An access point (AP) is a networking device that broadcasts one or more WiFi networks and bridges wireless devices onto a wired network, typically ceiling-mounted and powered over Ethernet in business deployments.
An access point (AP) is the device that actually broadcasts a WiFi network - it takes a wired Ethernet connection and turns it into wireless coverage that phones, tablets and laptops can join. In business settings, APs are usually ceiling- or wall-mounted and powered over the same Ethernet cable that carries their data (PoE, Power over Ethernet), so no plug socket is needed at the mounting point.
A home "router" is really several devices in one box: a router, a switch, a firewall and an access point. Business networks separate these roles - a router/firewall at the core, switches for cabling, and dedicated APs for wireless - because dedicated APs give better coverage, support many more simultaneous devices, and offer features consumer gear lacks: multiple SSIDs, VLAN tagging, and captive portal support.
Coverage depends on walls, building materials and guest density more than raw floor area: a small cafe often needs one AP, a multi-room pub two or three, a hotel one per few rooms along each corridor. See how to choose an access point for guest WiFi and how many access points your venue needs, or browse supported models on the hardware page.
An SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the public name of a WiFi network - a label of up to 32 bytes that access points broadcast so nearby devices can find and join the network.
A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a logical segmentation of a physical network, defined by IEEE 802.1Q, that isolates groups of devices - such as guest WiFi users and staff systems - from each other while sharing the same switches and cables.
A captive portal is a web page that public WiFi users see before being granted internet access - typically used to authenticate users, accept terms, and capture data such as email or social-login identity.
A WiFi hotspot is a physical location where people can access the internet over WiFi, provided through one or more access points, with access controlled by a captive portal, password, voucher, or paid plan.
Capture guest emails, run automated email/SMS campaigns, and grow Google reviews - all from your existing WiFi.