Definition, Functions and How Access Points Work

Broadly speaking, the definition of an access point is a technology that is closely related to the world of the internet, especially WiFi.

Currently, many large companies or agencies have large public spaces such as offices, schools, hospitals, shopping centers, universities, and others. so that it requires an internet network that can reach all areas of the company. Therefore, many large companies use access points in solving this problem.

Maybe most of us are used to using access points in everyday life. But not a few also do not know the form of an access point and what its function is like.

Therefore, to make it easier for us to access the internet, we have summarized information about the meaning, functions, how to set, and how access points work.

Definition AAccess Point

Access point is a computer network hardware device that connects wireless devices to a local network using technology, such as wifi, bluetooth, wireless, and so on.

Furthermore, the access point itself is often referred to as a wireless local area network (WLAN). This device will be useful for sending and receiving data from the wireless adapter.

According to the Bakti website of the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, the access point consists of antennas, transceivers, and acts as a center for transmitting and receiving signals from/for client servers.

But keep in mind that access points do not manage data flow, such as routers. This is because the access point only connects a device that tries to connect to the network based on whether or not the password provided is correct.

So, with the existence of this access point, the wifi signal can reach all rooms, even though there are many walls and barriers that get in the way. In its application, the access point itself is divided into several types, including:

• Repeater mode
• Bridge mode
• Client mode
• Wireless router mode
• AP client router mode

Access Point Device Type

The following are the types of Access Point devices, namely:

1. Repeater mode

Access Point of this type serves to increase the coverage of wireless signal coverage with a Service Set Identifier or SSID and for the same security. Usually, this mode is used to strengthen the signal in places that have wireless networks but the signal transmission is weak or uneven, for example in the mountains.

2. Access point mode

Access Point Mode (AP Mode) is a device used to route wired to wireless connections. The working system resembles a switch and is located behind the router. Typically, this type is used in places where only wired networks are available.

3. Client mode

Then the client mode function. We can find this type of Access Point on electronic devices that have ethernet ports, for example PCs, laptops, and so on.

4. Wireless router mode

Wireless Router Mode is a device that can share one wired internet connection to several clients. In this mode, there is only one WAN (Wide Area Network) port that supports multiple connection types. This one mode is the right choice for those of you who will access the internet from a DSL or cable modem.

5. Bridge mode

Bridge mode has a way of working by creating two individual networks in one internet for two groups. This tool uses a wireless network and spreads it using the same SSID and password. In addition, this tool can also be used in several places such as offices, restaurants and homes that provide internet services without having to use a password.

Access Point function

The access point also has various functions that are closely related to the internet network. The functions of this access point cannot be separated from the antenna and transceiver it has. So, what is the function of the access point? The following is brief information, namely:

1. Internet signal spreader to connected devices via radio waves.
2. Liaison between local networks that use cables with networks, such as wifi, wireless, bluetooth, and so on.
3. Manage access to a device based on the MAC address.
4. Replaces the hub function that connects wireless local networks with wired networks.
5. Provides WEP and WAP security features. For information, WEP is wireless network security by authenticating the key match given by the client to the access point. Meanwhile, WAP is a security method created to complement the WEP method by adding decryption.

How Access Points Work

The access point works when there are devices trying to access the network. In general, the smartphone screen will appear asking for a password. After that, the access point will arrange for the device to be connected by checking whether the password entered into the access point is correct or not.

After the password is entered correctly, the IP address of the device can connect to the network. This access point provides a connection between the radio frequency signal data lines formed by Wi-Fi and the electrical data lines on Ethernet cables. In addition, the access point also controls access, data encryption, fault tolerance, and network management.

If there is a client device that tries to access the network through the access point, the device will determine not to allow or allow it to connect to the network. To do this, the access point will run its access control features. In this condition, the access point security features will work.

The access point will encrypt the password, checking that the password on the access point matches the password provided by the device. Next, the access point will function as DHCP assigning IP addresses to these devices.

S wayAccess Point settings

Currently many choose to use a tap link access point, because the tap link access point is one of the best access points.

Here’s how to set the tap link access point:

1. Previously, you had to set up an access point, then install an antenna, current or power cable, LAN cable on the access point and connect the LAN cable to a computer or laptop device.
2. After that, set the IP address by entering the control panel-network connection, then selecting internet protocol TCP/IP, clicking properties, then selecting use the following IP address.
3. The next step, fill in the IP address in the column provided. Then click ok and closes.
4. Next, you need to check whether it is connected correctly, by clicking start-run type cmd press enter. After entering the command prompt, enter the IP address to call the IP address
5. After that, a “reply from….” you can see the IP address at the bottom of the access point.
6. The next step is to set the access point by opening a browser and typing the IP address point that has been determined before, then press enter.
7. Then, enter your username and password in the fields provided, then press enter.
8. After that, configure the access point on the AP page.
9. The next step, go to the network tab, then do standard settings and click.
10. Enter the wireless tab to make SSID, region, and mode settings. Then click save.
11. Then enter wireless mode, select access point and checklist enable SSID broadcast then click Save.
12. The final step is to enter DHCP, then select it enable and click Save.

Maybe the method above can be different depending on the firmware and access point series used.

Difference between Router and Access Point

If you look at the meaning and function of the access point mentioned above, you can see that this device is similar to a router. However, what is the difference between a router and an access point? The following is a brief explanation, namely:

A wireless router is a tool that has the function of forwarding packets from one network to another, be it a LAN to LAN or LAN to WAN network, so that it can connect to hosts that have different networks. Meanwhile, an access point is a computer network hardware device that connects wireless devices to a local network. More clearly, the following is a table that distinguishes routers and access points.

Advantages of Access Points

Not only has many functions, the access point also has many advantages over other devices. What are the advantages of an access point? For more detailed information, here is some information, including:

1. Access point allows users not to use a PC running 24 hours to serve the network with special software.
2. The level of security in the access point is more touchable.
3. If the access point is connected to many PCs, it will be easier to make arrangements.