An access point (AP) is a networking hardware device that serves as a bridge between wireless devices and a wired network. Operating at Layer 2 of the OSI model, it broadcasts a wireless local area network (WLAN) signal identified by a Service Set Identifier (SSID), enabling devices such as laptops, smartphones, and IoT devices to connect to the broader network infrastructure or the internet.

From a cybersecurity perspective, access points represent critical control points and potential vulnerabilities within network infrastructure. Secure deployment requires implementing robust encryption protocols like WPA3, strong authentication mechanisms such as 802.1X with RADIUS servers, and proper SSID management. Additional security measures include rogue AP detection, regular firmware updates, and network segmentation using VLANs to isolate traffic types and protect data integrity and confidentiality.