Access Point

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.

Access point vs router

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.

What to look for in a venue AP

• Captive portal / hotspot support - essential for guest data capture; UniFi, Omada, Meraki, Aruba, MikroTik and Ruckus all provide it.
• Multi-SSID with VLAN mapping - one AP serving isolated guest and staff networks.
• PoE power - clean ceiling mounting where coverage is best.
• Current WiFi standard - WiFi 6 is the sensible baseline; WiFi 6E and 7 add capacity for dense venues.
• Central management - a cloud or local controller so multiple APs are configured once, together.

How many do you need?

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.