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Can Your Network Benefit From Wireless Access Points?
Can Your Network Benefit From Wireless Access Points?
Wireless networks have become more important than ever when it comes to your Edina, MN home. A typical home network now communicates with speakers, televisions, thermostats and more. As wireless technology becomes the backbone of most homes, users are seeking new ways to make their connections stronger, faster and more reliable. But setting up a wireless network requires knowledge of a variety of terms ranging from LANs to WAPS that can overwhelm DIY installers. In this blog, we’ll focus on WAPs (wireless access points) and the important role they plan in network installations.
SEE MORE: Improve Your Home Network with Router Upgrades
What Are Wireless Access Point?
A wireless access point connects to your central router through a wired network or can be integrated into the router itself. The WAP converts your network signal into a 2.4GIG or 5Gig HZ broadband (or both if you have a dual-band access point). Since the WAP uses a hard-wired connection, it can provide a powerful signal to its immediate area.
What Are the Biggest Benefits of Installing WAPs?
The primary purpose of a wireless access point is to extend the reach of your network. In larger homes, you may need access points to reach separate floors or outdoor spaces. Access points make it easy to use your connected devices no matter where you are.
How do You Know Which Wireless Access Points to Use? The first step is figuring out whether you should be using a router or an access point. The latter provides a signal that is slightly weaker than the one from a router, so it should not be installed in areas where you’ll use your network regularly—like a home office or media room. Once you decide if access points are the right option there are a few things to consider:
- Dual Bandwidth: If you plan on using the hardware within a smart home environment, you want to opt for dual-bandwidth access points. This way you can connect to various types of devices and divide up your traffic for a faster connection.
- Directional vs. Omni-Directional: Access points can have directional antennas to aim your signal towards a specific area. These are preferred over omnidirectional antennas since they result in a stronger signal.
- Outdoor vs. Indoor: If you’re using an access point to extend your wireless network to your outdoor spaces, you want to make sure you’re using hardware meant for outdoor use. Outdoor WAPs have directional antennas and are designed to withstand humidity and extreme temperatures.
Where Are the Best Locations for Wireless Access Points? Access points are designed for easy and discreet installation in homes or business. Pakedge’s WK-1, for example, comes with a mount that barely pops out, resembling the look of in-ceiling speakers.
- Find Problem Areas: During your consultation, your networking professional will help you figure out the dead spots on your property. Your access points should be located near these areas to resolve your coverage issues.
- Avoid Obstructions: These can be in the form of HVAC ducts, microwave ovens, or even cordless phones. These are likely to interrupt your wireless signal.
- Aim Your WAP: If you have an omnidirectional WAP, you want to place it in the center of the room since the signal is broadcast in all directions. With directional antennas, you want to place the WAP in the corner of the room and aim it in the direction you want to cover.
When it comes to your wireless connection, we can implement the necessary solutions to make sure you have reliable coverage throughout your home. From investing in the right hardware to applying the right security protocols, we can take care of all your networking needs. To get started, fill out our contact form or call us at (612) 353-5087.