What Is A Wireless Access Point?

Date First Published: 6th February 2022

Topic: Computer Networking

Subtopic: Network Hardware

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty: Medium

Difficulty Level: 5/10

Learn more about what a wireless access point is in this article.

Not to be confused with a Wireless Application Protocol.

A wireless access point, also known as a WAP, or simply an access point, is a device that allows devices with wireless capabilities and wired networks to connect to a network using a wireless standard. Access points are built into the hardware of routers that are used at home. Portable devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops go through a hardware or built-in access point when performing online tasks in order to establish an internet connection without any cables.

Wireless access points provide an internet connection within a certain area. For example, a wireless access point could be used in the offices of a business to allow employees to stay connected to the network whilst being able to work anywhere and they could be used in a public place, such as an airport to provide wireless internet connection whilst people are waiting for their departure gate. A diagram of a wireless access point can be seen below.

What Are The Types Of Wireless Data Standards?

A number of wireless data standards have been introduced for wireless access point and wireless router technology. The main reason why newer standards have been introduced is that there has been a need for faster wireless network connections. Since a lot of devices were designed to be used with previous standards, some wireless routers allow backwards compatibility with older Wi-Fi technologies. Some examples of wireless data standards include: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax, also known as Wi-Fi 6.