An AP (Access Point) generally refers to a wireless access point, a point of access for a wireless network, commonly known as a "hotspot." There are two main types: integrated routing and switching access devices and pure access point devices. Integrated devices handle access and routing, while pure access devices only handle wireless client access. Pure access devices are typically used as wireless network extenders, connecting to other APs or a main AP to expand wireless coverage, while integrated devices are generally the core of the wireless network.
Most wireless APs support multi-user access, data encryption, and multi-rate transmission. Some products also offer comprehensive wireless network management functions. For small-scale wireless LANs such as homes and offices, generally only one wireless AP is needed to enable wireless access for all computers.
