Tag: sonicwave AP

The Best Wireless Access Points of 2020

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On October 28, 2020

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Setting up wifi is a business imperative in 2020, and that means finding the best wireless access points is, too. The days of wireless networking being an option are long gone. But how do you go from knowing you need wifi to making it happen? What are the best options for getting your unique needs addressed and your network up and running? Why are we asking so many questions? Read on for the answers, and for the best wireless access points of 2020…

What does a wireless access point do?

A wireless access point in essence creates your wireless network. With it, you’re connecting to a hard-wired router, network switch, or other hub. In many business settings, that means not only offering access to the internet, but also to your workplace network, including its applications, files, etcetera. With the right wireless access point, you get built-in security and the ability to add separate guest wifi.

Which is better, wifi extender or access point?

A wireless access point is better than a wifi extender when it comes to performance and configuration capabilities. While extenders are normally less expensive, you get what you pay for. An extender replicates an existing network transmitted from a router, and extends its reach. However, the quality of the connection degrades. A wireless access point creates its own network, ensuring top notch performance for those in range. And you can manage and configure access points to your needs.

How do I choose a wireless access point?

Choosing a wireless access point comes down to which factors are most important to you. Access points come with a variety of radio and bandwidth options that affect performance. So it’s important to consider how many users will need access simultaneously and your connection speed.

Also, consider your space – as in walls that could hamper signal strength, wiring to power the devices (PoE options are available), and how you’ll mount the devices (wall, ceiling, indoor/outdoor). While some deployment scenarios only require one access point, many often need multiple APs to ensure quality connectivity.

Security and management are additional factors. Each manufacturer offers its own management platform to gain visibility into your network and configure it to your needs. And built-in security options vary. Let’s dive into the best wireless access points of 2020.

The Best Wireless Access Points of 2020

SonicWall SonicWave 231c

Key Specs

Performance: 2×2:2 MU-MIMO
Wireless Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wave 2
PoE: None
Deployment: Indoor (Ceiling)

What makes SonicWall SonicWave 231c one of the best wireless access points of 2020?

SonicWaves are the latest and greatest wireless access points from SonicWall. They offer Wave 2 wifi performance, allowing for more users with less lag. On top of that, the SonicWave 231c and its siblings integrates with the robust security of SonicWall NGFWs. That security extends to the AP itself, too, with a dedicated third radio focused on security. Plus, even if you don’t have a SonicWall firewall, it comes equipped with advanced security services like the Capture ATP sandbox on its own. In addition, you can manage the SonicWave through your SonicWall firewall, or with SonicWall’s WiFi Cloud Manager – an intuitive, cloud-based WiFi network management system ideal for networks of any size.

WatchGuard AP225W

Key Specs

Performance: 2×2:2 MU-MIMO
Wireless Standard: 802.11ac Wave 2
PoE: 802.3at PoE+
Deployment: Indoor (Wall/Ceiling)

What makes WatchGuard AP225W one of the best wireless access points of 2020?

The AP225W also features Wave 2 wireless. Plus, it combines that performance with the security of one of the Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems (WIPS) out there. The WIPS detects and IDs access points and client devices to intelligently prevent six known categories of Wi-Fi threats. The best part? It does this without noticeably impacting performance. And another best part? security scanning and enforcement continues even if your connection is interrupted. On top of that, you get access to WatchGuard’s Wi-Fi Cloud management. This provides visibility, troubleshooting, and configuration capabilities in one place. Plus, it makes setup a snap. You can get your AP225W up and running in less than two minutes after connecting to the cloud. And as for deployment, its PoE+ capabilities make it simple to connect and turn on with one cord – whether you choose a wall or ceiling.

Fortinet FortiAP 431F

Key Specs

Performance: 4×4:4 MU-MIMO
Wireless Standard: 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6
PoE: PoE 802.3at
Deployment: Indoor (Wall/Ceiling)

What makes Fortinet FortiAP 431F one of the best wireless access points of 2020?

The FortiAP 431F, along with its siblings in the newly created F-series (the 433F and 231F) are the newest access points on this list. That newness also means the latest in wireless performance, with 802.11ax – better known as WiFi 6. WiFi 6 access points are faster and have more capacity than previous generations. And with the FortiAP 431F, you’re getting a top of the line device. It features four radios, five internal antennas (or antennae), and 24/7 scanning across both wireless bands while still providing access on both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. You also have the flexibility of Power over Ethernet and wall or ceiling deployment options. Fortinet keeps security top of mind as well, with built-in wireless security, integration into the Fortinet Security Fabric, and management either through your FortiGate firewall or the FortiAP Cloud provisioning and management portal.

Cisco Meraki MR70

Key Specs

Performance: 2×2:2 MU MIMO
Wireless Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wave 2
PoE: PoE 802.3af
Deployment: Outdoor

What makes Cisco Meraki MR70 one of the best wireless access points of 2020?

We couldn’t make a top wireless access points list without including an outdoor option. And Cisco Meraki’s MR70 does just that, providing enterprise-grade security and simple management
in a ruggedized, IP67-rated form factor which protects it from the elements. Just as with our other best-ofs, Meraki doesn’t skimp on security. The MR70 boasts Air Marshal, a built-in WIPS for threat detection and remediation. Plus, it’s managed through the Meraki cloud, which monitors your AP around the clock and ensures you always get the latest firmware updates as soon as they’re out – protecting you from any emerging issues. It also makes setup a snap, with self-configuring, rapid plug-and-play deployment. The physical device has internal antennas, PoE, and plenty of Wave 2 connectivity juice, too.

Ruckus Unleashed R610

Key Specs

Performance: 3×3:3 MU MIMO
Wireless Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wave 2
PoE: PoE 802.3af/at
Deployment: Indoor (Wall/Ceiling/Desk)

What makes Ruckus Unleashed R610 one of the best wireless access points of 2020?

For our final entry on this list, we’re going controller-less. Ruckus Unleashed wireless access points don’t require separate controllers and access point licenses to run your wifi, significantly
reducing upfront costs. As a matter of fact, the R610 can handle up to 25 access points with no controller necessary. The R610 also integrates BeamFlex+, which continually forms and directs each wifi packet over the best performing signal path. And it adapts in real time to anticipate hand-held device movement and rotation – because mobile devices are just that, mobile – ensuring consistent performance. This technology also boosts coverage, meaning you’ll need fewer APs to cover the same area. The R610 features multiple power over ethernet options, a wide range of mounting possibilities, and simple deployment.

Looking for the best wireless access points for your small business?

Give us a call at 866-957-2975 to find the perfect fit!

Shopping for email security, endpoint, or ransomware protection? Check these out, too:

SonicWave vs SonicPoint: Comparing Wireless APs

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On June 16, 2020

SonicWave vs SonicPoint: Comparing Wireless APs

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SonicWave vs SonicPoint: Comparing SonicWall Wireless APs

The wave of the future in SonicWall wifi is here with SonicWave wireless access points. To compare SonicWave vs SonicPoint is to compare the future to the past. SonicWave’s predecessor – SonicPoint wireless APs – retired in 2019, but their wifi footprint remains large. For those with active SonicPoint devices or those shopping for wireless networking solutions, it’s worth taking a look at what both model lines have to offer. Let’s compare and contrast SonicWall’s latest wireless line with it’s previous entry into the wifi space.

The New Wave

When it comes to many of the differences between these two model lines, much simply has to do with differences in the technology available at launch date. In other words, older SonicPoints support older performance standards, while newer SonicWaves are ready for whatever today has to offer. Perhaps the biggest difference that puts SonicWaves ahead of SonicPoint APs is support for 802.11ac Wave 2 wireless technology. Wave 2 offers a couple of clearly enhanced capabilities that give SonicWave access points a performance edge:

SonicWave (Wave 2 Technology)

4 data streams
160 MHz channel usage

SonicPoint (Prior Generation)

3 data streams
80 MHz channel usage

The math is pretty simple there. The larger the bandwidth and the more data streams means more devices supported and better performance. And onto another improvement that relates to Wave 2.

MU-MIMO es SU-MIMO

SonicWave models support MU-MIMO instead of SonicPoint’s SU-MIMO. In case you’re unfamiliar, MIMO stands for multiple-input, multiple-output. SU stands for single user, while MU is multiple users. What it’s meant to address is a lag in performance on a network with many users. The MU-MIMO technology found in Wave 2 devices better accounts for today’s mobile-device heavy environment, while SU-MIMO was designed with primarily laptop usage in mind. MU-MIMO allows a wireless connection to simultaneously transmit and receive data between multiple supported devices at a time, as opposed to just one with single-use. That means better performance, more device support, and a reduction in the dreaded lag.

Deployment Options

There are simple physical differences when comparing SonicWave vs SonicPoint models. That is, SonicPoint offered only indoor-capable wireless access points. But the SonicWave series gives you options for whatever your needs, including if those needs include a more rugged appliance. SonicWave has models designed for the traditional indoor ceiling and wall mount, while also offering models specifically designed for outdoor deployments. The SonicWave 231O and 432O are IP67-Rated and feature industrial-grade enclosures meant to stand up to harsh environments. Basically, they can go wherever you need wifi.

Security and Integration

These features go hand-in-hand. SonicWall is always taking network security into account with any solution it offers. Both SonicWave and SonicPoint models support wireless data encryption. But the SonicWave series goes several steps further. SonicWaves are designed to integrate with SonicWall next generation firewalls to take advantage of the robust security they offer – like deep packet inspection to block network threats – as well as single-pane-of-glass management. If you don’t have a SonicWall firewall though, SonicWave APs can perform advanced security services, including the powerful, zero-day stopping Capture ATP sandbox service on their own.

Plus, most SonicWave APs include three radios, with the third fully focused on security. The third radio performs rogue AP detection, passive scanning, and packet capturing. But wait, there’s more! SonicWaves also integrate additional security-related features including:

Wireless intrusion prevention
Virtual AP segmentation
Wireless guest services
RF monitoring
Packet capture

And as mentioned, you can manage them through your firewall, or with SonicWall’s WiFi Cloud Manager – an intuitive, cloud-based WiFi network management system ideal for networks of any size.

Availability

This one’s perhaps the easiest comparison of SonicWave vs SonicPoint. If you’re looking for new wireless APs, it’s SonicWave or bust. The last SonicPoint models reached end of sale in spring of 2019 (with end of support looming in 2022), so the choice is clear. Shop the SonicWave 200 or 400 series to find the right fit for your networking needs.

Catch the SonicWave of WiFi

By Andrew Harmon

Posted On May 13, 2019

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Meet the New SonicWave 200 Series Wireless Access Points

SonicWall has been busy with new product releases in 2019, with the SOHO 250 and TZ350 firewalls and Cloud App Security already making waves in the cyber security market. Speaking of waves, SonicWall’s latest devices expand on its wireless access point offerings, with the SonicWave 200 Series. Three new models make up the new series of SonicWave APs, offering a new option for any type of environment complete with improved uptime, easy deployment, cloud management, and stronger security. The 224W is wall-mountable, the 231C goes on the ceiling, and the 231O is ready for whatever the great outdoors has to throw its way.

These APs feature 802.11ac Wave 2 technology and attain MU-MIMO (multi-use, multi-input, multi-output) support to maximize performance. They’re also simple to deploy thanks to integration with the SonicWiFi App (scan a QR code and they’re ready to use) and simple to manage whether you use SonicWall’s WiFi Cloud Manager or your SonicWall firewall – either way you need not pony up for an expensive, complex wireless access controller.

And SonicWall never forgets security. With Advanced Security Service, your AP will have Content Filtering and Capture Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), a cloud-based secure sandbox. The 231c and 231o also come complete with a dedicated third scanning radio to detect rogue access points.

Surf on over to our latest Feature Review video to see more about the new SonicWave 200 Series APs:

Charting the SonicWave Waters

To take an even deeper dive into the specs for each SonicWave, paddle over to our handy comparison table:

How Do I Get One?

So now that you’ve seen what each new SonicWave AP has to offer, you’re probably wondering, “How do I get 1…or 4…or 10 (depending on your space and user needs)?” We have you covered! Visit our SonicWave Access Point page to see all the available options to help you get your network up and running – and secure.

Get ME A SONICWAVE!