APS are active devices that send out wireless signals into the air. This allows the user to gain access to an Ethernet network through a Wi-Fi connection. There are many different types of APs, with each model carrying unique features and specifications. An Access Point is often mistaken for an Ethernet Switch because they both have similar functions within a network infrastructure.
Below are some types of access point solutions;
Role-based Access Point Solution
Role-based access point solution segregates the wireless network using different virtual APs for different wireless roles. Since each role has a specific set of features, these virtual APs can provide more secure and granular application security for each user group that requires it. Role-based Access Point solution uses radius to authenticate users with different privileges on wireless LAN networks, Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN), remote access users, and mobile devices. This method isolates the wireless clients in a network, thus creating a secured environment.
Strategy for small-scale WLAN deployments
The small-scale WLAN deployment strategy aims to cover all the users in a given area, but it may not provide enough bandwidth or coverage. This wireless network is easy to install and configure even if there are changes due to heavy traffic, obstructions, etc. A small-scale deployment of wireless LANs is usually made up of access points situated at various locations within the area, connected to a wired network.
WLAN Controller-Based Access Points
WLAN Controller-Based Access Points solutions can be used for larger deployments that require more bandwidth and coverage than the small-scale WLAN deployment. The users are connected to one or more access points managed by a central controller. This connection provides the advantage that it is possible to manage many wireless clients centrally from a single location using an Access Point Controller software solution, enhancing network performance and utilization while also reducing operational costs.
Conventional Wireless Access Point Security Solutions
Conventional Wireless Access Point solutions provide high performance and security for wireless clients. These are easy to install, configure and manage since there are few users. Conventional access points connect wirelessly to each other or to a switch or router, which provides wired connectivity to the access point. Conventional solutions provide secure, high-performance wireless connectivity but can be limited to less than 100 users and do not offer the same network management features as WLAN controller-based solutions.
Wireless Repeater
A wireless repeater has at least two built-in antennas and one LAN port on it, so that you can connect your computer directly to it via Ethernet cable. Although most wireless repeaters only have two antennas on them, this is not always the case since they can be set up differently. Since a wireless repeater has two antennas on it, your neighbor’s wireless networks will not interfere with your wireless signal like they would if you used a Positron Access Solutions point instead, since their distance is farther apart than an access point that only has two antennas.
Access points are devices that enable wireless communication by providing a bridge between the wireless network and wired infrastructure. An access point can connect multiple users to this bridge, enabling an office, building, or campus-wide wireless network.
