Wireless access points (WAPs) are networking devices that allow wireless-capable devices to connect to a wired network. They are often used in homes and businesses to extend the range of a Wi-Fi signal or to provide multiple access points for a large number of devices.
| PRODUCT NAME | BUYING LINK |
|---|---|
| 1. NETGEAR Cloud Managed Wireless Access Point (WAX610) | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 2. Cisco Business 240AC Wi-Fi Access Point | 802.11ac | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 3. TP-Link EAP660 HD | Omada WiFi 6 AX3600 Wireless 2.5G Access Point | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 4. NETGEAR WiFi 6 Access Point (WAX214) – Dual-Band PoE Access Point | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 5. Zyxel Nebula 802.11ax Access Points with Built-in BLE | BUY ON AMAZON |
1. NETGEAR Cloud Managed Wireless Access Point (WAX610)
The NETGEAR Cloud Managed Wireless Access Point (WAX610) is a high-performance WAP that is ideal for small businesses and homes with a large number of devices. It offers fast speeds, high capacity, and a variety of features, including remote management.
Key Features
- WiFi 6 Dual-Band AX1800 speed
- Supports up to 200 client devices and 2,500 sq. ft. of coverage
- 2.5G Ethernet port for maximum speed
- Simplified deployment with PoE+
- 1 year FREE NETGEAR Insight subscription for remote management
- Easy to install on the wall or a suspended ceiling
- Includes WPA3, network and client isolation, and rogue AP detection
- Including up to 8 SSIDs, load balancing, band steering, and assisted roaming
Pros
- Fast speeds
- High capacity
- Versatile features
- Easy to manage
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Some users have reported problems with the Insight cloud management platform
2. Cisco Business 240AC Wi-Fi Access Point
The Cisco Business 240AC Wi-Fi Access Point is a high-performance WAP that is ideal for small businesses and homes with a large number of devices. It offers fast speeds, high capacity, and a variety of security and management features.
Key Features
- Superior MU-MIMO (4×4) performance supporting up to 200 wireless devices and a maximum wireless coverage up to 3000 square feet
- Flexible deployment wall or celling mount (brackets included). Works also with Cisco Business Power over Ethernet injector (CB-PWRINJ)
- Supports up to 25 mesh extenders while delivering a reliable user experience
- Simplify management and monitor your network from Cisco Business Mobile app or web browser
- Enterprise-class security prevent malware, phishing, and other threats from compromising your network via Cisco Umbrella integration
- Prioritize network access based on use cases (i.e. point of sales system, surveillance) or guest privileges
- One-year technical support and limited lifetime warranty
Pros
- High performance
- Flexible deployment options
- Mesh extender support
- Easy to manage
- Advanced security features
- Peace of mind with warranty and support
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Some users have reported problems with the Cisco Business Mobile app
3. TP-Link EAP660 HD | Omada WiFi 6 AX3600 Wireless 2.5G Access Point
The TP-Link EAP660 HD is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 access point that is ideal for businesses and homes with a large number of devices. It offers fast speeds, high capacity, and a variety of features, including OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and seamless roaming. It is also easy to manage and deploy, thanks to its integration with Omada SDN and cloud access.
Key Features
- Ultra-fast Wi-Fi 6 speeds up to 3550 Mbps
- High-density connectivity with OFDMA and MU-MIMO
- 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port with PoE+ for easy installation
- Integrated into Omada SDN for centralized management
- Cloud access and Omada app for remote management
- 5-year warranty
Pros
- Excellent performance
- High capacity and scalability
- Easy to manage and deploy
- Secure and reliable
- Backed by a long warranty
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Not all features are available in standalone mode
2. NETGEAR WiFi 6 Access Point (WAX214)
The NETGEAR WiFi 6 Access Point (WAX214) is an affordable and easy-to-use WAP that is ideal for small businesses and homes. It offers good performance and supports WPA3 security. However, it is important to note that the power adapter is not included and that it has fewer features than some more expensive WAPs.
Key Features
- Dual-Band AX1800 speed and capacity
- Supports up to 128 client devices
- Simplified deployment with PoE
- Easy to install and manage
- Supports WPA, WPA2, and WPA3
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Good performance for small businesses and homes
- Includes WPA3 security
Cons
- Power adapter not included
- Limited features compared to more expensive WAPs
1. Zyxel True WiFi 6 AX3550 Wireless Multi-Gigabit Enterprise Access Point
The Zyxel True WiFi 6 AX3550 Wireless Multi-Gigabit Enterprise Access Point (WAX650S) is a high-performance WAP that is ideal for businesses and organizations with demanding wireless needs. It offers blazing-fast speeds, intelligent coverage features, and a variety of advanced features such as a monitoring radio and Bluetooth BLE radio. It is also flexible to manage with NebulaFlex Pro, which allows users to choose between standalone, on-premises controller managed, or Nebula cloud managed modes.
Key Features
- Unbeatable speed up to 3550 Mbps (AX3550)
- Intelligent Smart Antenna technology
- Advanced features such as monitoring radio and Bluetooth BLE radio
- Flexible management with NebulaFlex Pro
- Peace of mind with limited lifetime warranty and US-based support
Pros
- High performance
- Intelligent coverage features
- Advanced features for demanding applications
- Flexible management options
- Peace of mind with warranty and support
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Some features may be overkill for small businesses and homes
Final Verdict
The best WAP wireless access point for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements. However, based on the information you have provided, I would recommend the following:
- Small businesses and homes: NETGEAR WiFi 6 Access Point (WAX214)
- Businesses and organizations with demanding wireless needs: Zyxel True WiFi 6 AX3550 Wireless Multi-Gigabit Enterprise Access Point (WAX650S)
The NETGEAR WAX214 is a good value for the price and it is easy to use and manage. It offers good performance for small businesses and homes, and it includes WPA3 security. However, it is important to note that the power adapter is not included and that it has fewer features than some more expensive WAPs.
The Zyxel WAX650S is a high-performance WAP that is ideal for businesses and organizations with demanding wireless needs. It offers blazing-fast speeds, intelligent coverage features, and a variety of advanced features such as a monitoring radio and Bluetooth BLE radio. It is also flexible to manage with NebulaFlex Pro, which allows users to choose between standalone, on-premises controller managed, or Nebula cloud managed modes. However, it is important to note that the WAX650S can be expensive and that some of its features may be overkill for small businesses and homes.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right WAP wireless access point for you is to consider your specific needs and requirements. Think about the size of your business or home, the number of devices you need to connect, and the features that are important to you.