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Access Point: My LAN Part 6
Published on April 15, 2022 at 7:09 pm by LEWIntroduction
A Wireless Access Point (WAP) or just Access Point (AP) is a device that lets WiFi enabled devices connect to the a network. The functionality of an AP is defined in IEEE 802.11 (part of the 802 family of standards related to networking).
An AP may be part of a commercial router, or it may be an independent device. Regardless, operation will be the same. The only place this may make a difference is during initial setup.
Wireless Access Standards
The 802.11 standard encompasses several different data standards.
|
IEEE Standard |
Year |
Frequency |
Data |
|
802.11a |
1998 |
5 Ghz |
54 Mbps |
|
802.11b |
1999 |
2.4 GHz |
11 Mbps |
|
802.11g |
2003 |
2.4 GHz |
54 Mbps |
|
802.11n |
2009 |
2.4/5 GHz |
600 Mbps |
|
802.11ac |
2014 |
2.4/5 GHz |
1.3 Gbps |
|
802.11ax |
2019 |
2.4/5 GHz |
12 Gbps |
Regardless of data rates Wireless will always suffer form increased latency when compared to a wired connection.
Wiring the Access Point
If not part of your router, then an AP should be connected via Ethernet Cable. If the device connects via WiFi, it is considered a repeater or an extender, not an AP.
Most AP coverage is non directional. so the AP should be centrally located for best coverage.
Setup Access Point
Administrative Access: Setting up a Access Point is similar regardless of whether or not the AP is subsumed in other equipment. For example, assuming an AP is part of your router, administrative access will be setup with the router password. If the AP is separate, then you will have to setup the administrative access point specifically for the AP.
WiFi Access: This is where you need to setup your Service Set Identifier (SSID). This is the name of your Wifi that is broadcast in the clear. Each band (2.4 Ghz and 5 GHz) will require an SSID name.
Encryption/Security: Your AP signal should not be broadcast in the clear (no password no encryption). There are several different protocols for securing your AP. At a minimum you should be using WPA2, which most AP’s support. If available you should consider WPA3, though support may be somewhat more spotty than WPA2. Do not run WEP or WPA, as both have been deemed unsecure. Setting encryption will also mean setting a password. Make sure it is complex enough to not be easly hacked.
Other Options
There are a couple of other options that may or may not be available on your AP.
Guest Network: This is exactly what it sounds like, a network that allows guests to access the Internet, while restricting them from the rest of your LAN.
MESH: This is multiple AP’s connected together and acting as one large AP. When your device is moved around, the software automatically selects the strongest signal, being transparency to the end user. In a non MESH AP, the user may have to manually switch between AP points.
Conclusion
This has been a quick look at the Wireless Access Point or AP. We have covered its usage and setup.
Access Point: My LAN Part 6
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