Affordable and high-quality enterprise access points.
Nowadays, enterprises can’t function properly without having a fast, reliable internet connection. Such a requirement logically lead to the appearance of an ever-increasing number of WiFi solutions, represented by cutting-edge devices that employ strategic design and superior technology to provide stable, high-speed WiFi coverage to all connected users.
The article below will help you find the best enterprise access point by going over 15 high-rated options. Other than a brief rundown of each device, you’ll also learn what aspects you have to consider when making your choice and getting acquainted with the recent achievements in WAP technology.
Total Speed: 2.4GHz - 450Mbps | Standard: 802.11b/g/n | Connectivity: 5x Ethernet RJ45 (1 WAN, 4 LAN)
The TP-LINK TL-WR940N received a stylish design, three antennas that help bring the Internet to all corners of the apartment, and stability in operation. Wi-Fi speeds up to 450 Mbps are ideal for demanding applications such as HD video streaming. There are three antennas, which significantly improve the quality and reliability of the connection.
The device supports WPS technology for quick setup of a wireless connection, a proprietary web interface with flexible settings, and a TP-Link Tether mobile app for monitoring/configuration from a smartphone. If you are buying the N450 router, and you do not need a USB port to connect additional peripherals, then TP-Link TL-WR940N will delight you with both a stylish design and a necessary functionality.
Total Speed: 2.4GHz - 300Mbps; 5GHz - 1733Mbps | Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/r/k/v/ac/ac-wave2 | Connectivity: 1x Gigabit LAN with 802.3af PoE+
The UniFi nanoHD is a powerful dual-band Wi-Fi hotspot with full 802.11ac Wave 2 MU — MIMO support. For the 2.4 GHz band, the access point provides data transfer rates up to 300 Mbps (2x2 MIMO), and for 5 GHz — up to 1733 Mbps (4x4 MU-MIMO).
Such high characteristics allow you to create a reliable connection of devices at a distance of up to 120 m (in the absence of interference). MU-MIMO technology ensures high signal quality when working with connected devices. UniFi nanoHD serves over 200 users without sacrificing performance!
Total Speed: 2.4GHz - 300Mbps; 5 GHz - 866Mbps | Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 802.3u/at | Connectivity: 1x Gigabit LAN Ethernet with 802.3at PoE
The LAPAC1200C operates in two bands at 2.4 and 5 GHz (simultaneously). The total connection speed can reach 1166 Mbps. The access point can be mounted on any flat surface, both wall and ceiling. Access control and configuration are implemented via the web interface and via the SNMP protocol. Connection to the power supply is possible through network equipment using PoE technology or through an adapter to a household power supply network.
Thus, with the purchase of the Linksys LAPAC1200C, the user gets an excellent toolkit for creating a "smart" office with very impressive administrative capabilities.
Total Speed: 2.4GHz - 300Mbps | Standard: 802.11b/g/n | Connectivity: 1x Ethernet (RJ45) with Passive PoE
High performance (300 Mbps speed) and a number of supported Wi-Fi standards are responsible for the quality and speed of the device. And a wide range of security features, including support for WPS, makes this model not only powerful and functional, but also very reliable to use. The TP-LINK TL-WA801ND access point has two external detachable antennas and supports Power over Ethernet technology.
One of the significant advantages of TP-LINK TL-WA801ND is PoE technology which helps to connect an access point and a modem in case the user cannot install an electrical outlet in a particular place. Thus, PoE replaces the outlet by supplying both signal and power directly through the Ethernet cable. According to official figures, the user can create a pairing at a distance of up to 30 meters (100 feet).
Total Speed: 2.4GHz - 450Mbps; 5GHz - 867Mbps | Standard: 802.11/a/b/g/n/ac | Connectivity: 1x Ethernet (RJ45) with 802.3af PoE
The TP-Link AC1350 EAP225 promises speeds up to 1317 Mbps in dual Wi-Fi bands. In addition, there is a free software-based EAP Controller with Linux and Windows support for easy control of multiple APs. Band Steering option automatically switches dual-band devices to the 5GHz channel for faster connections. And MU-MIMO technology provides simultaneous data transmission to multiple clients, accelerating their work.
The TP-Link EAP225 is an extremely effective and efficient device. This is a good quality access point designed for indoor installation and work both as a stand-alone device and work within Mesh networks.
Total Speed: 2.4GHz - 450Mbps; 5GHz - 867Mbps | Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/r/k/v/ac | Connectivity: 1x Gigabit LAN Ethernet
The Ubiquiti UniFi UAP-AC-LR-US is a dual-band Wi-Fi Indoor Access Point with high-speed AC support and seamless roaming. The model features increased output power and an innovative antenna design that provide symmetrical communications and long-range WiFi coverage (up to 183 meters without obstructions).
If you need to deploy a Wi-Fi hotspot in large premises (warehouses, large shopping centers and other similar facilities), then buying the Ubiquiti UAP-AC-LR-US will be the best option. In such conditions, the potential of the model will be revealed in the greatest way.
Total Speed: 2.4GHz - 300Mbps; 5GHz - 867Mbps | Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Connectivity: 4x Ethernet (RJ-45) with Auto MDI-X
The Netgear WAC104 guarantees high performance for small office (SOHO) or home and supports simultaneous dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz for a total bandwidth of 1.2Gbps (300Mbps - 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps - 5 GHz). This model provides easy operation of a standalone access point.
The Netgear WAC104 Wi-Fi access point is an affordable, high-speed dual-band wireless network solution for both wired and wireless devices. The advanced security features provide excellent protection against hacking attempts and can be set up with ease by advanced users. This product is designed to simplify and control complicated networks that use complex technology to communicate.
Total Speed: 2.4GHz - 450Mbps; 5GHz - 1300Mbps | Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Connectivity: 5x (1 WAN & 4 LAN) Gigabit Ethernet, 1x USB 3.0
The Netgear R6700 router is based on the high-performance Broadcom platform, equipped with five Gigabit network ports, a dual-band access point supporting connection speeds up to 450 Mbps and 1300 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands respectively. In addition, the model has one USB port and several additional built-in services.
A well-structured and visually attractive interface is a very important feature of a modern AP, so that the user is comfortable with all the functions and making changes to the settings. The program interface contains all the basic settings. So enthusiasts and power users alike will find the options they need.
Total Speed: 2.4GHz - 400Mbps; 5GHz - 866Mbps; 5GHz - 1733Mbps | Standard: 802.11a/b/g/i/n/ac | Connectivity: Router: 3x Gigabit Ethernet (LAN), 1x Gigabit Ethernet (WAN); Satellite: 4x Gigabit Ethernet (LAN)
The Netgear RBK50 2 Pack is a tri-band Wi-Fi system that provides the most reliable and stable connection in a variety of conditions. Due to the technical parameters of the device, it easily copes with any task. Support for multiple Wi-Fi standards allows you to customize your device to suit your specific environment. The model is capable of transmitting a signal over long distances, even with many interior partitions.
The router/access point can be installed next to the DSL modem, and the satellite can be taken out into the living room or any other room where stable WLAN reception is required. In addition to a high-speed WLAN network, Ethernet ports are available, so some devices can be connected with a cable, removing the load from the WLAN.
Total Speed: 2.4GHz - 450Mbps; 5GHz - 1300Mbps | Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Connectivity: 2x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x USB 2.0
The Ubiquiti UAP-AC-PRO-US will look appropriate in a large home or office network to cover a large area and serve dozens of clients. At the same time, the control greatly simplifies the configuration and monitoring of the wireless network and provides data for evaluating efficiency and planning development.
Considering the average cost of the AR, it is currently one of the best options for a home or small business. Buying the UAP-AC-PRO-US instead of buying a new radio router would be very good. In terms of functionality and performance, it will be very difficult for the access point to find a worthy competitor for the same price.
Total Speed: 2.4GHz - 800Mbps; 5GHz - 1733Mbps | Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Connectivity: 1x Gigabit LAN with 802.3at PoE+, 1x Gigabit LAN for Link Aggregation
The Linksys LAPAC2600 Pro is considered by many in the networking community as one of the most useful solutions available for businesses seeking to improve their office WI-Fi connectivity. The WAP features a user-friendly interface, easy configuration, and automatic upgrades as per industry standards.
The LAPAC2600's transfer data rates up to 2.53 Gbps ensure that your office will never be without Wi-Fi connectivity. Its simple and powerful user interface allows to quickly and easily configure the app and connect to the internet wirelessly anywhere in the office without having to reconfigure your office network.
Total Speed: 2.4GHz - 300Mbps; 5GHz - 867Mbps | Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/r/k/v/ac | Connectivity: 1x Ethernet (RJ45) with 802.3af/A PoE
The UAP-AC-LITE is a lightweight version with a dual-band radio module in a 2x2 MIMO configuration. The model uses a proprietary 24 volt Passive POE. The manufacturer promises an effective coverage area of 122 meters. The Lite version is compact and measures 160 x 160 x 31.45 mm. Despite its small size, it provides power up to 20 dBm in each of the bands.
The Ubiquiti UAP-AC-LITE is an excellent access point for home use if you need stable coverage at high speed throughout your apartment.
Total Speed: 2.4GHz - 450Mbps; 5GHz - 1300Mbps | Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Connectivity: 2x Gigabit Ethernet
The Ubiquiti UAP-AC-M-PRO-US supports the 802.3af PoE power supply standard, a corresponding adapter is included in the kit. One of the pleasant bonuses is the presence of an additional gigabit interface. The device supports MIMO 3x3, and the antennas themselves have a gain of 8 dBi.
There are no questions regarding the quality of the coating. With such antennas and a radio module, the access point provides good quality even under severe obstacles. The device supports Plug-n-Play Mesh technology, i.e. creation of a mesh network in automatic mode without the participation of a network administrator.
Total Speed: 2.4GHz - 300Mbps | Standard: 802.11b/g/n | Connectivity: 5x Ethernet RJ45 (1 WAN, 4 LAN)
The ASUS RT-N12-D1 is aimed at the mainstream segment for home use at a more than affordable price point. Thanks to its pleasant appearance, it will easily fit into any design. The RT-N12-D1 is able to provide comfortable work with fast Internet access for a variety of devices.
The router makes a very positive impression. It has excellent router functionality, a well-thought-out web interface with many parameters/settings, and fairly efficient hardware that copes with even the most difficult tests. In addition, it easily passes the performance test for downloading a lot of data over a Wi-Fi network with four devices at the same time.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
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TP-Link N450 TL-WR940N
Our choice
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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Ubiquiti UAP-NANOHD-US
Compact
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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Linksys LAPAC1200C
Rapid deployment
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CHECK PRICE → |
WiFi access points can be either single-band (2.4GHz), dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz), and tri-band (a single 2.4GHz band and a pair of 5GHz bands). The best enterprise access point should definitely come with 5GHz band support since its availability is vital for securing higher internet speed and a more stable signal.
Another crucial characteristic to consider when choosing the best enterprise access point is the antenna type. WAPs come with either built-in or external antennas. Since you’re interested in the highest speeds and connection coverage possible, you should give preference to models with external antennas. Meanwhile, access points with built-in antennas are better suited for regular home use.
The majority of covered enterprise access points come with user authentication and data encryption features. While those are good enough for your home network, corporations and large companies need even more protection. Thus, it’s recommended to get a model with WPA2 encryption and additional authentication levels for devices that handle sensitive data. Additionally, the WAP has to offer an Intrusion Detection feature that lets you know when an unauthorized user attempts to connect to the network, giving you a chance to prevent any possible data theft.
If your enterprise has large premises, you’re going to have to use multiple WAPs. The employees will spend a lot of time going around the office or outdoors, which is why the availability of multiple WAPs is crucial for ensuring they don’t lose their internet connection when doing so. You should strive to establish a seamless transition between different points so that the workers can make video or VoIP calls on the go without any issues.
All respectable enterprises have to offer web access to clients, visitors, and business partners that visit their premises. To satisfy this need, you have to establish a dedicated WiFi network for guests. You can achieve that by employing SSID technology that lets you create several WiFi channels on the same device. As a result, you can simultaneously have a secure enterprise network and a free-access guest network, with the biggest advantage being that you don’t have to give the enterprise WiFi password to regular visitors.
