# wireless access point

> device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, or related standards

**Wikidata**: [Q326717](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q326717)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_access_point)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wireless-access-point

## Summary
A wireless access point (WAP) is a networking hardware device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi or related standards. It functions as a bridge that mediates data between wireless and wired network infrastructures.

## Key Facts
- Classified as networking hardware and a point of presence (PoP).
- Connects wireless networks directly with wired network environments.
- Common aliases include AP, WAP, Wi-Fi access point, and punto de acceso.
- Distinct from a wireless router, although a wireless router typically includes a wireless access point as part of its internal hardware.
- Categorized under Google Product Taxonomy ID 5496 (Electronics > Networking > Bridges & Routers > Wireless Access Points).
- Notable historical and commercial examples include the ASUS Eee AP (released in 2008) and the Cisco Aironet series.
- The term "hotspot" is frequently used to describe a Wi-Fi access point.
- Specialized versions include the wireless game adapter, designed specifically for game console connectivity.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the difference between a wireless access point and a wireless router?
A: A wireless router is a device that functions as both a router and a wireless access point. While they are related, a standalone wireless access point is a specific hardware class focused on bridging wireless devices to a wired network, whereas a router manages data traffic between different networks.

### Q: What is a rogue access point?
A: A rogue access point is an unauthorized wireless access point that has been attached to a computer network. These are typically installed without the permission of the network administrator and can pose security risks.

### Q: Does WAP stand for Wireless Application Protocol?
A: In the context of networking hardware, WAP stands for Wireless Access Point. However, it is a distinct entity from the Wireless Application Protocol, which is a different technology that happens to share the same acronym.

## Why It Matters
Wireless access points are essential components of modern network infrastructure, providing the necessary interface for mobile devices to access wired network resources. By acting as a point of presence, they enable the flexibility of wireless connectivity without requiring every device to be physically tethered by cables. This technology is the foundation for "hotspots," allowing for public and private internet access in diverse locations. The development of specialized hardware, such as the Cisco Aironet series or the ASUS Eee AP, highlights the role of these devices in both enterprise and consumer electronics. They solve the problem of network scalability and mobility, allowing a single wired connection to support multiple wireless clients simultaneously.

## Notable For
- **Hotspot Foundation:** Serves as the primary hardware component for creating Wi-Fi hotspots.
- **Enterprise Standards:** Represented by major hardware series like Cisco Aironet.
- **Device Specialization:** Includes niche hardware like wireless game adapters for console-specific networking.
- **Acronym Distinction:** Frequently distinguished in technical documentation from the Wireless Application Protocol to avoid industry confusion.

## Body
### Classification and Taxonomy
The wireless access point is a specific class of networking hardware. It is formally categorized as a "point of presence" within a network architecture. In commercial classification systems, it is identified by the Google Product Taxonomy ID 5496 and is recognized in academic and technical databases such as BabelNet (01195548n) and Kbpedia (WirelessAccessPoint-Device).

### Functional Role and Connectivity
The primary function of a wireless access point is to facilitate data mediation. It connects wireless devices to a wired network using Wi-Fi or related communication standards. While it is a standalone device class, its functionality is often integrated into other hardware:
*   **Wireless Routers:** Devices that combine routing capabilities with access point functionality.
*   **Wireless Game Adapters:** Specialized access points that enable wireless connectivity for gaming consoles.
*   **Wi-Fi Arrays:** Configurations involving multiple access points or related hardware.

### Notable Hardware and Brands
Several specific products and series define the wireless access point market:
*   **Cisco Aironet:** A prominent series of Wi-Fi access points used in professional networking.
*   **ASUS Eee AP:** An access point released by ASUS in 2008.
*   **WAP11:** A specific model of wireless access point hardware.
*   **SFR Box:** A consumer-facing device that incorporates access point features.

### Security and Variations
In network security, the term "rogue access point" refers to any unauthorized WAP attached to a network. This highlights the device's role as a gateway; because it provides a bridge to the wired network, unauthorized units can bypass standard physical security measures.

## Schema Markup
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## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. BabelNet
3. Quora
4. KBpedia