What is an access point (AP)?
Definition
An access point (AP) is the radio that broadcasts a WiFi signal and bridges wireless devices onto the wired network. It creates the wireless LAN, carries one or more SSIDs, and tags each network onto its VLAN. A typical venue plans for one AP per 20 to 30 concurrent users.
Access point (AP) explained
Access points are the devices mounted on ceilings and walls throughout a venue. Enterprise APs differ from consumer routers in what they can carry: multiple SSIDs, VLAN tagging, central management and far higher concurrent client counts, typically 100 to 200 connected devices per AP on paper.
The paper figure is not the planning figure. Capacity per user depends on how busy the space is and what people do on it, which is why density planning works from roughly 20 to 30 active users per AP. Placement matters as much as count: walls, glass, crowds and neighbouring channels all shape coverage, so a site survey and a heat map come before the purchase order.
How APs are managed has changed. In a controller-based design, lightweight APs take their configuration from a Wireless LAN Controller (WLC). Cloud-managed and controller-less designs move that logic to the cloud or into the APs themselves. Firmware needs a managed update process in any model, because an out-of-date AP is both a security and a performance risk.
Guides on Access point (AP)
- Technical guideAccess point placement and coverage planning for venues
- Technical guideWhat is a WLC and do you still need one?
- Technical guideAccess point firmware management best practices
Where it fits
- Pillar guideGuest WiFi guide
- Purple productSupported network hardware
- Free toolAccess point calculator
Related terms
Need more than a definition?
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