In computer networking, a wireless access point (WAP or AP) is a device that connects wireless communication devices together to form a wireless network. The WAP usually connects to a wired network, and can relay data between wireless devices and wired devices. Several WAPs can link together to form a larger network that allows "roaming".

     source - Wireless access point. (2006, August 26). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved September 3, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_access_point

Typically, Hautspot utilizes a single AP to either service the entire hotspot or to handle authentication connectivity to our central control server for multiple secondary AP's (for a hotzone, for example). Hautspot uses either Sputnik AP160 units for this purpose or LinkSys WRT54G units, flashed with the Sputnik Agent firmware. In some instances, an external antenna is connected to the AP to either focus or enhance the saturation of Wi-Fi signal in the hotspot.