An access point is a device that creates a wireless local area network, or WLAN, usually in an office or large building. An access point connects to a wired router, switch, or hub via an Ethernet cable, and projects a Wi-Fi signal to a designated area. While range extenders do increase the coverage of a Wi-Fi router, they do not increase its available bandwidth. ... Access points, on the other hand, can handle over 60 simultaneous connections each.