A wireless access point (WAP) is a base station that interconnects various wireless devices to form a wireless network. It acts as a central transmitter and receiver of WLAN radio signals. It can also connect to a wired network to allow communication between wired and wireless devices. Several wireless access points can link together to form a larger network and support roaming.
Wireless access point reduces or eliminates the stringing of cables when creating a network in offices, schools, or homes. Just like a cellular phone system, it provides greater mobility, allowing users to roam around and communicate using mobile devices such as Portable Data Terminals. It uses the same transceiver as in a cellular phone system, but its range is usually limited to about a thousand feet.
Kinds of Wireless Access Points include the following:
Intelligent (Fat) wireless access point
An intelligent wireless access point is used for handling wireless clients. Setting up several intelligent WAPs requires individual configuration.
Thin wireless access point
A thin wireless access point is basically an antenna and a radio controlled by a wireless switch. The entire configuration takes place within the switch.
Security: Look for a wireless access point with a wireless traffic encryption such as WPA and WPA2 to prevent unauthorized access to the files during transfer.
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