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access point

An Access Point (AP) is a device that connects wireless devices to a wired network, acting as a bridge and providing features such as wireless connectivity, signal coverage extension, and security. There are three main types of APs: Standalone APs, which operate independently; Controller-Based APs, which are managed by a Wireless LAN Controller; and Mesh Based APs, which work together in a wireless mesh network. The document also distinguishes between access points and routers, highlighting their different roles in network management and connectivity.

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Anushka Pandey
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45 views2 pages

access point

An Access Point (AP) is a device that connects wireless devices to a wired network, acting as a bridge and providing features such as wireless connectivity, signal coverage extension, and security. There are three main types of APs: Standalone APs, which operate independently; Controller-Based APs, which are managed by a Wireless LAN Controller; and Mesh Based APs, which work together in a wireless mesh network. The document also distinguishes between access points and routers, highlighting their different roles in network management and connectivity.

Uploaded by

Anushka Pandey
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Access Point (AP)

An Access Point (AP) is a network device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network.It acts
by
asAdmin
a bridge between the wired network (like Ethernet) and wireless devices (like laptops, smartphones and
IoT devices).
Key Features of an Access Point in DCCN:

- Wireless Connectivity – Enables devices to connect via Wi-Fi.


- Bridge Between Networks – Connects a wireless network to a wired LAN.
- Signal Coverage Extension – Expands network coverage in large areas.
- Authentication & Security – Provides access control mechanisms (WPA, WPA2, etc.).
- Multiple Device Support – Can handle multiple connections at once.

What is a Wireless Access Point?

A Wireless Access Point, or simply Wireless AP, is an, or simply Wireless AP, is an access point device that
sends and receives data via a wireless LAN. This access point serves as the connecting bridge between the
wireless LAN and a fixed wire network.A WAP is similar to an Ethernet hub but varies in the aspect of LAN
frame relays.

A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between different networks. It operates at
Layer 3 (Network Layer) of the OSI model and uses IP addresses to determine the best path for data
transmission.

The main difference between access point and router include,

- An access point is a sub-device within the LAN that offers another location for network devices to connect
from and allows more devices to access the network.On the other hand, a router acts as a hub that sets up
a wireless LAN and manages all devices & communication in them.

- While routers manage LAN, connect with external network systems, receive, and distribute. data in multiple
directions, ensure secured access, and create a point of connectivity, a Wireless Access Point usually only
provides access to the established network of the router.

- Wifi AP routers can work as access points, but not all access points can operate as routers.

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Types of Access Points (AP) in Computer Networks :

1. Standalone AP:

A Standalone AP (also called a Fat AP) is an independent device that functions as both an access point and
a basic network controller. It does not require additional hardware or centralized management.
It provides connectivity between various wireless devices. It accepts and relays frames from a connected device
and forwards it to the destination device based on its physical address. Typically, a standalone access point is
used in commercial establishments like offices, public places, etc.

2. Controller-Based AP:

A Controller-Based AP (also called a Thin AP) is managed by a Wireless LAN Controller (WLC), which centralizes
network management and security settings. A wireless router used in ISPs is the right example of a multifunction
access point. It includes three network devices; a regular Ethernet switch, an access point and a router.

3. Mesh Based AP:


A Mesh Access Point is part of a wireless mesh network (WMN), where multiple APs work together to
extend coverage without wired connections between them. This access point works as the client of the WLC
(Wireless LAN Controller). A controlled access point is also referred to as a Lightweight Access Point (LWAP).
However, it is not capable of taking any forwarding decision. After receiving a frame from a connected device, the
controlled access point forwards it to the WLC instead of the destination device.

Types of Access Points


Depending on the functionalities, Wireless Access Points can be categorized into three
types listed below.

Standalone access point

It is a network access point that offers similar functionality in a wireless network that a

Multifunction Access Point

A multifunction access point is a combination of two or more access point devices.


Here additional devices are merged with the wireless access point to bring additional
functionalities along with the current functionality of the access point. A wireless router

access point,

Controlled Access Point

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