What Is an Access Point? Your Guide to Better Wi-Fi Coverage

Your broadband could be delivering every megabit you're paying for, but that doesn't guarantee brilliant Wi-Fi in every corner of your home.

If your connection gives up halfway up the stairs or slows to a crawl in the spare room, your broadband might not be the problem. Your Wi-Fi signal may simply not have the reach to cover your whole home.

That's exactly what a wireless access point is designed to fix. It works alongside your router to bring a stronger, more reliable Wi-Fi signal to the places that need it most, so you're not stuck chasing a connection around the house.

In this guide, we'll explain what an access point is, how it works and when it's a better choice than a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system.

What Is An Access Point? 

A wireless access point (AP) is a device that extends your existing Wi-Fi network by creating wireless coverage in another area.

Instead of relying on one router to reach every room, an access point connects back to your router and broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal wherever you need it, helping more devices stay connected.

How Does a Wireless Access Point Work?

An access point gets its connection straight from your router through an Ethernet cable, then creates its own Wi-Fi signal nearby.

That means your devices don't have to hang onto a signal that's travelled halfway across the house, fought its way through walls and arrived running out of puff.

Instead, they connect to a strong, local signal from a nearby access point.

What is an Access Point Used For? 

A wireless access point improves Wi-Fi coverage and allows more devices to stay connected without relying on a single router to do all the work.

Adding an access point can help you:

• Handle more connected devices at the same time
• Maintain performance during busy periods
• Improve the reliability of video calls, streaming and online gaming
• Expand your network as your home or business grows
• Get more value from your existing router instead of replacing it

If your broadband connection performs well but your Wi-Fi struggles under the demands of a busy household or larger property, adding an access point is a smart way to improve your network without changing your broadband package.

What is the Difference Between an Access Point and a Wi-Fi Router?

Your router is the hub of your home network, connecting your devices to the internet and creating your Wi-Fi network.

A wireless access point builds on that network by providing Wi-Fi in areas where your router's signal starts to weaken. 

Wireless Access Point vs Mesh Wi-Fi 

Choosing between a mesh system and an access point often comes down to how your home is set up.

Mesh Wi-Fi uses several wireless units that work together to spread your signal throughout your property. In many cases, those units communicate with each other wirelessly, although some mesh systems also support wired Ethernet connections.

A wireless access point connects directly to your router using an Ethernet cable before broadcasting Wi-Fi from another location.

That wired connection means access points can often offer:

• More consistent performance
• Lower latency
• Faster wireless speeds
• Better support for lots of connected devices

If your home is already wired with Ethernet, or you're happy to install it, access points are often the better choice for performance. If running cables isn't practical, a mesh Wi-Fi system is usually easier to install while still providing excellent coverage.

Where Should You Place a Wireless Access Point?

For the best results, place an access point close to the area where your Wi-Fi signal starts to weaken, while keeping it connected to your router with an Ethernet cable. 

Avoid hiding it inside cupboards or behind large furniture, as these can reduce wireless coverage.

If you're installing more than one access point, position them so their coverage overlaps slightly. This helps devices move between them more smoothly as you move around your home.

What is Better, A Wi-Fi Extender or An Access Point? 

A Wi-Fi extender simply repeats your existing wireless signal.

Because it has to receive and retransmit the same wireless signal, the available bandwidth is shared between those two jobs, which can reduce performance.

A wireless access point starts with a wired connection, allowing it to broadcast a fresh, high-quality Wi-Fi signal.

If you have Ethernet available, an access point is usually the stronger long-term solution.

Can You Have More Than One Wireless Access Point? 

Yes. In fact, larger homes and businesses often rely on multiple access points to provide consistent Wi-Fi coverage.

Instead of stretching one router beyond its limits, you can place access points wherever extra coverage is needed. They all work together on the same network, giving your devices a more reliable connection wherever you are.

As your needs change, you can simply add more access points without replacing your existing setup.

What is a Wireless to Wireless Access Point? 

A wireless-to-wireless access point connects to your existing Wi-Fi network instead of using an Ethernet cable.

It's a useful option if running network cables around your home or office isn't practical. The trade-off is that, because it relies on a wireless connection rather than a wired one, performance can be less consistent than with a traditional wired access point.

You may also come across terms like wireless bridge, wireless backhaul or point-to-point connection when reading about similar types of wireless networking.

Is An Access Point Right For Your Home? 

If you're happy with your broadband speeds but not your Wi-Fi, a wireless access point could be exactly what your home network needs.

It's an excellent option if you:

• Have a larger home
• Work from home
• Stream films and TV in multiple rooms
• Play online games
• Have lots of smart home devices
• Need dependable Wi-Fi in an extension, garage or garden office

Final Thoughts

A wireless access point isn't the right solution for every home, but if your broadband is fast and your Wi-Fi keeps letting you down, it's one of the first things worth considering. 

Instead of paying for a faster package you may not need, extending your Wi-Fi coverage could be all it takes to enjoy a more stable and consistent connection throughout your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an Access Point Increase Internet Speed?

An access point doesn't increase the speed of your broadband package. What it can do is improve the quality of your Wi-Fi connection in areas where the signal is weak, helping devices achieve speeds that are much closer to what your broadband is capable of delivering.

Does an Access Point Need an Ethernet Cable?

Most wireless access points work best with an Ethernet connection to the router. Some models support wireless uplinks, but a wired connection generally provides faster speeds and greater reliability.

Can I Use an Old Router as an Access Point?

Many routers include an access point mode. If supported, you can repurpose an older router to provide additional Wi-Fi coverage instead of buying a dedicated access point.

Is an Access Point Better for Gaming?

If your gaming device connects through a wired wireless access point with a strong signal, you'll often see lower latency and a more consistent connection than using a Wi-Fi extender.