A wireless access point (AP) is a networking device that creates a Wi-Fi network, allowing wireless devices to connect to a wired LAN. APs are the link between the radio side (Wi-Fi clients, like laptops, phones, tablets, and IoT devices) and the wired infrastructure (Ethernet switches, routers, and the wider network).

In short: Access points come in many forms. Standalone APs are configured individually and operate independently. Controller-managed APs are configured centrally via a wireless LAN controller (WLC) and operate as part of a coordinated system. Cloud-managed APs are configured through a vendor cloud platform (Cisco Meraki, Aruba Central, Cambium cnMaestro, Ubiquiti UniFi) and coordinate via the cloud rather than a local controller. For enterprise and hospitality deployments, cloud-managed APs have become the dominant model because they simplify multi-site management.

The Wi-Fi standard supported by the AP (Wi-Fi 5 / 802.11ac, Wi-Fi 6 / 802.11ax, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7 / 802.11be) determines its capacity and capabilities. Wi-Fi 6 has become the working baseline for new deployments. Wi-Fi 7 is shipping in current-generation enterprise APs and is the choice for high-density or high-throughput environments.

For IoT deployments, access points are commonly used either as the LAN-side wireless coverage behind a cellular router (the router provides cellular WAN, the AP provides Wi-Fi for connected devices), or as the entire LAN in mobile or temporary applications (a cellular router with built-in Wi-Fi acts as both gateway and AP, suitable for site offices, broadcast vehicles, or temporary deployments).