6 Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Wireless Access Point

Advancing technology behind wireless access has drastically changed over the past few years. Unlike the clunky boxes that were difficult to operate some years ago, modern wireless access points are user-friendly, easy to install and maintain.

With more businesses upgrading their wireless network environment, choosing the best Wi-Fi access point is overly crucial. Read on to understand wireless access points and how to shop for the best access point.

What is a Wireless Access Point?

As the name suggests, a wireless access point is a device used to create a WLAN (wireless local area network). This device connects to an internet hub, wired router, or switch using an Ethernet cable. It then projects Wi-Fi signals to designated areas.

Compared to range extenders, a wireless access point is efficient for modern businesses for many reasons. For instance, they support up to 60 connections simultaneously. However, to enjoy these benefits, you should use the best Wi-Fi access point for business use. They can also be used at home, especially if you want to extend your Wi-Fi coverage to the backyard.

6 Things to Consider Before Choosing Wireless Access Points

When choosing the best Wi-Fi access point for home offices and small businesses, several factors should be considered to ensure reliable and efficient connectivity. Here are key factors to keep in mind:

1. Range

The primary factor to consider is the extent of coverage required for your wireless network. How expensive is the area that needs to be covered? If the area is sizable, it may be necessary to deploy multiple access points (APs) to guarantee consistent coverage. What's more, consider physical obstructions like walls or floors that may interfere with the signal.

2. Speed and Performance

The rate at which information travels is also something we need to consider, usually measured in bps (bits per second), kilobits, megabits, or gigabits. In general, if the exact 802.11n protocol is supported, wireless AP speeds can reach 300Mbps or higher, six times faster than 802.11n. The WAP that supports the 802.11ac protocol can reach 1200Mbps. Look for APs with the latest Wi-Fi standards, such as 802.11ac or 802.11ax.

3. No Hardware Controllers

Some years back, Wi-Fi access points were typical boxes that had to be operated from a computer by someone with IT knowledge. However, with advancing technology, such old technologies are obsolete. Modern Wi-Fi access points, such as the latest wireless AP, use software-based controls within the network, thus don’t require external controllers.

Obviously, software-based controls have a lot of benefits over the previous hardware-dependent access points. It not only eliminates the large chunk of hardware but also eliminates the possibility of a single point of failure from the network. With modern systems, no hardware can lead to network failures.

4. Gain Antenna

Unlike routers, antennas of wireless APs are basically built in. Nonetheless, antennas of wireless access points are important as they determine the strength and transmission range of the wireless AP. That said, choose a system with a gain antenna. There is a wide range of Wi-Fi antenna options to choose from. Making the right decision comes down to your basic internet needs. As such, you should consider the size of the area that you need to be covered by the access point and whether you want an indoor access point or outdoor access point. Note that Wi-Fi points for large antennas are limited. Similarly, outdoor units require some

5. WiFi Technology

You should choose a device using MESH, MIMO, and POE access point technology based on your business needs. MESH technology can be used for home and business devices. MIMO technology significantly reduces obstructive effects that affect Wi-Fi signals, reducing data speed. POE technology uses low-power cabling tech that transmits signals up to 100M.

6. Price

There are many types of wireless APs on the market now, and there are many choices. It is best to understand your business needs and the actual performance of Wi-Fi access points before making a choice. It is not that the higher the price, the better the Wi-Fi access point. Sometimes too high a price will not only increase the cost, but also cause waste of product functions and performance. But low prices can tempt people to buy inferior or counterfeit products.

FS Wireless Access Points: Your Best Choice

Are you still unsure of which wireless access point to choose for your small business or home office? Look no further than FS wireless access points. FS offers a comprehensive product lineup that includes indoor APs, outdoor APs, ceiling-mounted APs, and wall-mounted APs, ensuring you find a solution that meets almost any budget, performance requirement, or deployment scenario. With options such as MESH and MIMO technology, FS wireless access points promise robust and reliable wireless connectivity. In addition, FS wireless APs are designed to be user-friendly and easy to install, making them ideal for both professional and personal use. Choose FS for cutting-edge technology, seamless integration, and reliable customer support to elevate your wireless networking experience.

Conclusion

Selecting the right wireless access point involves balancing several key factors, such as coverage range, speed, performance, modern control features, antenna capabilities, technology specifications, and price. By carefully considering these elements, you'll be well-prepared to make an informed decision that perfectly suits your home or business needs. At the same time, choose FS wireless APs for dependable and high-performance wireless network solutions, backed by excellent customer support, to keep your home or business connected seamlessly.