Multiple mode WiFi Access points

The role of a WiFi access point is simple enough - it lets users connect wirelessly to your network and the wider internet. However, access points can be troublesome due to the question of security and of providing a wide enough range of modes of operation to support users.

This week we look at two innovative access points - the dual band D-Link DAP-2590 and the multi-profiled ZyXEL NWA-3165. While the 2.4GHz band is relatively crowded in the UK, especially by microwave ovens and cordless phones, the 5GHz band is relatively underused.

The D-Link DAP-2590 provides both 2.4GHz and 5GHz coverage so providing much more data bandwidth than a standard 2.4 only access point. This bandwidth can be used to simply provide users with an increased capacity or it can be used as a way of linking two wired networks in bridge mode without having any impact on the 2.4GHz WiFi network traffic. You could even take the principle to its logical conclusion and do away with wired portions of the network and use multiple access points to link everything together.

The ZyXEL NWA-3165 on the other hand is a single band access point working at 2.4GHz and it doesn't provide any bridging options. What it does do is to allow you to create "virtual" WiFi networks, each with its own name, security and QoS settings. By creating a virtual WiFi network for, say, guests and one for trusted power users you can accommodate a wide range of client needs and all with the one access point.

D-Link DAP-2590: This wireless access point is a good choice for indoor use if you need to support dual bands in all modes or if you need bridge mode operation.

ZyXEL NWA-3165: The ZyXEL NWA-3165 is an innovative access point which makes it relatively easy to provide graded security and quality of service to different groups of users.