A wireless AP (Access Point) is a wireless access point, which is a wireless switch for a wireless network and the core of a wireless network. Wireless AP is the access point for mobile computer users to enter the wired network. It is mainly used in broadband homes, buildings and parks. The typical distance covers tens of meters to hundreds of meters. The current main technology is 802.11 series. Most wireless APs also have an access point client mode (AP client), which can wirelessly connect with other APs to extend the coverage of the network.

Wireless AP (AP, Access Point, wireless access node, session point or access bridge) is a very broad name, which includes not only simple wireless access points (wireless AP), but also wireless routers (including wireless Gateway, wireless bridge) and other devices collectively. It mainly provides access from wireless workstations to wired LANs and from wired LANs to wireless workstations, and wireless workstations within the coverage of the access point can communicate with each other through it.

A simple wireless AP is a wireless switch that provides the function of transmitting and receiving wireless signals. The working principle of the simple wireless AP is to transmit the network signal through the twisted pair, and after the compilation of the AP product, the electrical signal is converted into a radio signal and sent out to form the coverage of the wireless network. Depending on the power, it can achieve different degrees and ranges of network coverage. Generally, the maximum coverage distance of a wireless AP can reach 500 meters. Most simple wireless APs do not have routing functions themselves, and server functions including DNS, DHCP, and Firewall must be completed by independent routers or computers.