Access point monitoring with PRTG

Access points (APs) are devices that provide wireless connectivity for devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Depending on the use case, infrastructure, and specific needs, there are various types of access points available:

• Standalone access points: These are independent, basic access points that are typically used in small networks (like home or small offices) where minimal management is required.
• Controller-based access points (managed): These APs work with a centralized controller, allowing for more extensive network management and scalability. A wireless LAN controller (WLC) manages multiple APs simultaneously.
• Cloud-managed access points: These APs are managed and monitored through a cloud-based platform, allowing administrators to control the network remotely.
• Mesh access points: Mesh APs form a wireless "mesh" network, where multiple APs communicate with one another to extend coverage over a larger area without needing to be hard-wired to the network.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) access points: PoE APs receive power and network connectivity through a single Ethernet cable, making them easier to install in locations without nearby electrical outlets.
• Enterprise access points: Designed for large organizations, enterprise APs support large numbers of concurrent users, provide advanced security, and offer features like multiple SSIDs, guest networking, and VLAN support.
• Unified access points (unified threat management): These APs combine wireless access with additional security features, such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and malware protection.
• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) access points: Wi-Fi 6 APs are the latest generation, offering enhanced speed, efficiency, and capacity. They are designed to handle the growing number of connected devices.

Access point monitoring refers to the process of observing, tracking, and analyzing the performance and activity of wireless access points (APs) in a network. An access point is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi. Monitoring these APs ensures optimal performance, security, and network reliability. It is a critical component of network management, particularly in environments with many wireless users or devices, such as businesses, campuses, or public venues.

In PRTG, “sensors” are the basic monitoring elements. One sensor usually monitors one measured value in your network, for example the traffic of a switch port, the CPU load of a server, or the free space on a disk drive.

On average, you need about 5-10 sensors per device or one sensor per switch port.