Base Station

A base station is a fixed wireless device that serves as a hub for other wireless devices and provides a bridge to another network. In a computer networking context, a base station broadcasts a wireless signal that allows other devices to join a local network. However, the term is also commonly used in the telecommunications industry to refer to cellular towers, wireless landline telephone docks, and other radio transceivers.

A Wi-Fi base station, also known as an access point, is a central piece of infrastructure in a Wi-Fi network. Every wireless device first connects to the base station, which allows them to communicate with other devices on that network. A base station also provides a bridged connection to another network, like an Ethernet-wired LAN or the Internet. Some base stations include multiple Ethernet ports that allow them to also serve as a router for a wired network, while others only provide a bridge and single Ethernet port to connect to another router. Mesh Wi-Fi networks use a central base station that wirelessly communicates with smaller satellite access points to deliver wireless networking over a larger area than a single access point can cover.

The use of the term "base station" to describe any Wi-Fi router or access point is no longer as common as it once was. Most home networking equipment instead uses "access point" to refer to wireless bridges and "Wi-Fi router" to refer to access points with routing features. "Wi-Fi base station" is now generally used to refer to large-scale, enterprise-level wireless networking infrastructure designed to provide coverage for workplaces and public spaces.

Updated September 11, 2023 by Brian P.

quizTest Your Knowledge

WDDM is a Windows driver architecture for what component?

A
RAM
0%
B
CPU
0%
C
GPU
0%
D
SSD
0%
Correct! Incorrect!     View the WDDM definition.
More Quizzes →

The Tech Terms Computer Dictionary

The definition of Base Station on this page is an original definition written by the TechTerms.com team. If you would like to reference this page or cite this definition, please use the green citation links above.

The goal of TechTerms.com is to explain computer terminology in a way that is easy to understand. We strive for simplicity and accuracy with every definition we publish. If you have feedback about this definition or would like to suggest a new technical term, please contact us.

Sign up for the free TechTerms Newsletter

How often would you like to receive an email?

You can unsubscribe or change your frequency setting at any time using the links available in each email.

Questions? Please contact us.