What Is an Access Point? What Are Its Types and Deployment Methods?

An Access Point (AP) is a wireless access point that provides wireless connectivity services for end devices. It functions as a wireless switch in wireless networks and is the core component of a wireless network. The Wi-Fi technology we are familiar with is the mainstream communication technology commonly used by APs, while WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) is a wireless network composed of devices such as APs and ACs (Access Controllers).

 

How Does an Access Point Work?

 

An Access Point works by converting network signals from twisted-pair cables into radio signals after processing, creating wireless network coverage. Users can receive these radio signals through wireless devices (such as wireless network cards) and connect to the Access Point to achieve wireless network access. The specific steps are as follows:

 

1. Terminal A sends data wirelessly to the transmitting AP.
2. The transmitting AP encapsulates the wireless data into wired network data and sends it through the wired network to the receiving AP.
3. The receiving AP converts the wired data back into wireless network data and sends it to terminal B.

In other words, AP serves as a bridge between wired and wireless networks in this process, converting wired network signals into wireless network signals to expand network coverage and allow wireless devices to conveniently access the network. It enables common wireless devices in daily life (such as mobile phones, laptops, etc.) to connect to wired networks or other wireless networks wirelessly. Additionally, it supports various wireless network protocols, such as Wi-Fi, ensuring stable and efficient network access for wireless devices.

 

What Is the Relationship Between Access Point, Wi-Fi, and WLAN?

 

Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance and a wireless network communication technology based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. Wi-Fi technology allows electronic devices to exchange data through radio waves without requiring wired connections. It is primarily used to achieve interconnection and data transmission between wireless devices, with the goal of improving interoperability between wireless network products based on the IEEE 802.11 standard.

 

WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network. WLAN uses wireless communication technology to establish networks within a local area, making information transmission more convenient. It typically consists of APs, wireless terminal devices (such as smartphones, laptops, etc.), and possibly other network devices (such as switches, routers, etc.).

 

In summary, an AP is a device that uses Wi-Fi technology to achieve wireless access, while WLAN is a wireless local area network composed of multiple APs and wireless terminal devices. Within this network, Wi-Fi serves as one of the common communication technologies, enabling communication and data transmission between devices. These technologies together form the foundation of modern wireless networks, bringing great convenience to our lives and work.

 

What Are the Types of Access Points?

 

By market usage, APs can be divided into two major categories: Home APs and Enterprise APs.

Home APs: Primarily designed for home environments, used mainly for personal devices of family members. APs are typically fewer in number, supporting a limited number of connected terminals (ranging from a few to a dozen). Requirements for network latency, bandwidth, and security are relatively low.

Enterprise APs: Primarily designed for business environments, used for production and office purposes across various industries. APs are typically larger in number, deployed in a centralized or cloud-based manner, and used in scenarios such as corporate offices, remote education, and telemedicine. These APs support more connected devices and demand higher standards for latency, bandwidth, and security.

 

By installation scenario, APs can be divided into three major categories: Indoor Installed APs, Indoor Panel APs, and Outdoor APs.

Indoor Installed APs: Often installed on ceilings indoors, they provide wireless network access services for larger  rooms, such as classrooms, large offices, and shopping malls.

Indoor Panel APs: Standard panel APs are often wall-mounted indoors, while 86-panel APs are typically installed using junction boxes indoors. They provide wireless network access services for smaller rooms, such as dormitories, hotel rooms, and hospital wards.

Outdoor APs: Mostly installed outdoors using wall-mount or pole-mount methods, they provide wireless network access services for outdoor areas, such as sports fields, pedestrian streets, and amusement parks. They have higher requirements for water resistance, lightning protection, dustproofing, etc.

 

In addition, there are APs customized based on certain industry characteristics to meet specific industry requirements, such as vehicle-mounted APs and trackside APs for vehicle-ground communication, intrinsically safe APs (also called intrinsic APs) for underground operations, and zero-roaming distributed APs for medical-patient networks.

 

What Are the Common Deployment Methods for Access Points?

 

Access Points (APs) can be deployed in various ways to suit different network environments and user needs. Below are some common AP deployment methods:

 

1. Ceiling/Wall Mounting

This is the most common AP deployment method, where the AP is installed on the ceiling or mounted on a wall. This approach ensures that the AP is positioned at a higher location, reducing interference from physical obstacles and providing broader wireless coverage.

Suitable scenarios: Indoor environments such as offices, conference rooms, shopping malls, and hotels.

 

2. Concealed Deployment

APs are hidden within ceilings, walls, furniture, or other decorative elements to minimize impact on indoor aesthetics. This method requires ensuring that the AP's heat dissipation and signal transmission are not affected.

Suitable scenarios: Locations with high aesthetic requirements, such as high-end offices, museums, and galleries.

 

3. Outdoor Deployment

APs are installed in outdoor environments, such as on building exterior walls, roofs, or light poles. This method requires protection measures against rain and sun exposure to ensure AP stability and longevity.

Suitable scenarios: Outdoor environments such as campuses, parks, factories, and warehouses.

 

4. Distributed System Deployment

Multiple APs are connected to a centralized controller (such as an AC, Access Controller), which manages and configures the APs uniformly. This method enables centralized management of wireless networks, optimizes network performance, and enhances network security.

Suitable scenarios: Scenarios requiring centralized management, such as large enterprise networks, campus networks, and hospital networks.

 

5. Mesh Network Deployment

Description: Multiple APs are wirelessly interconnected to form a mesh network. This method can improve network reliability and coverage area, but may be affected by wireless signal interference and attenuation.

Suitable scenarios: Suitable for scenarios where cable installation is difficult or rapid wireless network deployment is needed, such as temporary event venues and remote areas.

 

6. High-Density Deployment

Multiple APs are deployed in areas with high user density (such as conference rooms, stadiums, exhibition halls, etc.) to provide sufficient network capacity and bandwidth. This method requires careful planning of AP locations and quantities to avoid signal interference and overlap.

Suitable scenarios: Suitable for scenarios that need to support a large number of simultaneous user connections.

 

7. Embedded Deployment

APs are embedded into other devices, such as routers, switches, cameras, etc., to achieve multi-functional integration and simplified deployment.

Suitable scenarios: Scenarios requiring multi-functional integration, such as smart homes and smart buildings. Suitable scenarios: Scenarios requiring multi-functional integration, such as smart homes and smart buildings.

 

8. Mobile Deployment

APs are installed on mobile devices (such as vehicles, drones, etc.) to achieve mobile network coverage. This method requires ensuring both stability and mobility of the AP.

Suitable scenarios: Scenarios requiring mobile network coverage, such as public transportation, outdoor events, and emergency rescue operations.

 

When selecting an AP deployment method, factors such as network scale, coverage area, data transmission rate, stability, cost, and user requirements need to be considered. Additionally, it's essential to ensure that AP deployment complies with relevant security standards and regulatory requirements. Currently, mature wireless network solution providers offer comprehensive product lines tailored to various scenarios. For example, Ruijie Reyee's wireless network product line includes three main categories: wall-mounted APs, ceiling-mounted APs, and outdoor APs. They also provide products designed for specific use cases, equipped with multiple patented technologies. During wireless network deployment, Ruijie Reyee products eliminate the need for additional equipment assistance, delivering excellent performance in both cloud management and signal stability. As the first SMB manufacturer to introduce Wi-Fi 7 to the market, Ruijie Reyee's solutions enable users to enjoy lower network latency and smoother high-definition content transmission.

Ruijie Reyee Wi-Fi 7 BE14000 Tri-Band Ceiling Access Point

Future Prospects of Access Points

 

As a core component of wireless networks, Access Points (APs) are in high demand. With continuous advancements in technology, future APs are expected to become more intelligent, high-performing, and secure. Mainstream communication technologies are also evolving, transitioning from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 6, and further to Wi-Fi 7. To meet the connectivity needs of devices using protocols like Bluetooth and RFID, IoT-enabled APs that support terminal access to wireless networks through built-in or plug-in modules are gradually becoming widespread. Market competition and technological innovation will continue to drive the growth of the AP market, presenting new opportunities and challenges for AP manufacturers. Through collaboration and mutual benefit, AP manufacturers can expand the market, pursue higher bandwidth, faster speeds, and more stable ubiquitous access, ultimately achieving shared success.