Sourcing the best wireless access point (WAP) in our modern day includes considering ease of use, capability, and scalability. For businesses that need a consistent network connection at all times, wireless access points are a necessity.
The capabilities of a single router can’t provide the coverage that many small to large enterprises need on a daily basis. It’s more than just selecting a quality WAP; you also have to implement a placement strategy for the best connection possible.
Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to set up a wireless access point for your business. You’ll get more than enough variety in WAP solutions in this article, as it highlights five of the best wireless access point manufacturers you should know about.
What is a Wireless Access Point?
Using a wireless access point allows you to create wireless local area networks by connecting directly to a router with an Ethernet cable. This works to project Wi-Fi signals throughout a business, eliminating the factors that get in the way of a weak signal.
Important considerations when choosing a WAP include details like business layout and common foot traffic areas. You’ll also want to keep Wi-Fi guest policies and places of the core interface to help optimize your wireless internet access point.
Before you learn how to manage all of this, you’ll want to start by scoping out the best access point for business network demands. To do this, your search begins with the manufacturers you can trust to deliver hardware you can rely on.
1. SonicWall
As you might expect, not all WAPs offer the same benefits or capabilities. Starting with the most reputable manufacturers is your best bet in ensuring your network needs are met. SonicWall is no stranger to modern network management technology, and that includes efficient WAPs.
A few details that stand out from their WAPs include the following:
- Centralized and cloud-based Wi-Fi management features
- High-speed connectivity such as multi-gigabit Ethernet (2.5 GbE)
- Compatibility and compliance with the most current Wi-Fi standards
- Supports up to 256 clients
- Built for ceiling deployment and utilizing minimal space
- Integrate Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Bluetooth 5.0 for IoT apps and advanced scanning features
This all sounds pretty stacked, but it’s always best to give yourself options. SonicWall is more than suitable for many businesses, but considering other reputable manufacturers doesn’t hurt.
2. Sophos
Another well-known manufacturer of WAPs, Sophos aims to bring something different to the table. Supporting many of the latest standards in wireless access point technology, it isn’t hard to find something suitable from Sophos.
While the manufacturer has numerous WAPs to choose from, here are a few common qualities you can find, regardless of the model:
- Supports for the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology
- Compatibility with PoE+ 802.3at, which eliminates the need for multiple power sources
- Licenses available for Sophos Central Management for efficient control
- Some options are plenum-rated, making them suitable for air-handling spaces
- Options for simultaneous connections from dual radio setups to MU-MIMO capabilities
The high-performance capability and security features have made Sophos WAPs a popular option for many businesses. Scalability won’t be an issue with this manufacturer, as they deliver everything you might need in a modern WAP.
3. Fortinet
This is a manufacturer that can stand up to the competition in more ways than one. You won’t find anything lacking when it comes to supporting the latest Wi-Fi 6 as well as legacy standards. Fortinet does a great job of ensuring compatibility with the needs of modern business networks.
Here’s a look at a few specifications that make Fortinet WAPs notable:
- High throughput with simultaneous connections
- Simplifies installation by streamlining power and data through a single Ethernet cable
- Their security framework safeguards wireless communications against vulnerabilities
- Centralized platform to streamline management for configuration, monitoring, and maintenance
- Different solutions are available to meet your scalability needs
It also helps that their WAPs integrate with their other technologies and additional security solutions if you need to expand on their services. However, their catalog of wireless access points is a bit more niche than the competition.
4. WatchGuard
Incorporating Wi-Fi 6 tech, WatchGuard is on par in being able to deliver speed and performance to high-density environments. Although WatchGuard only offers a handful of WAP solutions, they’re more than enough to cover your bases.
Here are the specifications that help make WatchGuard a viable option for business WAPs:
- Compatibility with a variety of wireless standards like 802.11a/b/g/n/ax
- Built for indoor or outdoor access point installations
- A great option for small offices to larger enterprise networks
- Advanced security features like WPA3 encryption
- Certain models include unique features like omnidirectional internal antennas for enhanced coverage
It’s easy to see that WatchGuard is not only adaptable but also pretty robust in its feature set for wireless internet access points. Then again, there’s a reason numerous manufacturers are popular within this space, considering the variety of business network needs.
5. Cisco Meraki
With benefits like centralized cloud management and Wi-Fi 6 support, you can expect modern capability for your business network. Of course, details are bound to vary, but Cisco Meraki comes with several WAPs that are built to cover most business use cases.
Here are a few points that help Cisco Meraki stand out among the competition:
- Multi-user, input, and output capabilities for simultaneous connections and improved throughput
- Ensures compatibility with various devices by supporting multiple wireless standards
- High-performance antennas with certain models for better coverage in more demanding environments
- Flexible deployment options such as walls, desks, and ceilings
- Options for indoor as well as outdoor placements
Among the many similarities in every WAP manufacturer, it’s helpful to keep an eye on their differences. Most of this comes down to small feature specs and the long-term cost of the provider in question.
Final Thoughts
There’s no need to overcomplicate your decision-making, as a lot of modern WAP features can be pretty universal. You also have to wonder why one manufacturer might be more popular than another.
Consider the variety of WAPs available and the scalability behind the features they promise to bring to the table. Don’t hesitate to learn more about the best wireless access points and their manufacturers by speaking directly with one of our team members.
