EMZETT.Access point
In short: An access point (AP) is a device that is connected to a LAN by cable and broadcasts a Wi-Fi network.
In more detail: The access point connects wireless devices (laptops, phones) to the wired network. It does not hand out addresses or route traffic itself, that is done by the router and the DHCP server. It is the clean way to provide Wi-Fi throughout a building.
In Depth
- Connection: by Ethernet to a switch, often powered over the network cable (PoE, Power over Ethernet).
- Name: the SSID (the Wi-Fi name). Several access points can share the same SSID and password so that devices switch from one to the next while moving (roaming).
- Difference from a router: a home router usually contains an access point. A stand-alone AP only does Wi-Fi.
- Difference from a repeater: a Wi-Fi repeater hangs wirelessly on the existing Wi-Fi, an AP is wired to the network and therefore faster and more stable.