Lan Access Point

How to Choose the Best Wireless Access Point and When You Need It?

An access point (AP) is basically a network-capable device containing a transceiver and antenna for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from the remote clients. The access point thus provides a "point of access" to the wired network for the remote clients. The access points allow wireless clients to be quickly and easily connected to a wired LAN.

Wireless Outdoor Access Point

Generally wireless access point is designed for indoor purposes where the environments are not harsh. But deployment of the wireless access points in harsh environments should have specific design. For outdoor or harsh environments, the device must be manufactured with rugged housing and industrial-grade components to allow the devices to operate under extreme temperatures ranges for example from -30~70 degrees C and embedded with the surge protection, weather-proof, water-tight, and rust resistant.

When We Need Wireless AP

Basically in home usage you require a wireless access point if you want to share your broadband Internet connection wirelessly with many computers within the household. You can connect the wireless access point to your existing modem router to create a wireless network for internet sharing. But you must assure that your modem includes the router or firewall NAT feature. If your current modem is a pure modem without a NAT firewall feature, you need a wireless router for Internet sharing. Unless there will be one client computer only that can connect to the internet.

In business networks when you require providing wireless connection to areas where running network cables is impossible, you can use the wireless access point for wireless access to the network. Or when you require providing mobile devices wirelessly access the network, you can create hotspots with security segregation. Or in harsh plant environments you can create point-to-point, point-to-multi point, or mesh networks, you require wireless outdoor access points.

Which Best Wireless Access Point

Technology makes life easier. Manufacturers develop new better technology with introduction of new products with better performance. Choosing the best wireless access point is a moving target because there will always come new introduction of new products with better technology and innovation. For now how to choose the best wireless access point you should examine the manufacturer specs to include the following features:

Multifunction Modes

The wireless access point should be able to work with different operational modes: Access point, Repeater, Network Bridge, and wireless Client mode. In the Wireless Access Point Mode, the device allows for any existing wired network to go wireless by simply attaching the device using the Ethernet cable to an open port in your router or switch.

In the Wireless Ethernet Bridge Mode or Client mode, the device enables any wired Ethernet-ready device to connect to your existing wireless network. Connect your PC, notebook, printer, network camera, or even an entire wired network to the AP device via a Switch and establish a wireless connection to your wireless network. In repeater mode, you can add other AP devices to extend the wireless network without the need to run backbone cables.

WDS Support

Best wireless access point should support the Wireless Distribution System (WDS). WDS allows a wireless network to be expanded using multiple access points without the need for a wired backbone to link them, as is traditionally required.

WDS allows you to build wireless infrastructure completely because the network equipment no longer has to be connected to a wired LAN. The WDS features you can create large wireless networks by linking several wireless APs with WDS links. WDS is normally used in large, open areas where pulling wires is cost prohibitive, restricted or physically impossible.

Wireless N

Best wireless access point should be powered by new wireless technology standards – the wireless 802.11n. 802.11n standard is the latest and fastest wireless technology available in the market today. With the wireless N and MIMO technology, the AP device provides the speeds of up to 300 Mbps or faster and longer distance coverage.

When you use high-intensive bandwidth applications such as High Definition Video streaming and voice, you should also consider the dual-band version of both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands.

Advanced Security Features

The best wireless access points should support advanced security features including latest industrial wireless security Wireless Protected Access (WPA/WPA2), MAC filter and SSID Broadcast Control. For deployment in the corporate networks, the AP should support advanced wireless protection (EAP-MD5, EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, and PEAP), and also support RADIUS authentication. And for easiness of the wireless security connection, the AP should also support the Wireless Protected Setup (WPS) for effortless installation.

By Ki Grinsing

About the Author

Ki Grinsing was graduated from a technical college and with the addition of MCSE and CCNA professional certifications, he has long years of working experiences in IT. For related articles please visit Wireless AP Vs Wireless router and WA901ND wireless network bridge

Wireless LAN Access Point WLA632 - wireless access point $3659.99 Juniper Networks Wireless LAN Access Point WLA632 - Wireless access point - 802.11 a/b/g/n

Zyxel / Zyxel NWA-3166 Wireless LAN Access Point / NWA3166 $260 Zyxel - Zyxel NWA-3166 Wireless LAN Access Point - NWA3166

3Com 3950 Wireless LAN Managed Access Point 300Mbps 3CRWX395075A $930.25 3Com 3950 Wireless LAN Managed Access Point 300Mbps 3CRWX395075A

Juniper Wireless LAN Access Point WLA422 - Wireless Access Point. Each $591.03 Manufacturer: Juniper® Networks. Each. The WLA422 Wireless LAN Access Point is a versatile 802.11 a/b/g dual-radio indoor access point designed for entry-level installations with moderate performance and coverage requirements. It is simple to deploy, easy

Juniper Wireless LAN Access Point WLA632 - Wireless Access Point. Each $3562.36 Manufacturer: Juniper® Networks. Each. The WLA632 Wireless LAN Access Point is a ruggedized dual-radio 3 x 3 MIMO access point designed for outdoor deployment in all weather conditions. As well as enabling wireless users to stay seamlessly connected as th

Amped AP300 High Power Wireless-300N Smart Access Point - MIMO 300Mbps POE Access Point with 4 LAN Ports $111.76 Amped AP300 High Power Wireless-300N Smart Access Point - MIMO 300Mbps POE Access Point with 4 LAN Ports

Brocade Mobility 300 Wireless LAN Access Point Wireless Access Point 802.11a/b/g BR-AP300-5100-US $198.73 Brocade Mobility 300 Wireless LAN Access Point Wireless Access Point 802.11a/b/g BR-AP300-5100-US

3Com Wireless LAN Managed Access Point 3850 Wireless Access Point 802.11b 802.11a 802.11g 3CRWX385075A $398.95 3Com Wireless LAN Managed Access Point 3850 Wireless Access Point 802.11b 802.11a 802.11g 3CRWX385075A

Zyxel NWA-3166 Wireless LAN Access Point $297.99 1 1.87" 12 V DC 14.82 oz 2 Year 2.40 GHz 3 300 Mbps 3000 5 GHz 7.81" WEP WPA WPA2 3 x Integrated Antennas Quality of Service The ZyXEL NWA-3166 Wireless LAN Access Points is a "hybrid" AP that acts as a enterprise-class AP in "stand-alone" mode and/or in "AP controller" mode at the same time. The hybrid AP has full flexibility to deploy secure and reliable WLAN networks and is able to manage up to 24 APs and is suitable for companies with 300-500 staffs. In the initial phase constructing a WLAN, the 3000 Series AP can be configured as a fully functional AP in "stand-alone" mode; with more APs installed, the 3000 Series AP can be set to the AP controller mode to manage all other access points. When a new branch office is established, one of the managed 3000 Series AP can become another controller to manage a separate WLAN network. AC Adapter IEEE 802.11n (draft) NWA-3166 NWA-3166 Wireless LAN Access Point NWA3166 RoHS Wireless Access Point Yes Zyxel Zyxel Communications Corp. www.us.zyxel.com

Zyxel NWA-3166 Wireless LAN Access Point - IEEE 802.11n (draft) 300Mbps - 1 x 10/100Base-TX PoE NWA3166 $282.85 Zyxel NWA-3166 Wireless LAN Access Point - IEEE 802.11n (draft) 300Mbps - 1 x 10/100Base-TX PoE NWA3166

Airlink 101 AP671W 300Mbps 802.11n Wireless LAN Access Point & 5-Ports Switch $52.55 Airlink 101 AP671W 300Mbps 802.11n Wireless LAN Access Point & 5-Ports Switch

H3C WA2210X-G Wireless LAN Outdoor 802.11b/g Single-Band Dual-Mode Access Point Fit 0235A40Q $2000.25 H3C WA2210X-G Wireless LAN Outdoor 802.11b/g Single-Band Dual-Mode Access Point Fit 0235A40Q

Airlink 101 AR695W 300Mbps 802.11n Wireless LAN/Firewall Access Point 4-Ports GigaBit Green Router $59.37 Airlink 101 AR695W 300Mbps 802.11n Wireless LAN/Firewall Access Point 4-Ports GigaBit Green Router

NWA-8500 Ultra-thin Wireless Business Access Point - wireless access point $329.99 ZyXEL NWA-8500 Ultra-thin Wireless Business Access Point - Wireless access point - 802.11a/b/g - for ZyXEL NXC-8160 Business Wireless LAN Controller

HP ProCurve M110 Access Point US - Wireless Access Point. Each $299.77 Manufacturer: HP. Each. HP ProCurve M110 Access Point is an entry-level, single IEEE 802.11a/b/g radio device that can be configured to operate as an access point, a wireless distribution system (WDS) bridge, or a full-spectrum IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN (W

Cisco / Cisco Valet M10 300Mbps 802.11n Wireless LAN/Firewall Access Point & 4-Port Router w/Easy USB Setup Key / M10M $40.26 Cisco - Cisco Valet M10 300Mbps 802.11n Wireless LAN/Firewall Access Point & 4-Port Router w/Easy USB Setup Key - M10M

NETGEAR PRODUCTS XAVN2001-100PES Stromnetzadapter/Access Point $63.99 Art , Stromnetzadapter/Access Point Ausführung , extern Datenübertragung: , Power-Lan , W-Lan 802.11 b , W-Lan 802.11 g , W-Lan 802.11 n , Datentransferrate W-Lan maximal 200 MBit/Sekunde , Datentransferrate Ethernet maximal 100 MBit/Sekunde , Datentransferrate Power-Lan maximal 200 MBit/SekundeSchnittstellen: , Ethernet

WAP-001 In Wall Access Point $142 The WAP-001 In Wall Access Point is designed as 150Mbps Internet access for Hotel/MDU system integrator to provide guests and roomers secure Internet access and phone line connection all in one in their hotel room, guest room, living room and lobby. It is deployed by systems integrator simply to connect with PoE switch, WG-604 HotSpot Gateway or ISS-6000 Internet Subscriber Server that can upgrade the function into proprietary AAA (authentication, authorization and accounting) billing service. The WAP-001 avoids channels conflict when guests and roomers connect to the Internet as its lowest RF output adjustable to match every room. It enhances security function by utilizing WEP and WPA/WPA2 Encryption. With a practical, thoughtful and compact design, it has 3 levels of adjustment with patented retractable screws to fit any wall jack suitable for stylish hotels, luxury houses and MDUs (Multi-Dwelling Units). WAP-001 provides colorful wall-mounted faceplates: white, black, silver, gold, and hard gray Standards: IEEE 802.11b/g/n Security: 64/128-Bit WEP, WPA, WPA2 WPA/WPA2: WPA2 Frequency Band: 2.4GHz Antenna: Internal Antenna Temperature: 0C - 50?C (32?F - 122?F) Features: - One LAN port, one TCP/IP port and two RJ-11 telephone connectors - Compatible with IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wireless LAN 1T1R - IEEE802.3af Power over Ethernet - Web-based management tool - Support rich networking functions: static IP WAN connection, DHCP client WAN connection, NTP client - Support WEP, WPA/WPA2 encryption to enhance security - The five colors of front faceplate: white, black, silver, gold and hard gray

Motorola AP650 - Wireless Access Point. Each $407.16 Manufacturer: Motorola. Each. The AP650 is a thin multipurpose access point designed to lower the cost of deploying and operating a secure, reliable 802.11n wireless LAN (WLAN) in branch offices or headquarters facilities. The AP650 offers simultaneous WL

Motorola AP650 Wireless Access Point $342.99 1.50" 2.41 GHz 2.46 GHz 2.50 lb 300 Mbps 48 V DC 5.15 GHz 5.85 GHz 6 8.50" QoS VLAN The AP650 is a thin (dependent) multipurpose wireless access point designed to lower the cost of deploying and operating a secure, reliable 802.11n wireless LAN (WLAN) in branch offices or headquarters facilities. The AP650 offers simultaneous WLAN access and sensing enabling remote over-the-air helpdesk support, or Wireless intrusion prevention. AP-0650-60020-US AP650 AP650 Wireless Access Point Ceiling-mountable IEEE 802.11n (draft) Motorola Motorola, Inc RP-SMA Connector RoHS Wall-mountable Wireless Access Point Yes www.motorola.com/us

HP A8760 Wireless Access Point $303.99 1 1.20 lb 1.63" 2 2 dB 2.40 GHz 3 Year 5 GHz 5.15 GHz 54 Mbps 6.26" HTTP Telnet DHCP HTTPS SNMP v1, v2c, v3 IEEE 802.1Q VLAN WPA2 AES 64-bit WEP 128-bit WEP 152-bit WEP WPA-PSK Innovative, cost-effective dual-radio access points. Powered by a single standard IEEE 802.3af PoE connection, this access point features preset defaults for easy setup, as well as advanced MIMO technology, WPA2 security, and IEEE 802.1X authentication over the wireless LAN. A8700 A8760 A8760 Dual-Radio Wireless Access Point HP Hewlett-Packard IEEE 802.11a/b/g JD016A#ABA RP-SMA Connector RoHS Wireless Access Point Yes www.hp.com

Cisco Wireless LAN Controller 2106 - Network Management Device - With 3x Aironet 1042 Controller-based Access Point (AIR-LAP1042N-A-K9). Each $3271.59 Manufacturer: Cisco Systems, Inc. Each. Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers work in conjunction with Cisco Aironet access points and the Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS) to provide system wide wireless LAN functions. As a component of the Cisco Unified Wire

Cisco Aironet 1141N Access Point $500.99 1 1.84" 1140 1141N 2.30 lb 2.41 GHz 2.46 GHz 300 Mbps 4 dBi 8.70" 90 Day WPA WPA2 TKIP PEAP EAP-TLS EAP-TTLS EAP-MSCHAPv2 EAP-FAST EAP-SIM EAP-GTC Cisco 1140 Series IOS Wireless LAN (S114W7K9-12421JA) The Cisco Aironet 1141N Access Point is a business-ready, 802.11n access point designed for simple deployment and energy efficiency. The high-performance platform, which offers at least six times the throughput of existing 802.11a/g networks, prepares the business for the next wave of mobile devices and applications. Building on the Cisco Aironet heritage of RF excellence, 1141N combines the industry's most widely deployed 802.11n technology with a sleek industrial design that blends seamlessly into any enterprise environment. AC Adapter AIR-AP1141N-A-K9 Aironet Aironet 1140 Aironet 1141N Access Point Ceiling-mountable Cisco Cisco Systems, Inc IEEE 802.11n (draft) Wall-mountable Wireless Access Point Yes www.cisco.com

Cisco Aironet 1142N Access Point $618.99 1 1.84" 110 V AC 1140 1142N 2.30 lb 2.41 GHz 2.46 GHz 220 V AC 3 dBi 300 Mbps 4 dBi 5.18 GHz 5.83 GHz 8.70" 90 Day Limited WPA WPA2 TKIP EAP-TLS EAP-TTLS EAP-MSCHAPv2 EAP-FAST EAP-SIM EAP-GTC PEAP Cisco 1140 series IOS Wireless LAN (S114W7K9-12421JA) The Cisco Aironet 1142N Access Point is a business-ready, 802.11n access point designed for simple deployment and energy efficiency. The high-performance platform, which offers at least six times the throughput of existing 802.11a/g networks, prepares the business for the next wave of mobile devices and applications. Building on the Cisco Aironet heritage of RF excellence, 1142N combines the industry's most widely deployed 802.11n technology with a sleek industrial design that blends seamlessly into any enterprise environment. AIR-AP1142N-A-K9 Aironet Aironet 1140 Aironet 1142N Access Point Ceiling-mountable Cisco Cisco Systems, Inc Energy Star IEEE 802.11n (draft) Power Supply Wall-mountable Wireless Access Point Yes www.cisco.com

Cisco Aironet 1142 Access Point $6227.99 1 1.84" 10 1140 1142 2.30 lb 2.41 GHz 2.46 GHz 3 dBi 300 Mbps 4 dBi 5.18 GHz 5.83 GHz 8.70" IEEE 802.1X IEEE 802.11i WPA WPA2 TKIP EAP-TLS EAP-TTLS EAP-MSCHAPv2 EAP-FAST EAP-SIM EAP-GTC PEAP Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) Cisco 1140 Series IOS Wireless LAN LWAPP Recovery (S114RK9W-12418JA) The Cisco Aironet 1142 Access Point is a business-ready, 802.11n access point designed for simple deployment and energy efficiency. The high-performance platform, which offers at least six times the throughput of existing 802.11a/g networks, prepares the business for the next wave of mobile devices and applications. Building on the Cisco Aironet heritage of RF excellence, the 1142 combines the industry's most widely deployed 802.11n technology with a sleek industrial design that blends seamlessly into any enterprise environment. Designed for sustainability, it delivers high performance from standard 802.3af Power over Ethernet while decreasing waste with multiunit eco-packs and Energy Star certified power supplies. AC Adapter AIR-LAP1142-NK9-PR Aironet Aironet 1140 Aironet 1142 Access Point Ceiling-mountable Cisco Cisco Systems, Inc IEEE 802.11n (draft) Wall-mountable Wireless Access Point Yes www.cisco.com

USB LAN Adapter for Wii $16.6 - Creates a high-speed LAN Internet connection for your Nintendo Wii- No wireless network required- Connects to your existing PC connection or DSL modem- USB 2.0 connection supports the Wii at full speedProduct description And measurementsThe Wii LAN adapter is required to connect the Wii console to a wired access point, such as a broadband modem or wired router.Product features:Requirements to connect the Wii console online with a wired connection.In order to connect the Wii console online with a wired connection, you will need following:-A Wii LAN adapter-An active broadband internet connection, such as DSL or Cable-A compatible internet service provider(ISP). some ISPs require a sign-in every time you connect online, or are otherwise incompatible. Contact your ISP for more information.-Either a broadband modem or wired router with an available ethernet port.-An ethernet cable.Item includes:1 x Wii LAN adapter1 x LAN adapter driver1 x User manualDimensions: 3.19 in x 1.38 in x 0.94 inWeight: 6.88 oz

ASUS WL-330GE Wireless Access Point $49.99 0.67" 1 1 Year Limited 1.3 dBi 110 V AC 130 ft 1500 ft 2 2.19 oz 2.40 GHz 220 V AC 3.39" 54 Mbps DHCP Web-based administration System Event Log IEEE 802.11b IEEE 802.11g Wi-Fi WEP 64/128-bit WPA-PSK WPA2-PSK WPA-Enterprise WPA2-Enterprise Infrastructure Mode: AP Only WDS Hybrid Client URE To utilize the WL-330gE under AP or Gateway mode, users just have to simply connect it to the Ethernet port on the modem or a LAN connection, and it is ready to go. This is crucial when a meeting room has only one Ethernet connection and there is a need for multiple connections to the Internet. ASUS ASUS Computer International IEEE 802.11b/g Inverted-F Antenna Power Supply WL-330GE WL-330GE Wireless Access Point Wireless Access Point Yes usa.asus.com

Ap300 - Amped Wireless Ap300 High Power Wireless-300N Smart Access Point - Mimo 300Mbps Poe Access Point With 4 Lan Ports $111.52 the Amped Wireless High Power Wireless-300n Smart Access Point Adds Long Range, High Speed Wireless Access For Existing Wired Networks or Networks With Older Wireless Technology. With The Latest 802.11n 300mbps Mimo Technology, High Power Amplifiers And High Gain Antennas, The Ap300 Provides up to 5,000 sq ft of Wireless Coverage. The Smart Access Point Features 4 Wired Ports For Connecting Additional Wired Computers, Printers And Other Network Devices. With Smart Security Features, Creating a Safe And Reliable Wireless Network Environment Has Never Been Easier. True Plug And Play Set Up, Makes Setup as Simple as Connecting The Ap300 to Your Router's Network Port. No Software or Additional Setup Needed. [AP300] UPC: 850214003126 UNSPC: 43222631 8.5L x 3W x 9.75H 1.6 LB

Adtran Bluesocket 1800 - Wireless Access Point. Each $752.36 Manufacturer: Adtran. Each. The Bluesocket 1800 is an 802.11 a/b/g/n access point, ideally suited for organizations moving toward true enterprise mobility. As an integral component of the Virtual Wireless LAN (vWLAN) solution, the Bluesocket 1800 is compl

Motorola AP-5131 Wireless Access Point $561.99 1.77" 1.95 lb 2 2.41 GHz 2.46 GHz 5.15 GHz 5.31" 5.83 GHz 54 Mbps IEEE 802.11i WPA WPA2 Java web-based graphical user interface Symbol Mobility Services Platform (MSP) SNMP 2 SNMP 1 SNMP 3 Command line interface (CLI) DHCP server Wireless Medium: Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) Uplink: 2 ports (WAN, LAN) Auto-sensing 10/100Base-T Ethernet Designed for small offices and retail locations, the AP-5131 Dual Radio 802.11a/b/g Wireless Access Point delivers wired and wireless networking with enterprise class performance and security in a single device. This easy-to-deploy solution offers the flexibility to connect securely to remote corporate private networks, the Internet and local network resources with the speed and reliability to support the most demanding applications, including real-time video and voice. The all-in-one AP-5131 delivers a new level of cost-efficiency and networking simplicity for employees in branch offices or telecommuters working at home. AP-5131 AP-5131 Wireless Access Point AP-5131-13041-WWR IEEE 802.11a/b/g Motorola Motorola, Inc Wireless Access Point Yes www.motorola.com/us

Juniper / WLA522E WIRELESS LAN ACCESS / WLA522E $657.11 Juniper - WLA522E WIRELESS LAN ACCESS - WLA522E

Marconi LAX 20 LAN Access Switch LAX20 $129.25 Marconi LAX 20 LAN Access Switch LAX20

TRENDnet TEW-690AP Wireless Access Point $141.99 1 1" 12 V DC 2 dBi 2.41 GHz 2.47 GHz 3 3 Year Limited 3.30" 328 ft 4.70" 450 Mbps 5.64 oz 948 ft 64/128-bit WEPWPA/WPA2-PSKWPAWPA2-RADIUS IEEE 802.3IEEE 802.3uIEEE 802.3abIEEE 802.11bIEEE 802.11gIEEE 802.11nCEFCC TEW-690AP Wireless N Access Point CD-ROM (Utility and User's Guide) Multi-Language Quick Installation Guide 1 x Cat. 5 Ethernet cable (0.6 m / 2 ft.) Power adapter (12V DC, 0.5A) Web Browser: Internet Explorer (6 or higher) A computer with a network adapter or wireless adapter properly installed A router with an available network LAN port An available DHCP Server -routers usually have a built-in DHCP server Web based management DHCP VLAN SNMP TRENDnet's 450Mbps Wireless N Access Point, model TEW-690AP, supports Access Point, Wireless Distribution System (WDS), and Repeater mode functionality.Advanced Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna technology with three spatial streams per antenna, generates a maximum theoretical wireless throughput of 450Mbps and exceptional wireless coverage.A Gigabit Ethernet port maintains high performance wired connections. Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) integrates other WPS supported devices at the touch of a button. Advanced features include 4 SSIDs per wireless band, different encryption for each SSID, WMM Quality of Service data prioritization, WPA2-RADIUS encryption, and a convenient on/off power switch. AC Adapter Desktop IEEE 802.11n (draft) MIMO Technology Not Applicable Quality of Service (QoS) RoHS TEW-690AP TEW-690AP Wireless N Access Point TRENDnet WEEE Wireless Access Point Yes www.trendnet.com

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