An access point (AP) contains a radio transceiver. It can act as the center
point of a stand-alone wireless network or as the connection point between
wireless and wired networks. In large installations, the roaming functionality
provided by multiple APs allows wireless users to move freely throughout the
facility, while maintaining seamless, uninterrupted access to the network.
APs come with varied technology, security, and management features. Some APs
are dual-band and support both 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz technologies, while others
only support a single band. If an AP has a nonvolatile FLASH ROM to store
firmware and configurations, it is easier to update firmware and change
configurations. Any AP can be used as a repeater, or extension point, for the
wireless network. Figure
illustrates the
Cisco Aironet 1100 and 1200 APs. The Aironet 1100 supports 802.11b and the
Aironet 1200 is a dual-band AP that supports both 802.11b and 802.11a. Both
devices will be upgradeable to 802.11g with a mini-PCI replacement.