A typical corporate use involves joining multiple access points to a wired network and then providing wireless access to the office LAN. Wireless access points are managed by a WLAN controller that takes care of automatic adjustments to RF power, channels, authentication and security. Additionally, controllers can be combined to form a wireless mobility group to allow roaming between controllers. Controllers can be part of a mobility domain to allow access to clients, entirely across large or regional offices. This saves time for clients and administrators as controllers can automatically re-associate or re-authenticate.

A hotspot is a common hotspot application, where wireless clients can connect to the Internet regardless of the networks they are currently attached to. The concept has become common in large cities, where the combination of cafes, libraries, as well as private access points allow customers to stay more or less continuously connected to the Internet, while on the go. A collection of connected hotspots can be called a “water lily” network.

Access points are commonly used in home wireless networks. Home networks usually have only one AP to connect all the devices in a home. Most are wireless routers, that is, converged devices that include the AP, a router, and often an Ethernet switch. Many also include a broadband modem. In places where most homes have their own APs within range of neighbors' APs, it is possible for technically savvy people to turn off their encryption and set up a community wireless network, creating a communication network within the city, although this does not negate the requirement for a wired network.

The AP can also act as a network arbiter, negotiating when each nearby client device can transmit. However, the vast majority of installed IEEE 802.11 networks do not implement this, using a distributed pseudo-random algorithm called CSMA/CA instead. To know how to choose the appropriate mode of an access point, in this article about access points[2]​ there is very useful information to be able to make the right decision. desdgr.

Generally, APs' main function is to allow connectivity with the network, delegating the task of routing and addressing to servers, routers and switches. Most APs follow the IEEE 802.11 communication standard, allowing compatibility with a wide variety of wireless equipment. Some computers include tasks such as configuring routing, port forwarding, security, and user management. These functions respond to a previously established configuration. By strengthening interoperability between servers and APs, improvements can be achieved in the service they offer, for example, dynamic response to network changes and device configuration adjustments.

APs are the link between wired and wireless networks. The use of several APs allows the roaming service. The emergence of these devices has allowed the saving of new network cabling. An AP with the IEEE 802.11b standard has approximately a radius of 100 m.

They are in charge of creating the network, they are always waiting for new clients to provide services to. The access point receives the information, stores it, and transmits it between the wireless local area network (WLAN) and the wired local area network (LAN).

A single AP can support a small group of users and can operate over a range of at least thirty meters and up to several hundred meters. It or its antenna is normally placed high up but could be placed anywhere where the desired radio coverage is obtained.

The end user accesses the WLAN network through "Adapter (computing)" adapters located on their equipment (computer, tablet, smartphone, smart TV, Internet radio, etc.). These provide an interface between the client's network operating system (NOS: network operating system) and the airwaves, using a wireless antenna.

A typical corporate use involves joining multiple access points to a wired network and then providing wireless access to the office LAN. Wireless access points are managed by a WLAN controller that takes care of automatic adjustments to RF power, channels, authentication and security. Additionally, controllers can be combined to form a wireless mobility group to allow roaming between controllers. Controllers can be part of a mobility domain to allow access to clients, entirely across large or regional offices. This saves time for clients and administrators as controllers can automatically re-associate or re-authenticate.

A hotspot is a common hotspot application, where wireless clients can connect to the Internet regardless of the networks they are currently attached to. The concept has become common in large cities, where the combination of cafes, libraries, as well as private access points allow customers to stay more or less continuously connected to the Internet, while on the go. A collection of connected hotspots can be called a “water lily” network.

Access points are commonly used in home wireless networks. Home networks usually have only one AP to connect all the devices in a home. Most are wireless routers, that is, converged devices that include the AP, a router, and often an Ethernet switch. Many also include a broadband modem. In places where most homes have their own APs within range of neighbors' APs, it is possible for technically savvy people to turn off their encryption and set up a community wireless network, creating a communication network within the city, although this does not negate the requirement for a wired network.

The AP can also act as a network arbiter, negotiating when each nearby client device can transmit. However, the vast majority of installed IEEE 802.11 networks do not implement this, using a distributed pseudo-random algorithm called CSMA/CA instead. To know how to choose the appropriate mode of an access point, in this article about access points[2]​ there is very useful information to be able to make the right decision. desdgr.