In-wall access points are Wi-Fi units that fit into a wall box and provide wireless coverage for a single room, often with extra Ethernet ports on the front. They suit hotel rooms, student accommodation, offices and homes where a ceiling unit is impractical. Our range currently includes one model from Ubiquiti.
How to choose an in-wall access point
Wi-Fi standard. Wi-Fi 5 still handles everyday browsing and streaming, but Wi-Fi 6 and newer cope better when many phones, laptops and smart devices connect at once. If the unit will serve a busy room or stay in the wall for years, choose the newer standard, because replacing a wall-mounted device means reopening the installation.
Room layout and coverage. A wall-mounted unit radiates mainly into the room in front of it, so it works best when one access point serves one room. For a large open area or a corridor with many doors, ceiling units usually give more even coverage. Count the walls between the access point and the devices that need the signal.
Power over Ethernet. Most in-wall access points are powered through the network cable, which means one cable per unit and no nearby socket. Check that your switch or PoE injector supports the standard the access point needs, and that the cable run to the wall box is already in place or can be installed.
Wired ports on the front. Many in-wall models add Ethernet ports for a desk, smart TV or VoIP phone, and some pass PoE through to another device. Count what you need to plug in at that wall position, since this is often the main reason to choose an in-wall unit over a ceiling one.
Management and the wider network. A single access point can run alone, but several units are far easier to look after from one controller or management application. Check that the model works with the equipment you already own, and that the wall box it mounts into matches the one fitted in the wall.
In-wall access point brands we carry
- Ubiquiti: best known for the UniFi family, where access points, switches and gateways are managed together from one application, which makes adding rooms to an existing network straightforward.
The range is small at the moment, so shoppers who need a different layout may also want to look at the other WiFi access point categories in the network equipment section.
In-wall access points: frequently asked questions
What is an in-wall access point?
An in-wall access point is a Wi-Fi device that mounts flush in a wall box, much like a wall socket. It connects to the network by cable and broadcasts a wireless signal into the room. Many also include Ethernet ports so wired devices can connect at the same spot.
Is an in-wall access point better than a ceiling one?
Neither is better in every case. An in-wall unit suits individual rooms, such as hotel rooms or offices, and can offer wired ports at the wall. A ceiling unit usually covers open spaces and larger areas more evenly.
Does an in-wall access point need a power socket?
Usually not. Most in-wall access points take their power through the Ethernet cable using Power over Ethernet, so a PoE switch or injector is needed. Check the power requirements of the specific model before you buy.
Can I use an in-wall access point on its own?
Yes, a single unit can be set up on its own to cover one room. If you plan to add more access points later, a model that works with a central management application will save time. Ubiquiti units, for example, are designed to be managed through the UniFi system.
