Access Point: Definition, Features, Installation, Cost
Access points (AP) could be your answer if you own or manage a business with slow, unsecured, or unstable wifi.
Introduction
Access Point: Definition, Features, Installation, Cost
Whether you manage an office, marina, or campground, ensuring you have a strong, secure, and stable wifi is a necessity.
But how do you do that? Do you purchase a better router? Do you add a wifi extender? Do you install an off the shelf wireless mesh unit? Well, you do none of that. Instead, you need to install access points.
What is an Access Point?
An Access Point (AP) is a networking device that allows wireless devices, like laptops, smartphones, and CCTV, to connect to a wired network through wifi. The device itself acts like a “bridge” between wired and wireless networks, enabling devices to access the internet or other network resources without physical cables.
Types and Features
There are a few different types of access points, with the following being the most popular:
How Access Points Work
Access points are like bridges between wired networks and wireless devices. They connect to a router or a switch via Ethernet and broadcast wifi signals, allowing a range of devices to connect wirelessly.
To connect, the access point broadcasts one or multiple SSIDs (Service Set Identifiers). Each of these identifiers represents an available network. Therefore, when trying to connect to the access point, the SSID is what will show on the device under the wifi settings.
Example
To picture this better, imagine an assisted living facility looking for a wifi solution.
They have wifi on their premises, but it struggles to meet the demands of the residents and staff. Some problems they encounter are coverage gaps, device overload, slow speeds, etc.
In that case, the facility can install more access points. By installing and configuring these access points correctly, all of the problems can be solved.
Site survey and planning will eliminate coverage gaps, and configuring Quality of Service (QoS) settings on the APs will prioritize devices, decreasing device overload and increasing wifi speed.
Router Vs. Access Point
Commonly, business owners get routers and access points mixed up. They are very different. Therefore, we created the table below to compare them side-by-side:
Wireless Access Point Installation Process
For businesses, whether a campground and caravan park or an office building, the process of installing access points remains the same.
- Site Survey & Planning
First, a professional will assess the business environment via a site survey. During this, they’ll identify weak or no wifi signal areas, interference sources, high-traffic zones, etc.
They’ll also ask you for your network requirements before designing the network and determining the number of access points.
- Selecting the Right Equipment
Based on the business’s needs, the installer will choose suitable access points. This could include wifi 6 or wifi 6E models, AP with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, outdoor-rated wireless access point options, etc.
- Physical Installation
They’ll then install the access points in the locations based on the site survey and planning. Generally, most AP kits come with brackets or mounting.
- Connecting to the Network
The newly installed access points will then be connected to the business’s network infrastructure using ethernet cables. If PoE is available, APs will receive power and data through these cables, removing the need for outlets near installation points.
- Configuration
Once connected, the professional will then configure each access point. This could be setting SSID names, changing the channels and frequencies, or configuring VLANs to separate employee and guest networks.
- Testing and Optimization
After configuration, the installer will test the network. Some tests include load testing and signal testing. They’ll just see whether the access points they’ve installed can fulfill the requirements of the customer.
Alongside the testing phase, they may also spot optimization opportunities. Opportunities to make the access points better by changing location, configuration, etc. These will be changed if they appear.
Access Point Installation Cost
The installation cost depends on the number of access points, the type of access points, and the site condition. As well as the current infrastructure at your location. Some locations lack the necessary building infrastructure to mount the APs at the correct height. If this is the case the company will recommend or install the required poles to achieve your original network requirements.
To give a rough idea, here are some cost scenarios if an individual wanted to do the work themselves:
- A small office installation with two access points might cost $1,200 to $2,400, not including labor.
- A medium-sized business installation with five access points could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on hardware and site conditions.
- A large enterprise needing enterprise-grade APs with license, network segmentation, etc., could exceed $50,000.
The examples are based on businesses and spaces that already have ethernet lines run and pre-installed infrastructure to mount network gear in place. Exact pricing for your business will vary based on the overall goal and conditions of your property.
Get Access Point Installation Today
If your business requires access point installation, contact local professionals at Beacon. We have specialized expertise in surveying, installing, and managing wifi solutions for various industries, locations, and requirements. See how we can make a difference today.
Get in Touch
We’re here to assist you with any inquiries.