In-depth analysis of the wireless AP and AC markets, how to identify the best products with insight

In the booming development of Internet of Things technology today, wireless access points and wireless access controllers as the core devices of wireless networks are becoming increasingly important. For enterprises and individuals who need to build efficient and stable wireless network applications, how to choose the most suitable wireless AP and AC products has become a key issue. The following is an in-depth interpretation of the wireless AP and AC market, as well as professional advice for purchase.

1. Market Status and Trend

In recent years, with the popularity of the mobile Internet and the rise of concepts such as smart home and smart office, the market demand for wireless APs has continued to grow. As the core device for managing wireless APs, the market size of AC has also expanded. According to market research data, the global wireless access controller AC market size will maintain a steady growth trend in the next few years. This growth trend is mainly due to the rapid development of Internet of Things technology and the continuous expansion of wireless network application fields.

2. Key points for purchasing wireless AP

Coverage: The coverage of a wireless AP is closely related to the installation location and the actual environment. When selecting, it is necessary to determine the appropriate coverage range based on specific scenarios such as indoor, outdoor, high-density access areas, etc. For example, ceiling-mounted wireless APs are suitable for installation in open living rooms, dining rooms, and other areas, with a coverage radius of up to 12 meters; The wireless access point panel is more suitable for installation on the walls of rooms such as bedrooms and study rooms, covering the space of 2 surrounding rooms or 1-2 walls.
Capacity: Capacity refers to the number of terminals that a single AP can access. When selecting, it is necessary to determine the appropriate number of machines based on the network usage requirements. Generally speaking, wireless APs with a small number of machines can be used in ordinary guest room areas, while wireless APs that support high-density access are required in densely populated areas such as conference rooms and multi-function halls.
Wireless standards: The latest wireless standards on the market are WiFi 6 and WiFi 7. It is recommended to choose an AP that supports WiFi 6 and above standards to provide faster wireless speeds, lower latency, and better stability.
Power supply mode: Most APs support Power over Ethernet (POE) power supply, which means power is supplied through network cables without the need for additional power outlets. This feature simplifies the installation process and reduces the difficulty of wiring.
Brand and after-sales: Choose products from well-known brands such as Huawei, Ruijie, H3C, and TP-LINK, which are more guaranteed in terms of product quality, performance, and after-sales service. At the same time, understand the brand's after-sales service policies, including warranty period, maintenance methods, and technical support, to ensure that problems encountered during use can be resolved in a timely manner.

3. Key points for purchasing AC

Number of Access Points (APs) managed: The number of APs that can be managed by different Access Controllers (ACs) varies. When selecting, it is necessary to determine the appropriate AC model based on actual needs. For example, some small home AC controllers may only be able to manage 5-10 APs, while high-performance AC controllers can manage dozens or even more.
Functional characteristics: The functional characteristics of AC directly affect the stability and performance of the network. It is recommended to choose AC products that support intelligent RF management to automatically adjust the signal strength and frequency of the AP, avoid interference, and support access security controls such as multiple encryption methods and user authentication, as well as network management functions such as network traffic monitoring and AP status monitoring.
Compatibility: The AC controller should be compatible with the selected AP to ensure system stability and compatibility. It is best to choose products of the same brand to reduce configuration difficulty and improve overall network performance.
Power supply and heat dissipation: Most home AC controllers are designed as all-in-one units, integrating the functions of routers, AC controllers, and POE switches. When purchasing, it is necessary to pay attention to the number, speed, and power of the POE-enabled LAN ports, as well as how many APs can be connected to them. In addition, good heat dissipation design can ensure the stability and service life of the AC.

4. Professional Advice

Reasonable planning: Before purchasing wireless AP and AC, it is necessary to make reasonable planning for the actual scenario, including determining the installation location and wiring method of the AP. This step is crucial to achieving seamless roaming, improving network stability and coverage.
Reserved network cable: During the decoration stage, it is necessary to reserve network cable interfaces to ensure that APs can be connected to every place that requires signal coverage. This measure can simplify the subsequent installation process and improve the efficiency of wiring.
Professional debugging: It is recommended to seek professional assistance when installing and configuring wireless APs and ACs. Through professional debugging and configuration, the network performance can be ensured to reach the best state.
When purchasing wireless AP and AC products, it is necessary to consider multiple factors such as coverage range, capacity, wireless standards, power supply methods, brand, and after-sales service. At the same time, reasonable planning, reservation of network cables and professional debugging are also key steps to achieve efficient and stable wireless network applications. We hope that the above suggestions can help you identify the best products for your needs.