Access Points
Access Points
172 access points from TP-Link, Ubiquiti, Zyxel, Cudy, Mercusys and Grandstream. The right coverage solution when one router is not enough — without losing speed.
- TP-Link 54 · Ubiquiti 38 · Zyxel 24 · Cudy 16 · Mercusys, Ruijie, Grandstream, Tenda
- 34 models with a five-year and 49 with a 36-month warranty
- Ceiling, wall and outdoor units
- Many are PoE powered — one cable, no socket
Why an access point rather than a repeater
A repeater listens to the signal and rebroadcasts it with the same radio. That means it shares airtime between receiving and retransmitting, so speed at the far end drops noticeably.
An access point takes the network over a cable and broadcasts it clean. There is no loss, because there is no retransmission. If you can run a cable to the spot, it is always the right solution.
Where it mounts
Ceiling. The classic professional shape, like a small smoke detector. It broadcasts downwards and covers a floor evenly. The best choice for a house with a concrete slab and for offices.
Wall. Smaller, often with built-in network ports so they also serve devices beside them. Useful in hotel rooms and offices with fixed desks.
Outdoor. With water and dust protection, for a yard, terrace, warehouse or a link between two buildings.
PoE: why it simplifies everything
Most access points are powered over the same network cable. That means you can mount one on the hallway ceiling or in the yard, with no socket there.
You need either a PoE switch or the small injector usually included in the box. Check before ordering, because on some professional models the injector is sold separately.
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Frequently asked questions
- Access point or repeater?
- An access point if you can run a cable — you lose no speed. A repeater only if a cable is impossible.
- Does it need a socket?
- Usually not. Most are powered over PoE from the network cable, either from a PoE switch or the injector in the box.
- Will it use the same network name?
- Yes, you can set the same name and password so devices move around without switching networks.
- How many do I need?
- It depends on the walls and the floor area. In a typical flat one extra is enough; in a maisonette usually one per floor.
- Does it work outdoors?
- Only models with an explicit water and dust rating. Indoor units do not survive rain.
If Wi-Fi does not reach, a cabled access point does more than a more expensive router. And if you are installing several, a PoE switch simplifies the whole job.