Wireless Access Point

A Wireless Access Point (WAP) is a network device which is configured on WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks) using an IP address to enable wireless communication usually between any communication devices (wired or wireless) and particularly between wireless devices and wired networks. In a corporate network environment, a WAP can be attached to a wired network and configured to enable wireless access to another LAN in a different location. A WAP typically acts as a gateway for clients to access a wired network by enabling reception and transmission of WLAN signals.

In a way, a WAP makes possible wireless communication with mobility within its technically-specified range. The WAPs can also be used effectively to wirelessly connect different wired LANs within a specified range and particularly where the wired connectivity is not normally feasible. Standard WAPs can support up to 255 clients.

A Wireless Access Point (WAP) is a device that receives signals from wireless devices which are within reach and from there, allows them to gain access to the Internet or a network. A WAP can be viewed as a hub, but it can also act as a bridge to increase the range of wireless networks.