Best Wireless Access Points for SMBs
Now that you’ve found your perfect wireless router, it’s time for you to move on to the next step; finding access points that suit the needs of your organization. With these top 802.11ac access points, you’ll be able to extend your wired network to employees without needing to worry about security or performance. At Solutions Review, we scavenged the internet to bring you the top 5 wireless access points for your small to medium sized business. These models vary in price and features, but should provide you with a strong entry point for finding the perfect access point for you.
Hawking Wireless-1200AC Managed AP Pro Wireless-AC Concurrent Ceiling Mount (HW12ACM)
With built-in Wireless-AC capabilities, this access point supports IEEE 802.11a/n/ac and is backwards compatible with the IEEE 802.11b/g/n wireless network standard. All computers and wireless-enabled network devices ( including tablets, smartphone, Ultrabook’s, smart TV’s, etc.) can connect to this wireless access point without additional cabling. 802.11ac wireless connectivity also gives you the transfer speeds of up to 1200Mbps! The HW12ACM allows computers and network devices to gain wireless access throughout their networking environment.
Functions:
- Supports Wireless AC devices and is backwards compatible with Wireless b/g/n
- Provides IEEE 802.11 a/n/ac coverage
- Multiple Mounting Kits for versatile installation options
- Supports WPS function for easy wireless association
- Gigabit Ethernet Port for the fastest wired speeds
- Support DHCP (Server/Client) for easy IP-address setup
- Easy to use Web-based GUI for network configuration and management purposes can be completed from any computer, smartphone, or tablet
From Around the Web:
“Premium connectivity, at its finest. This is what the HW12ACM promises and it is what it delivers. Its Wireless-AC capabilities means that it could potentially transmit up to 1200 mbps. But if you do have devices (e.g. smartphones, tablets, laptops, etcetera) that still use the IEEE 802.11b/g/n standard, the HW12ACM is also backwards compatible with those too.”
– VBest Reviews
Linksys Business Pro Series Wireless AC2600 Dual-Band MU-MIMO Access Point (LAPAC2600)
Delivering a wireless experience to employees and customers, next generation AC supports the increase in density of wireless devices in the office as well as the Increased bandwidth required to support mobile video streaming, VoIP and downloading, opening or syncing large files from local fileservers or cloud storage services – all without lag or buffering. Deployment and management of the LAPAC2600 is made easy through an intuitive web interface, support for PoE+, and clustering. Advanced security features provide peace of mind. Delivering combined speeds up to 2.53 Gbps* to multiple connected devices, the access point features Multi-User MIMO to deliver powerful Wi-Fi at the same time to keep business moving.
Features:
- Next generation Wi-Fi MU-MIMO technology
- 4×4 Dual-band (2.4+5Ghz) AC with max data rates up to 2.53 Gbps
- Seamless roaming
- Single point control: clustering
- Captive portal for customized Wi-Fi hotspot
From Around the Web:
The NETGEAR Dual Band 802.11ac Wireless Access Point (AP) delivers high performance for Small Office and Home Office (SOHO) deployments and supports dual band concurrent operation at 2.4GHz and 5GHz with combined throughput of 1.2Gbps (300Mbps at 2.4GHz and 867Mbps at 5GHz). The WAC120 Wireless 802.11ac Access Point provides standalone configuration with easy setup for a reliable, high-performance, and affordable wireless solution.
Features:
- Dual Band 802.11ac concurrent operation with backward compatibility to 802.11n
- Simple setup in minutes with intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI)
- Wi-Fi Protected System (WPS) button for ease of initial client connectivity
- Standalone Access Point with mesh, client, and AP modes for flexible deployment for Small Office Home Office (SOHO)
- Comprehensive security with WPA and WPA2 and MAC address Access List
- Delivers up to 4x the speed of 802.11n networks with 802.11ac
- Connect simply to DSL gateway, router, or cable modems
- LIFETIME 24/7 Advanced Technical Support via chat and 24/7 Advanced Technical Support via phone for 90 days
From Around the Web:
“We found the WAC120’s coverage in our office and lab to be very well suited to our needs; no matter where we placed it, the AP offered impressive wireless performance. In addition, though it may not appear to be a physically stable device due to its design, the mounting stand worked very well and we had no problems moving it around. The WAC120’s administration tools also allowed us to seamlessly manage devices, networks, and QoS.” – Storage Review
“NETGEAR WAC120-100NAS is a well-made 802.11ac dual band wireless access point with a backwards compatible system that works well with older 802.11n networks. It is durable, has an intuitive graphical interface that customization and usage, and a compact, low profile design that is easy to install in both home and commercial establishment. ” – VBest Reviews
NETGEAR 3 x 3 Dual Band ProSAFE WAC730 – AC Enterprise Wireless Access Point
The NETGEAR WAC730 ProSAFE Wireless Access Point is a high-performance dual band 802.11ac AP supporting up to an aggregate throughput of 1.3 Gbps (450 Mbps for 2.4GHz and 1.3 Gbps 802.11ac for 5GHz) with standalone and Ensemble management for centralized group management of up to 10 APs. WAC730 Business AP operates in either standalone mode with an intuitive user interface or in Ensemble mode for centralized group management of up to 10 APs. It is perfectly positioned for customers demanding high throughput, ultra-superior performance, and extensive coverage deployment for Small and Medium Enterprises, K-12, and Hospitalities.
Functions:
- Business class Wireless Access Point with superior 3×3 Dual Band 802.11ac performance (up to 1.7 Gbps)
- Flexible Quad Mode management (standalone, Ensemble, Controller, and Business Central cloud)
- Ensemble mode centrally manages up to 10 APs with no additional hardware or software
- 802.3af Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) support for ease of deployment (PoE switch & AC/DC power adapter are not included)
- LIFETIME WARRANTY, LIFETIME Next Business Day Replacement, LIFETIME Advanced Tech Support via chat.
From Around the Web:
“If you’re in a small-to-medium sized organization and you’re looking for an affordable solution in high-speed wireless-ac access points, the new top-line NETGEAR ProSAFE AP has a lot going for it, and at surprisingly low prices.” – Hummingbird Networks
Ubiquiti Networks Unifi 802.11ac Dual-Radio PRO Access Point
Deploy the UniFi AC Pro AP indoors or outdoors, in wireless networks requiring maximum performance. Sporting a weatherproof design, the UniFi AC Pro AP features simultaneous, dual-band, 3×3 MIMO technology and convenient 802.3af PoE/802.3at PoE+ compatibility. The UniFi Controller v4 software is ideal for high-density client deployments requiring low latency and high uptime performance. With its software-based capabilities, the UniFi virtual control plane allows for unlimited scalability under one centralized controller. Remotely access the UniFi Controller to upgrade deployed UniFi APs while in the field.
Functions:
- 3 Dual-Band Antennas, 3 dBi each
- Max. Power Consumption: 9W
- Networking Interface: 2 10/100/1000 Ethernet Ports
- Features auto-sensing 802.3af/802.3at PoE support and can be powered by any of the following: Ubiquiti Networks UniFi Switch 802.3af/802.3at PoE+ compliant switch Ubiquiti Networks Gigabit PoE Adapter (48V, 0.5A)
- Wi-Fi Standards: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
From Around the Web:
“A lot of 802.11ac wireless APs on the market today are usually targeted for small and medium enterprises, and as such, are also priced at enterprise levels too. They’re just outside of the reach of the masses. Thankfully, with Ubiquiti Network’s Dual-Radio PRO Access Point, they can have enterprise-level connectivity in their homes too.” – VBest Reviews
For information on the top 802.11ac solutions, check out our latest Buyer’s Guide:
- Easy, side-by-side comparison of the top 802.11ac wireless vendors
- Descriptions of each solution and their strengths
- Important questions to ask yourself and potential vendors when considering a solution
- Market overview of the current 802.11ac wireless space
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This article was written by Doug Atkinson on January 28, 2018
Doug Atkinson
An entrepreneur and executive with a passion for enterprise technology, Doug founded Solutions Review in 2012. He has previously served as a newspaper boy, a McDonald's grill cook, a bartender, a political consultant, a web developer, the VP of Sales for e-Dialog - a digital marketing agency - and as Special Assistant to Governor William Weld of Massachusetts.
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