Working with Access Points

An access point is a great way to extend your wireless network, either to connect to an existing wired network or to share a broadband modem. Installing an access point should be as simple as plugging the power adapter into an outlet and connecting an Ethernet cable to a computer or hub. The trickier aspects of access points come when you start working with them. So it's good to become familiar with a few potential hangups before you get started.

There are two basic types of access points:

1. An access point used as a bridge between a wireless network and a wired network.
2. An access point with a built-in router. The router lets you share Internet access to all your computers.

Once you change any settings as instructed in the installation procedure that comes with your equipment, such as setting encryption or the SSID, you should be ready to go.

TIP: Not all access points are capable of communicating with each other. You can purchase an access point that will communicate with another access point (sometimes called Ethernet over AP or AP-to-AP). This is helpful if you wish to set up multiple access points in your home or office, to extend your wireless network's reach and do not plan to connect each access point to a wired network. If this is important to you, ask whether your access point offers this feature before you buy.

You can purchase an access point that has a router and a built-in hub for connecting wired computers to the router. In the next section, we look at how this setup might benefit you.