A network wireless access point is a simple way of extending the network wirelessly
A network access point (AP) device is used to connect the wireless devices to the wired network which typically has Internet connection. Wireless access point has at least two network connections where packet data shuffles between them. The first interface is typically an Ethernet but it can be a broadband modem or even another wireless adapter. The second interface is the wireless interface which is typically a built-in radio frequency. More recent wireless access point devices include more than one Ethernet ports.
The access point devices control access to and from both networks. The wireless side of the AP devices typically implements the wireless encryption standards including the legacy encryption WEP (for 802.11b/g standards) and WPA/WPA2 (for wireless 802.11n standard). Moreover, wireless access point security features can include access control filtering by using the MAC address and disable wireless broadcasting. Many business class wireless access points implement a firewall for much better control and filtering based on the security policy sets such as D-Link DAP-2555 dual band access point.
In addition to providing access control, the access point also maintains its own network connections. In its Ethernet port, the access point can be configured as either a DHCP client or with a static IP address. Mostly access point device is configured with a static IP address by default in its LAN property (the Ethernet port), but you can change it to receive the IP address automatically from your existing DHCP server in the LAN network where the AP device connects to.
On the wireless interface, most access point devices can support NAT (Network address translation) and DHCP server (to provide IP address configuration for the clients automatically). This way, the device only require a single IP address from the connected network while providing multiple wireless clients with the IP addresses from its DHCP-enabled server.
Some support direct bridging, allowing the wired and wireless networks to exchange data as if they were physically connected together. If the access point has multiple radios, it can bridge them together with the wire, allowing for a very flexible, extendable network. Many wireless access point devices today support dual band either selectable or simultaneous band such as DWL-8600AP dual band access points by D-Link or DAP-2690 Simultaneous Dual Band Access Point.
Another important service provided by APs is the ability to “hand off” clients as they wander between access points. This lets users seamlessly walk around a college campus, for example, without ever dropping their network connection. Current AP technology allows roaming only between access points on the same physical subnet (that is, APs that aren’t separated by a router). Unfortunately, the roaming protocol was left unimplemented in the 802.11 spec, so each manufacturer has implemented its own method. This means that hand-offs between access points of different manufacturers aren’t currently possible.
Many low-cost models which are typically designed for home or small offices support multiple operation modes including the wireless AP mode; the wireless bridge mode; the wireless bridge with AP mode; the wireless client mode; the wireless extender (repeater) and the WDS modes. Mostly the wireless Access point devices today include the WPS (wireless protected setup) feature to easily add the device to an existing network or to create a new network. This easy setup method allows you to form a secured wireless link between the wireless access device and another WPS-enabled device.
Wireless AP mode
A wireless access point device in AP mode acts as a central connection point for any wireless clients within its wireless range. All the clients connect to the AP must have the same SSID (wireless network name) and channel as well as the security sets. Figure 1 shows a home wireless AP device that connects to the wired router.
Figure 1 - AP device in wireless access point mode
Wireless client mode
In the wireless client mode, the AP device can act as the wireless network adapter for your Ethernet-enabled device such as XBOX gaming console, HDTV with Ethernet ready or Blu-Ray player. Connect any types of Ethernet-enabled device to the AP device (in client mode) using the Ethernet cable (UTP Cat5 or Cat5e for Gigabit ports).
Figure 2 shows a common diagram for AP device which is configured as the wireless client mode. The XBOX console is connected to the AP device to act as the wireless client for the existing wireless network with internet connection.
Figure 2 Wireless client mode
The wireless Repeater Mode
A wireless access point device in wireless repeater mode is used to increase the range of the wireless network by extending the wireless coverage of another AP device. The AP devices must be within the range of each other. One thing that you must remember is that all the clients and the APs must have the same SSID, channel and security settings.
Figure 3 wireless repeater mode
The figure 3 shows the AP device configured as the wireless repeater extending the range of the wireless router.
Bridge Mode
In the wireless bridge mode, the wireless access point device wirelessly connects separate LAN network where running a network cable between the LANs is not possible. For example you need to link between the buildings which are separated by the valley, running backbone cable between the buildings would be impossible. The easiest way is to link wirelessly. In the bridge mode, the devices do not act as the APs.
The figure 4 shows a common network diagram where two LAN networks are linked together with the bridge devices.
Figure 4 bridge mode
Bridge with AP Mode
In the bridge with AP mode is the same as the bridge mode, but the device acts as the wireless access point as well to allow other wireless clients within the range to connect wirelessly to the device.
Note: The Bridge with AP mode is not specified in the Wi-Fi or IEEE standards. This mode will only work using the same two units. Communication with other APs is not guaranteed.
While some APs will claim 802.11b/g/n (or Wi-Fi) compliance, they are not all alike. Features that set different models apart include:
- Direct bridging to the wired network
- Support NAT and DHCP service feature
- Dual-band radio frequency both 2,4 GHz and 5 GHz
- External antenna connectors
- Greater radio output power (most operate at 30mW, while some operate at 100mW or more)
- Security enhancements such as WPA / WPA2 and tagged VLANs
- Upgrade paths to 802.11g and 802.11a
In general, look for an AP in your price range that will work for your intended application, with the greatest possible range. Single radio APs can support several users simultaneously; adding APs to your network is probably preferable to simply adding higher-gain antennas or amps to your existing AP.
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