With the growing number of smart devices, laptops, tablets, and cloud-based services, it’s important to have a network that can support all your devices without lagging or crashing. This is where wireless access points (APs) come in, providing extended Wi-Fi coverage and stable connectivity. Choosing the right wireless access point can dramatically improve your network’s speed, performance, and security.
In this article, we will analyze key features you should consider when purchasing a wireless access point. We hope this article will help you choose the best AP for your specific needs.
What to Consider
When selecting an access point, the needs of a business environment dictate the choice.
Luckily, Cisco Meraki access points are purpose-built for business use, offering a range of features designed to handle high traffic, ensure security, and provide easy management across multiple locations.
Speed and User Capacity
Business networks demand robust infrastructure capable of handling large numbers of simultaneous users and devices without compromising speed or performance. So, business APs, like Cisco Meraki access points, are engineered to support hundreds of users, making them ideal for offices, campuses, or retail environments where high-speed data transfers and constant connectivity are critical. With features like MU-MIMO and OFDMA, these wireless APs efficiently manage large volumes of traffic, ensuring seamless performance for bandwidth-heavy tasks such as video conferencing, cloud-based applications, and file sharing.
Security and Control
Security is paramount in business networks, and APs for office use come equipped with advanced security features such as WPA3 encryption, intrusion detection systems (IDS/IPS), and VPN support. These features are essential for protecting sensitive corporate data and ensuring that only authorized users have access to the network. With Meraki, its centralized management allows monitoring and control of multiple APs across various locations, making it easier to enforce security policies, manage devices, and ensure compliance with corporate standards.
Performance and Customization
Office environments require high-performance, customizable access points that can adjusted to specific business needs. Cisco Meraki access points come with advanced features like traffic shaping, which prioritizes bandwidth for critical applications, and guest network capabilities, allowing businesses to create separate networks for visitors without compromising the main network’s security. Also, Meraki APs are easily scalable, meaning businesses can expand their networks as they grow without overhauling existing infrastructure.
Key Features to Consider When Deciding on an Office Access Point
Choosing the right access point for an office environment goes beyond just providing internet connectivity. Businesses need solutions that can handle high user density, provide advanced security, and scale as the organization grows. Here are several key features to consider when selecting an office access point (AP) to ensure optimal performance, security, and long-term flexibility.
Scalability
As your business expands, the demands on your network will increase. Scalability is a crucial feature when choosing a wireless access point, as it allows your network to grow seamlessly without replacing infrastructure. Look for access points that can integrate additional units easily, forming a mesh network or extending wireless coverage without disrupting your existing setup. Cisco Meraki access points offer simple configuration for adding multiple APs, enabling businesses to extend coverage to additional floors, new office spaces, or outdoor areas.
APs with cloud-based management make it easy to add new devices to the network, providing centralized control over all access points without the need for reconfigurations. This ensures your network can evolve with your business, allowing you to scale effectively without costly infrastructure overhauls. Also, the ability to manage a network of access points from a single dashboard is an invaluable asset for growing businesses.
Device Density
In office environments, device density—the number of users and devices connected within a specific area—can significantly impact network performance. Open-plan offices, conference rooms, and meeting spaces can have hundreds of devices simultaneously accessing the network. APs equipped with MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) and OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) are designed to manage these dense environments efficiently. These technologies enable the AP to communicate with multiple devices at once, preventing bottlenecks and ensuring that all users experience reliable, high-speed connections.
In addition to managing user density, consider APs that support band steering, which directs high-demand devices to the less crowded 5 GHz band, leaving 2.4 GHz for devices that require less bandwidth. This balances the load and prevents any one band from becoming overloaded, further enhancing network performance in busy office settings.
Speed and Throughput
The speed of your access point is directly tied to how much data it can process and deliver at any given time. For offices that rely on cloud-based applications, large file transfers, or video conferencing, selecting an AP with high throughput is essential. Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E access points are ideal for businesses because they support gigabit speeds and significantly higher bandwidth, making them capable of handling the heavy traffic typical in business environments.
When evaluating speed, look for APs with a dual-band or tri-band configuration, which can deliver greater wireless performance by reducing interference and congestion across multiple frequency bands. Tri-band APs, which include the newer 6 GHz band, offer more simultaneous connections and faster speeds, making them perfect for offices that depend on high-speed internet access for productivity.
Security Features
Security is a top priority for businesses, and office access points should offer advanced features to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access. Look for APs with WPA3 encryption, which is the latest standard in wireless security, providing stronger protections for corporate data. APs should also include features like intrusion prevention systems (IPS), firewall integration, and VPN support to safeguard the network, especially for businesses with employees accessing resources remotely.
Consider access points that integrate with tools like Cisco Umbrella for advanced threat detection and web filtering. Additionally, port authentication and role-based access control help ensure that only authorized personnel have access to specific parts of the network, offering an added layer of protection against internal threats. Many APs also include features like guest networks to separate visitors’ internet access from the main corporate network, preventing potential security breaches.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
For businesses that need to install APs in hard-to-reach areas—such as ceilings, walls, or outdoor spaces—Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a critical feature to consider. PoE allows your AP to receive both data and power through a single Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for separate power outlets and simplifying installation. This not only reduces clutter but also gives you greater flexibility in positioning your APs for optimal coverage.
Advanced APs with PoE+ or PoE++ capabilities are especially beneficial for larger offices with extensive cabling needs. These models offer higher power output, supporting additional devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, or other networked equipment alongside your access points.
Management and Monitoring
Managing a network efficiently, especially in large office environments, requires real-time monitoring and control. Cisco Meraki access points excel in this area with their cloud-based management system, which allows IT teams to monitor all devices, view traffic patterns, and configure settings remotely. This feature makes it easy to implement changes or troubleshoot issues from any location, providing invaluable flexibility for businesses with multiple locations or remote teams.
For IT administrators, having access to detailed traffic analysis, real-time alerts, and automatic firmware updates means they can address potential issues proactively and keep the network running smoothly without downtime. The ability to track network usage, detect security breaches, and manage firewall rules ensures that businesses can maintain the highest levels of performance and security.
Ports and Connectivity Options
While wireless connectivity is the primary function of an access point, the number and type of ports available on the AP are also important considerations. In an office environment, wired connections may still be necessary for certain critical devices. Many modern business-grade APs come equipped with Gigabit Ethernet ports for connecting printers, computers, or IP phones directly to the network.
Also, you may look for APs that offer SFP (small form-factor pluggable) ports that allow high-speed fiber optic connections. This can be especially useful for businesses that require faster, more secure wired network connections to supplement their wireless network. APs with multiple ports also offer more flexibility in how they can be deployed, allowing businesses to configure their network more effectively to meet specific operational needs.
Customization and Traffic Management
One of the standout features of business-grade access points is the level of customization they offer. Traffic shaping—the ability to prioritize certain types of data traffic over others—is essential in an office environment where mission-critical applications like VoIP or video conferencing need uninterrupted bandwidth. With traffic shaping, you can ensure that these applications get priority while recreational or non-essential traffic, such as web browsing or social media, is deprioritized.
Additionally, bandwidth management features allow businesses to allocate specific amounts of bandwidth to different users or departments, ensuring fair distribution and preventing any single user or group from hogging network resources. Cisco Meraki APs are particularly strong in this area, providing intuitive tools within the Meraki Dashboard to configure these settings based on your specific business needs.
Budget Considerations
Wireless access points for office use come with a higher price tag than regular wireless access points for homes because of their robust security, scalability, and advanced network performance features. While the upfront cost may be higher, investing in high-performance APs can save money in the long run by providing better network security and allowing your network to grow as your business expands.
Models like the Cisco Meraki MR series offer enterprise-grade features such as MU-MIMO, cloud management, and PoE support, making them worth the investment for larger or fast-growing businesses. The initial cost can be seen as an investment in productivity, as a fast, secure, and reliable network will directly contribute to your business’s success.
Conclusion
Choosing the right access point for your office is a decision that can significantly impact your network performance, security, and scalability. It’s important to focus on coverage, ease of use, security, and robust features like scalability, cloud management, and advanced security tools.
If you’re unsure which access point is right for your specific needs, reach out to Stratus Informational Systems for expert advice. We can help you choose the right wireless access point to ensure you have a fast, secure, and reliable network.
