How to Configure an Extreme Access Point?

Configuring the extreme access point is a crucial step as it establishes a high-performing and robust wireless network. Whether it is to install a new device or optimize the existing network, understanding configuration is important as it enhances security, seamless connectivity, and control over the network. 

 The network system provides a wide range of access points that are designed for secure, reliable, and scalable WiFi solutions. Configuring the extreme network wireless access point properly can significantly impact overall network performance. 

In this blog, explore setting up extreme access points, network integration, and much more.

What is an Extreme Access Point?

The Extreme Access Point is a networking device that connects wireless and wired networks and expands WIFI coverage within large areas as compared to routers. 

It helps to connect wireless devices to the wired network. It acts as a central hub for multiple wireless devices, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other wireless devices, without using physical cables. 

 The access point helps to receive data from any wireless device and transfer it to an overwired network and vice versa, which allows wireless devices to access network resources. For example, a WiFi router and a wireless hotspot are the best examples of access points. 

Features of Access Point

The Extreme Networks wireless access point has multiple features that enhance the wireless experience. Some of the features are: 

• WIFI protected access-pre-shared key: The pre-shared key offers secure encryption that helps to protect the network from any unauthorized access. 

• Multiple service set identifiers (SSID): This feature allows to create multiple networks within the extreme network wireless access point and provide separate connections for guests or any specific device.

• Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) support: The VLAN allows to segment the network into virtual networks, which provides additional control or security. 

• Quality of Services (QoS): These features are important as they prioritize smooth and unirrupted experience and network traffic for intensive bandwidth such as gaming and streaming. 

How to Configure Extreme Access Point

For configuring the access point (AP), there is a structured process to set the reliable, secure, and optimized wireless network. Following is the guide that configures the Extreme Access Point (AP):  

1. Power On and Connect the AP

• Power on Device: Use Power over Ethernet (PoE) or connect Access Point to a compatible power adapter.

• Connect the AP: Then connect the AP to a wireless router or switch using an Ethernet cable that provides network access and power. 

2. Access the AP

The AP has its own IP address from the network DHCP. The IP address can be found in the router interface or using a network scanner tool such as Advanced IP Scanner.  

3. Log In to AP

After logging into the Access Point (AP), use the default username and password usually found in the label attached to the AP. If the default password or login credentials have changed, then use the updated credentials.

4. Run the setup wizard

There are basically two AP models, such as a standalone mode or a controller-based model using network structure. The standalone model allows independent AP configuration, and the controller-based model includes AP with an Extreme Network wireless controller.

5. Set up the wireless SSIDs

For setting up the access point, click on the Wireless section and click on “Add SSID." Then configure the SSID parameters by entering name, security mode, and password. 

6. Configure Radio Settings

Select the radio brands and channel width on the basis of network requirements and adjust the transmit power to optimize the minimize interference and coverage. 

7. Security and Access Control

Set the network access policies using ACLs (Access Control Lists), MAC filtering, and firewalls. It also activates a feature that monitors any unauthorized or malicious access point in the network environment. 

8. Save and Apply Changes

Once all the AP settings are configured, save the changes and reboot the access point if necessary. 

What is the importance of access points?

The extreme network wireless access point helps to connect wireless devices to multiple networks. WAPs are highly used in businesses or households that offer wireless internet access. Here are the following advantages of the access point:

• Flexibility: The extreme access point allows regular use of multiple devices such as mobiles, laptops, tablets, and other wireless smart devices.

• Convenience: Users or clients don't have to be close to a wired connection as wireless connections can be installed anywhere and provide connection for full coverage. It allows anyone to freely roam anywhere in the house or workplace and utilize the internet connection securely and productively.

• Easy to Manage: The wireless access points are less likely to have any issues, and they are easy and simple to manage as compared to wired networks. 

• Enhanced Security: With the wireless network connection, the security gets enhanced, as with that, you can control who has access to the WiFi network and who doesn't. 

• Less Expensive: The wired connections require well-structured infrastructure, which requires a lot of money, but Wireless Access Points reduce costs for establishing wireless connections. 

How to Plan Access Point Deployment?

There’s a frequent question about how many access points are required when designing the WiFi installation. Here are some points, and on the basis of that, how many extreme networks wireless access points are required is based.  

• Area dimensions and floor layouts

• Quantity of material required for walls and buildings

• Coverage Area and Floor Plan

• Requirement for applications or capacity according to the client

• Total Number of Users

Conclusion

The Configuring Extreme Access Point is complex to understand, but there’s a structured process that one follows, and it becomes easy to manage and set up the wireless and wired connections securely and effectively.  

Extreme Networks Wireless Access Points help devices from powering to accessing the management by setting up the SSIDs and configuring features such as Quality of Services (QoS) and Security, which play an important role in building a reliable and robust network.

 By performing the right configuration with Extreme Access Point, it provides secure access, high-quality performance, and scalability to support company scalability and growing needs. For configuring the access point, it ensures network efficiency, a better user experience, and flexibility as it helps to adapt to future demands.