High-Performance WiFi Access Points with Smart Management
Streaming, video calls, mobile devices – simple wireless coverage isn’t enough anymore. You need performance, range, and stability.
The challenge of modern WiFi networks
The demands placed on modern wireless networks are constantly increasing. Where it used to be sufficient to simply ensure wireless coverage, today the requirements for bandwidth and stability are much higher. While in the past it might have been enough to load a few web pages or small bits of data from databases, today we’re talking about video streams, voice calls, or video conferences on mobile devices.
On top of that, wireless networks now need to cover entire buildings or properties – and a call started at one end of the building should continue without interruption all the way to the other end. To make this happen, you need enough wireless access points.
When we talk about wireless networks in general, we usually use the term WLAN. WLAN is the common term for the Wireless Ethernet Standard according to IEEE 802.11. In addition, there are standardized names from the WiFi Alliance – a non-profit organization that ensures the interoperability of wireless devices – and many people are already familiar with these.
These are the most important WiFi standards: WiFi 4, WiFi 5 und WiFi 6
WiFi 4 (802.11n)
- 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz frequencies
- Up to 600 Mbps
- Solid range
- Good for browsing & emails
WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
- 5 GHz frequency
- Up to 1.3 Gbps
- Great for streaming & video calls
- Includes MU-MIMO support
WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
- 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz frequencies
- Over 9 Gbps
- High stability, even with many users
- Ideal for modern offices & campuses
Why access points and standards matter for your WiFi
Wireless access points (WLAN AP) determines the standard your network uses. It’s important to know that both clients and access points are backward compatible. That means: if you install a WiFi 6 AP, your WiFi 4 devices can still connect. If you install a WiFi 4 AP, your WiFi 6 clients will automatically connect using WiFi 4 mode.
The main differences between the WiFi standards lie not only in the frequency band used, but also in the achievable bandwidth. Many limitations of WiFi come down to physics: WiFi is a high-frequency signal that must be broadcast at low power and is very sensitive to environmental factors like humidity and reflections. WiFi is also required by design to allow interference and has the lowest priority of all signals in the so-called ISM band.
Therefore, when choosing access points, it’s important not just to consider the price but also the supported standard and environmental conditions. Modern WLAN APs like those from LevelOne not only offer higher bandwidths and greater range, but they can also be centrally managed and integrated flexibly into existing networks. This secures the performance and future-readiness of your wireless network – today and tomorrow.
Radar detected – WiFi shut down? Here’s how to avoid this frequency trap
Looking closer at the frequency bands, it's clear that the 2.4 GHz band offers little bandwidth, and large parts of the 5 GHz band are reserved for weather and aviation radar. If a WiFi AP detects such a prioritized use of the band, it must switch to a free frequency. If it doesn't, the German Federal Network Agency may order the access point to be taken out of service at that location. The responsibility for compliance lies with the network operator – not the manufacturer of the AP.
If you take a moment to think about all this, you might wonder whether it's even worth using WiFi at all. But manufacturers of standard-compliant WiFi devices have already developed solutions – and so have we at LevelOne!
The PoE-Switches from the HILBERT-Series are a perfect match here.
The solution: LevelOne Managed WiFi!
The WAC-2010 series brings control, automation, and stability – for reliable, scalable networks with easy setup.
With the new WiFi controllers from the WAC-2010 series, we’ve introduced not just frequency control and seamless roaming, but also algorithms to avoid interference and signal reflection.
To keep installation simple, the controllers automatically detect all access points in the wired network. All LevelOne APs come with PoE functionality, eliminating the need for separate power supplies – a single LAN cable is all that’s required.A perfect match: PoE switches from the HILBERT series, which not only provide PoE power but also actively monitor the connected APs. If a failure occurs, the affected device is automatically rebooted. To further improve coverage and wireless signal quality, we recommend using high-gain WiFi antennas for access points. These antennas can significantly extend range and enhance performance in demanding environments – ideal for larger buildings, office floors, or challenging layouts.
Seamless integration – flexible and future-proof
Whether you want to use our WLAN solution with your ISP’s router or a branded firewall system, the LevelOne managed WLAN solution integrates easily. With firewalls, for example, it’s possible to route networks from the start as virtual networks to the switch. These virtual networks can be split by VLAN tags and linked to each SSID, creating fully separated networks. The WiFi controller then handles tasks like connecting client devices to the best AP and managing frequency use.
Secure internet access with built-in gateway & firewall
The controller includes a gateway function, with one port acting as the WAN. Basic firewall features are also included in the WAC series to protect the internet connection from outside threats.
Easy configuration. Full security.
Automatic detection, secure defaults, and flexible settings – without complex processes.
The Wireless LAN Controller Series WAC detect connected access points automatically and show them in the web interface. If the default configuration was edited before connecting the first AP, it will be automatically applied to each newly connected AP. This means your network is ready to go right away – no complicated setup required.
Central management & customized access point configuration
Best practice: use the default configuration as an "error configuration". This way, APs get settings that don’t allow access to the network – preventing hackers from tricking users with fake access points.
You can then assign specific configurations per model to reflect differences like supported standards, max bandwidth, or number of SSIDs.
All features at a glance
Scalable up to 256 APs
Supports networks with up to 128 or 256 access points – ideal for growing businesses.
Seamless roaming
Automatic management ensures uninterrupted roaming between access points.
Interference-free & optimized
Smart signal optimization avoids interference.
Plug-and-play expansion
New APs are auto-detected and integrated – no manual config needed.
Configuration templates
Easier management via central templates and default settings for all APs.
PoE installation
Access Points get power and data via a single LAN cable.
Standard-compliant & secure
Encryption, roaming, power management – all per the latest WiFi standards.