Wi-Fi networks were around for a few years, but prior to their introduction , the only way to connect Local Area Networks was through the use of copper the twisted pair cable. The wireless Access Point is used in the Wi-Fi network for centralization that allows wireless client devices to connect to wired networks. This WAP is a way to authenticate wireless client and relays information between wireless clients as well as devices connected to that wired network. Wireless Access Points Wireless Access Point will often be connected via the router or switch to connect or interface to the wired network .
Wi-Fi networks are compatible with an IEEE 802.11 standard to transmit data through radio waves as the primary medium within the allotted frequency bands. They are usually called a WLAN which is a reference to Wireless LAN because of the small area that they operate. Certain WLANs be operated without having to utilize a WAP in a peer-to-peer network, that is referred to as an ad hoc network, however, they are not efficient and a problem.
The first Wireless Access Points only supported only a handful of customers (typically 10-30) however, most modern WAPs allow as many as 254 wireless users that use a complete Class C network or subnetwork of the greater one. A and Class B spectrum. Many Broadband routers and gateways that are designed specifically for home users offer wireless connectivity as an alternative in addition to wired connections. These routers include a built-in wireless access point as well as DHCP Server that allows for the automatic assignment of IP addresses. Its SSID (Service Set Identifier) can be set to be customizable and can be used to distinguish the wireless connection from others within its the vicinity. The majority of wireless clients on Desktop or Notebook computers typically use the Wireless Zero Configuration to search for the wireless networks that are available and permit users to connect to the favorite Wi-Fi.
In a business environment there are a variety of Wireless Access Points may be employed to allow hundreds or thousands of users access to corporate networks using the wireless network. Each Access Point will require an internet link to the local area network. WAPs are typically placed so that the wireless signals cross which allows clients to enjoy mobility and be able to roam between Access Points. In order to ensure that the network is fully covered over the entire area an wireless site survey needs to be carried out to ensure that the WAPs are placed in the best position to provide the maximum coverage. Its as a little like the Cellular system we have in the mobile phones.
If youre setting up a wireless network for your home network or a corporate network, security should be a primary factor. Wireless networks operate by sharing frequency space between all users similar as a wired LAN. Instead of CSMA/CD, WLANs utilize the CSMA/CA (Carrier Sensory Multiple Access ), which is a form of Collision Avoidance. The fact that its an open environment and radio signals are transmitted within a specific area, means that any wireless device within the range is able to detect and join that network. There are a variety of security standards that have been created for use for use with Wireless Networks and WAPs over recent years.
The encryption and authentication process is essential to secure an WLAN by using the Wireless Access Point. One of the initial standards was WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) that utilized either one of a 128-bit or 64-bit encryption key and offered some security. This was typically sufficient for the majority of homes WLANs but definitely not enough for corporate use. Then came WPA (Wi-Fi Secured Access) and later WPA2 which utilized much more robust encryption algorithms. IEEE 802.11i stipulates that WPA2 be used. WPA2.
If youre installing the Wireless Access Point to create an at-home network or are using an Wireless Router with built in WAP, you must set up an individual SSID to determine your networks identity and verify what security standards are available and select the one that is the most secure. If, for instance, your device supports WEP 64-bit WEP 128 bit WPA along with WPA2 WPA with PSK then you can implement WPA2.