Wireless access point

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^[1][2] In computer networking, a wireless access point, or more generally just access point (AP), is a networking hardware device that allows other Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired network or wireless network. As a standalone device, the AP may have a wired connection to a switch or router, but, in a wireless router, it can also be an integral component of the router itself. An AP is differentiated from a hotspot, which is a physical location where Wi-Fi access is available.

Although WAP has been used incorrectly to describe an access point, WAP refers to Wireless Application Protocol, which is a protocol rather than a tangible device.