Netgear ProSafe 8-Port 10/100 Desktop Switch w/4 PoE Ports

Access Point
A station that transmits and receives data (sometimes referred to as a transceiver). An access point connects users to other users within the network and also can serve as the point of interconnection between the wireless LAN and a fixed wire network. Each access point can serve multiple users within a defined network area; as people move beyond the range of one access point, they are automatically handed over to the next one. A small wireless LAN may only require a single access point; the number required increases as a function of the number of network users and the physical size of the network. Access points operate on Wi-Fi or on the more recently approved DECT standard.

IP (Internet Protocol)
A protocol that specifies the way data is broken into packets and the way those packets are addressed for transmission. Unlike traditional telephone lines which create a straight path from caller to recipient; IP uses the best available path at any given moment to move data packets between point A & point B. The beauty of IP is that the sending end and receiving end communicate success in sending and receiving to insure all data packets are delivered. A really great concept of IP is that of self healing. If a route is broken and the data packets cannot be delivered an alternate route is automatically selected.

PoE (Power Over Ethernet)
Instead of being powered by a conventional AC plug-in type, the power comes through the ethernet cable connection. PoE reduces the amount of wires in an office. Data and power in a single cord.