Whether it’s a large business or a small business, all need a connection to the internet in order to work, especially when the work is on the laptop. But what are the best wireless access points to use for business?
The best wireless access point for small business is Ubiquiti UniFi Access Point. This wireless access point is affordable, easy to set up, and offers customization options that make it a best-seller. The design is compact and has a high-rated performance that everyone in the workplace can enjoy.
There are other wireless access points that work just as well as Ubiquiti and that will provide just as many benefits.
What are Wireless Access Points
A Wireless Access Point is more commonly known as a hot spot. In a longer explanation, it’s a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network.
Why We Need Wireless Access Points
Wireless access points are becoming more and more necessary in business areas because some businesses need to support hundreds of wireless internet users. Wireless access points make it easy and convenient to connect to the internet.
There may be a point of argument when it comes to Routers, which are another way to connect to the internet. Routers are able to allow wireless devices to connect to the internet, but they can only handle an average of fifteen users, while wireless access points allow fifty, or even a hundred and more to connect to the internet. The transmission range is very broad – at most three hundred meters, which could cover multiple buildings at once.
5 Best Wireless Access Points
There are a lot of amazing wireless access points that have their own awesome features that can be fit and designed for one’s own needs, whether in a small business, large business, or even at home.
But, the five best wireless access points are the following:
- Ubiquiti
- Linksys
- Aruba
- NETGEAR
- TP-Link
Ubiquiti
The Ubiquiti brands are at the top of the best wireless access points. The price of this wireless access point is very affordable and very easy to set up. The design of the Ubiquiti is sleek, compact, and pleasing to the eye. It’s very manageable but not so small to be forgotten. However, one thing to be wary of, is that the case can get hot.
The management software is one of its more brilliant features on the Ubiquiti. It contains a single control plane and improved Wi-fi management. When attempting to connect, it has a guest portal, also known as a hotspot, and has support for user and guest logins. The speed of transmission will not disappoint.
The technology for the Ubiquiti is Wi-fi 6, and optimal RF performance. The connectivity – as do most of these other options – has 802.11 ac.
Another complementary part about this wireless access point is the customization option, which is a top-selling point for this brand.
Linksys
The Linksys LAPN 300 has the same connectivity as Ubiquiti at 802.11 ac, or Wi-fi 5 in other words. This only means that the router is able to support the Wi-fi. It has fast data rates with its 5GHz and has an extensive feature set. A couple of things that might want to be considered are the lack of antennas (external ones) and the average 2.4Ghz performance. But, it does contain Mu-MIMO Tech and a 4×4 dual-band.
Aruba
Aruba Instant On is another favorite for customers. This wireless access point is specifically designed for small businesses that can be mounted on the ceiling or on the wall. And because it’s designed for a small business, the Mbps (meaning Megabits per second), which is 867 on 5GHz, is wicked fast.
Wicked fast probably being snap-of-the-fingers fast.
NETGEAR
NETGEAR WiFi 6 access point has a high-performance rate, along with amazing coverage and highly-improved and sought-after security. The configuration is easy and flexible. However, it does not have any Mu-MIMO technology, which could be a downside to this particular wireless access point to some.
TP-Link
TP-Link EAP610 is the last of the top five wireless access points. The wireless transmission rate is three hundred Mbps and has effective security. It obtains two non-removable antennas, which may be annoying to some. It’s very – if not highly – affordable, and is able to support PoE, however, it is not the fastest when it comes to Wi-fi standards.
The Difference Between a Repeater and a Wireless Access Point
Between the repeaters and a wireless access point, the latter option is better for companies and businesses, however, repeaters work just as well. They are much more simple than the wireless access point and are more susceptible to wireless network failings.
In other words, if there are too many people all at once, it won’t be as fast. However, the wireless access points have direct contact with the routers and offer direct exit of traffic when there is a large amount of people connecting to the internet.
Check the difference between WiFi Extenders, Boosters and Repeaters at WiFi Booster Vs Repeater Vs Extender article on our blog.
Wireless Access Points and Extenders
If wireless access points are not an option, you can improve the Wi-fi range with Extenders. Extenders, however, need an existing Wi-fi network to connect to, like routers. These are super convenient and good in a home, but with businesses, it’s a little harder, because there is so much space and so many people that need to connect to the network.
For example, in a two-story house with a basement, and if the router’s in the basement, the extender should be on the next floor so it can reach the second floor, and there aren’t any dead spots. The extender has to be in a place where the router is strong, but not necessarily in the exact spot where the router is.
For example, in this fictional two-story house with a basement, the router could be installed in the basement, and the extender could be installed on the floor just above it. It’s not next to the router, but it is in an area where the house has a strong connection. This way, the extender can literally extend the internet access to any spots of the home that have spotty internet access.