Wi-Fi Access Points

Access point or router: which job does it do?

An access point turns a wired network connection into Wi-Fi and does nothing else, so it plugs into your router or switch by cable and adds coverage wherever you run that cable. Because the link back to the network is wired, it avoids the speed loss of wireless repeating. Most units are powered over the Ethernet cable by a PoE switch or injector, so confirm the power method on the listing. Mounting style matters too: ceiling, wall plate or in-wall housings suit different rooms.

Standards, streams and the wired uplink behind them

Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E and 7 units sit side by side here, and the standard sets the ceiling for new devices. Streams, shown as 2x2 or 3x3 MU-MIMO, indicate how many devices a unit can serve well at once, which matters more than the headline speed in an office. The Ethernet port must keep up: a gigabit port can bottleneck a fast Wi-Fi 6 or 7 unit, so look for a 2.5 Gbit port on the high end. For several units, check for central management.

Questions about Wi-Fi Access Points

Do I need a controller to run several access points?

Not strictly, but it helps a lot. A controller or cloud dashboard gives all units one network name, shared settings and a smooth handoff as people move around. Without one, each unit is configured separately and devices may cling to a weak signal.

Is an access point better than a mesh system?

When you can run cable, yes: wired access points avoid the airtime lost on the wireless links between mesh nodes. Mesh makes sense where cabling is impractical. For a small space, either approach can work well.

Why does an access point need PoE?

PoE carries data and power over one cable, so a ceiling unit needs no nearby outlet. Your switch must supply enough PoE for the unit, or you need an injector. Some units also accept a separate DC power adapter, so check the listing.