Explain Wireless Access Point

An access point is how you connect your computer to the Internet. This access point can either be a wired connection, which means the computer is physically connected, or a wireless connection. If the connection is wireless, it is said to be a wireless access point.

You can access the Internet with either a wired or wireless connection:

• When the computer you’re connecting to the Internet uses a wired connection, it requires an Ethernet cable (or some other type of hardware connection.) This Ethernet cable is run from your computer’s LAN port to the router or modem that acts as your access point.
• A wireless access point, on the other hand, allows you to access the Internet through the same type of routing device or modem without having to be tethered to the router by an Ethernet cable. This means you can move your computer about freely, so long as you remain within the frequency range of the router. 

How a Wireless Access Point Works

A wireless access point works by transmitting and receiving the same information as would normally be sent through an Ethernet cable, only the exchange of information is done through a number of different radio frequencies rather than being transferred through the wired connection.

The wireless access point is only wireless from the computer to the router, however; the router must be connected to either your incoming Internet cable connection or your wired LAN router in order to receive and send its data to the Internet and to be able to transfer incoming and outgoing information. 

Types of Wireless Access Networks

There are a few different types of wireless routers that may be used as Internet/wireless access points, and they’re distinguished by a set of letters.

• B, G, and G/N network adapters are all different kinds of routers that have different ranges and capabilities.
• If you have a small, one-story house and are only using one or two laptop computers, the B network routers are your most economically sensible choice. The range of these routers is limited, however, and the capabilities as far as the speed and reliable of your wireless connection to the Internet are often lacking. These routers are more often used for Internet users who don’t do any media streaming, but who mainly do emailing and general browsing. 

For users who have a high-transfer rate, such as for media streaming or music and movie downloading, one of the more powerful routers is usually a better choice to go with.

• The G and the G/N routers carry with them a widened range of frequency and, with the increased range, comes increased connection speed and capabilities.
• Most people opt for these types of routers simply because of the fact that they attain greater speed and downloading capabilities, regardless of the size of their network or the range of frequency they truly need. 

Wireless access is a welcome feature for people who want to get online without having to be locked into sitting at a desk all day.  Now you have had a simple explanation of wireless access points and you can make an informed choice about obtaining your Internet connection wirelessly.