Wireless Access points

Wireless Access point - as the name suggests is the device which broadcasts and receives the radio wave activity which is wireless connection.

Wireless Access points are in turn connected to the LAN via cable as any other cable connection device,i.e. PC, printer, etc.

If you have a laptop that connects via wireless its broadcast is picked up by the wireless access point and communicated over the hardwire lan to the server, etc. Likewise, the transmission from the server is delivered over the wire to the Wireless Access Point which broadcasts it so that the Laptop can receive it.

Wireless Access point is nothing but a communication device which enables communication between the last mile system and the host station from where the signals are transmitted and recieved. Communication happens through antenna which communicate using the Spread Spectrum technology. Mostly WA Points is used for mobile users wherein authentication of the user can be done using these access points from the station (BSS) using SSID (Service Set Identifier). If any more queries please feel free toask.

Cheers,

Simply and briefly:

Wireless AP's are designed to extend the range between wireless devices.

You should be able to find some information here:

http://www.extremetech.com/article/0,3396,s=1034&a=13521,00.asp

(delete any spaces in the URL).

In a nutshell, the access point is a receiver. It extends your signal range and acts as a bridge/hub/router and sometimes even printserver for your wireless network.

I bought the Linksys WAP-11 and have been very pleased with its performance...

hope this helps!