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Wireless access point

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In computer networks, a wireless access point is a device that allows people to connect Wi-Fi devices such as laptop computers on a wireless LAN, to a wired network. The access point is often connected to a wireless Router.

Comparison to an ad hoc network

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A wireless ad hoc network uses two or more devices without a wireless access point. Ad hoc networks are easier to set up because an access point is not needed. This makes it similar to Bluetooth.

Limitations

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It is suggested for each access point to only serve 15-25 client devices[1] This depends on the number of devices in an area, the needed speed of data transfer, location and radio channels of the access point, obstacles and more. A repeater, which repeats the signal, can be used to reach farther places.

There are only a few radio channels for wireless networks. Nearby access points may use different channels to prevent them from obstructing each other.

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References

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  1. "Designing and Building a Campus Wireless Network" (PDF). MCNC. 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-07-31. Retrieved 2019-03-31.