer or device may join a Wi-Fi network without wires or cables by setting up a WAP, which is easy to do. Below is a diagram showing the physical connections between a WAP, router, and Wi-Fi device. The router is connected to a WAP or AP through a wired medium.
Using Wireless Access Point (WAP) Benefits
Due to the following advantages, WAP devices are now essential for many organizations, institutions, and household users.
- Excellent inside and outside signal coverage throughout the whole structure.
- The Wi-Fi router’s range may be easily increased.
- As an outcome, the number of prospective users should rise.
- Substantial transmission range.
- Useful for increasing an existing wireless network’s range.
- Installation options.
How To Choose The Right WAP For Personal Or Professional Needs?
The WAP devices covered in this article are the top-selling models from well-known manufacturers. Which one is best for your needs? The question now is? Choosing the best WAP is easier than selecting an electronic or other information technology device. When choosing your WAP, take into account the following factors.
Coverage
Zone coverage is among the most important factors when purchasing a WAP. Choosing the appropriate WAP will be easier if you’ve a general concept of the area a Wi-Fi signal should cover. In addition, it is preferable to use WAPs with better long-distance coverage since they eliminate the need for additional access points.
Speed
In actuality, all users place the highest value on speed. A WAP device’s speed is usually expressed in megabits or gigabits per second. The Wi-Fi connection speed depends on the Wi-Fi protocol the WAP device supports. The supported Wi-Fi protocols and speeds are shown in the table below.
Capacity
A WAP device’s capacity is defined by the number of Wi-Fi devices it supports without compromising performance. Therefore, the price of the device increases as more devices are supported. Choose your device to determine how many devices need to be connected to WAP.
Key Features To Watch
Coverage, whether indoors or outdoors, dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), according to your demands, Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows for devices virtually anywhere and lowers installation costs. It also supports MU-MIMO technology.
Remote Management
If you have WAP management software, you can more easily manage and control the devices if you wish to install several WAP devices to cover a larger area.
Security Function
Nowadays, having safe and secure internet connectivity is a necessary feature that every device should have rather than an optional feature. Filtering of content, guest access, anti-spam, role-based access, prevention of dangerous threats, and other elements.
The top-selling WAP devices and their many models and features are covered in the following section.
Top Wireless Access Point (WAP)
We’ve compiled a list of Wireless Access Point (WAP) to help you find the right one.
Ubiquiti WAP
Delivering reliable and adaptable wireless solutions is what Ubiquiti is renowned for. Much different access point (AP) models are available to meet the requirements of small and large companies. Insufficient for a stadium or huge arena, its Wi-Fi Base Station XG model supports 1,500 users. Its point-to-point bridge solution supports multi-gigabit wireless connections when connecting two places up to 500 meters apart, such as office buildings or IT parks. Each model was meticulously designed to meet the precise requirements of wireless and to provide improved performance depending on certain connection scenarios.
One of its distinctive features is that all wireless devices can be controlled and controlled centrally using the UniFi controller software, which runs in the NOC (Network Operations Center) or the cloud. In addition, UniFi offers access point solutions for whatever network size that will improve wireless performance, enable distant connectivity, and streamline traffic management. The most recent models, the U6 Lite and U6 Long-Range WAP devices are based on OFDMA (Multiple Access with Orthogonal Frequency Split) and Wi-Fi 6 technology, which supports 300 simultaneous Wi-Fi devices. In addition, to increase upload and download speeds, they ensure the transmission and receipt of massive volumes of data across several devices.
1. Unifi UAP-AC-LR-US
The indoor usage of this UniFi UAP-AC-LR-US Long Range access point device. It supports connections at speeds of up to 1317 Mbps at distances of up to 183 meters (600 ft). Well, with speeds up to 450 Mbit/s and 867 Mbit/s, respectively, it works concurrently in two bands, 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz. In addition, its distinctive antenna design makes asymmetrical signal reception & transmission between the antenna and Wi-Fi devices possible.
Features
- A novel antenna design to accommodate devices with high power and extended range.
- Remote firmware updates are possible.
- UniFi Network Controller may be used to monitor and control.
2. UniFi UAP-AC-PRO
It supports 33 MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) and two frequency bands, 2.4 and 5 GHz. These features support high-density networks and critical system applications. It is designed to function effectively indoors and outdoors and offers five times quicker connection. In addition, the UAP AC Pro may be connected to a third-party network switch for enterprise-grade access, providing Wi-Fi connectivity up to 122 meters away.
Features
- Design that is adaptable and weatherproof.
- To increase the capacity and effectiveness of Wi-Fi devices, restrict airtime access.
- By using band steering technology, the connection speed is automatically optimized.
- UniFi Network’s web app or mobile app is simple to manage.
3. UniFi nanoHD
It is made to operate on 802.11ac Wave 2 dual-band and is small enough to fit within a nano device. Additionally, it has a speed of over 2 Gbps and supports over 200 concurrent users. It comes with optional skins in four different styles, so it is simple to incorporate and accommodate your home or business décor. The POE (Power Over Internet) device works with a LAN connection and may be installed without a power outlet.
The device’s 44 Multi-User MIMO function on a 5GHz frequency assures that four Wi-Fi-enabled devices may connect concurrently. The device offers speeds of 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 1.733 Gbps on 5 GHz. In addition, it is simple to accommodate UniFi Network Controller, which enables administrators to manage and control it from a solitary central panel. A description of Ubiquiti access points is given in the video that follows.
NETGEAR WAP
An international corporation with its US headquarters in California, NETGEAR creates networking hardware for shops and companies. WLAN devices, NAS, routers, storage devices, and more are all included in the product range. NETGEAR WAP devices provide the highest bandwidth Wi-Fi performance. Flexible deployment, outstanding performance in high-density areas, and all devices equipped with NETGEAR Insight software are other significant features of WAP. In addition, easy device installation, easy user monitoring, and remote control of WAP and other wireless devices are all made possible by the NETGEAR Insight software, which is used in many locations. Here are some of the NETGEAR WAP devices that have sold the most.
4. NETGEAR WAX214
For quicker data downloads, video streaming, live conferencing, and other bandwidth-intensive needs, the Wi-Fi 6 WAX214 device supports speeds up to 1.8 Gbps. It offers a straightforward user interface to manage the device and is very easy to install without specialized skills. In addition, because it is POE compatible, the device is available in a compact size that makes it simple to affix to a wall or ceiling without a power outlet.
Features
- To establish a unique, secure Wi-Fi network, use 4 SSIDs (Service Set Identifiers).
- Maximum Wi-Fi coverage with flexible installation options.
- Security protocol WAP3.
- Supports the MU-MIMO standard.
5. NETGEAR WAC104
One of NETGEAR’s most popular desktop access points. A Wi-Fi 5 device, the WAC104 supports 1.2 Gbps speeds and dual bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). This device covers an area of up to 1000 square feet and transmits a Wi-Fi signal to 64 Wi-Fi devices. To enable gaming devices, printers, PCs, storage devices, and more with high-speed direct Internet, the device is equipped with 4 Ethernet ports with a speed of 1 Gbit/s. In addition, this WAP device includes one of the highest WAP2 wireless security standards to protect all connected Wi-Fi devices.
Features
- For a better signal and longer range, use two external antennas.
- Supporting Internet Protocol 6 will boost efficiency.
- In addition, it features 128 MB of DDR3 RAM and 128 MB of NAND flash memory.
- Support for connecting with other APs using wireless distribution systems.
TP-LINK WAP
Multiple Wi-Fi-enabled devices may be connected simultaneously using TP-LINK access points designed to build scalable high-speed wireless networks. In addition, powerful features that improve wireless productivity are included in the TP-LINK AP. For example, users may download, play online games, broadcast live content, and do other activities more easily. Below are some of the top TP-LINK access point models.
6. TP-Link CPE210
The TP-Link CPE210 was created specifically for long-range outdoor usage. It is housed in a unique casing that can resist temperatures from -40 degrees to +70 degrees Celsius and is equipped with a Qualcomm Atheros processor and a high-gain antenna. With a built-in high-gain dual-polarized antenna, this device can broadcast Wi-Fi signals up to a 5-kilometer range. In addition, it is equipped with TP-Link’s MAXtream TDMA Technology, providing collision-free signal transmission and improved signal output. It’s compatible with a pharos centralized control system, which is used for end-to-end device control, and includes device discovery, status monitoring, firmware updates, and more.
Features
- For more precise device settings, an easy-to-use web-based administration system.
- Antenna transmission power adjustment.
- Strong exterior protection: 15KV protection against electrostatic discharge and 6KV against lightning.
- Dual-polarized MIMO directional antenna with 9dBi built-in.
7. TP-Link EAP225
One of the newest and most sophisticated access point models is the EAP225 Omada AC1200 Wireless Gigabit Outdoor Access Point. For indoor and outdoor use, it is designed. It interacts at 1200 Mbit/s with several devices concurrently and works with Wi-Fi 802.11ac Wave 2. The device is housed in a waterproof casing to shield it from outside weather impacts. It emits a Wi-Fi signal up to 200 meters at 2.4 GHz and 300 meters at 5 GHz. The most recent Wi-Fi technology, including beamforming, airtime fairness, and band steering, is equipped. In addition, 6kv lightning, dust protection, and waterproof housing protect the device.
Features
- Omada’s compatibility with SDN (software-defined networks).
- Supports passive PoE power and 802.3af on PoE.
- From a central cloud system, it may be managed.
- Data routing self-recovery mechanism in case of connection loss.
The Bottom Line:
You must install a wireless access point (WAP) if you want a reliable and continuous wireless connection at home, work, or outside. First, consider a number of the factors mentioned above while purchasing your WAP. Then, use this page to choose the finest and most appropriate WAP.