Editing Wireless access point (section)

==Wireless access point vs. ad hoc network==
Some people confuse wireless access points with [[wireless ad hoc network]]s. An ad hoc network uses a connection between two or more devices ''without'' using a wireless access point; the devices communicate directly. Because setup is easy and does not require an access point, an ad hoc network is used in situations such as a quick data exchange or a [[multiplayer video game]]. Due to its peer-to-peer layout, ad hoc Wi-Fi connections are similar to connections available using [[Bluetooth]].

Ad hoc connections are generally not recommended for a permanent installation.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/180649/htg-explains-whats-the-difference-between-ad-hoc-and-infrastructure-mode/ |title=What's the Difference Between Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure Mode Wi-Fi? |author=Chris Hoffman |date=September 22, 2016 |access-date=December 16, 2017}}</ref> [[Internet access]] via [[ad hoc network]]s, using features like [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]' [[Internet Connection Sharing]] or dedicated software such as [https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9n4lnn4hk7v6 WiFi Direct Access Point], may work well with a small number of devices that are close to each other, but ad hoc networks do not scale well. Internet traffic will converge to the nodes with direct internet connection, potentially congesting these nodes. For internet-enabled nodes, access points have a clear advantage, with the possibility of having a wired [[LAN]].