Acces Point

Wireless access points (APs or WAPs) are specially configured nodes on wireless local area networks (WLANs). Access points act as a central transmitter and receiver of WLAN radio signals.

Access points used in home or small business networks are generally small, dedicated hardware devices featuring a built-in network adapter, antenna, and radio transmitter. Access points support Wi-Fi wireless communication standards.

Although very small WLANs can function without access points in so-called "ad hoc" or peer-to-peer mode, access points support "infrastructure" mode. This mode bridges WLANs with a wired Ethernet LAN and also scales the network to support more clients. Older and base model access points allowed a maximum of only 10 or 20 clients; many newer access points support up to 255 clients.

The good: Top speed, easy setup, excellent warranty.

The bad:Status screen doesn't show Turbo mode.

The bottom line: The HE102 802.11a wireless access point combines outstanding performance with easy setup for small offices looking to make the plunge into wireless.

Specifications:Product Description: NETGEAR HE102 - Wireless access point; Data link protocol: IEEE 802.11a; Data transfer rate: 54 Mbps See full specs