softAP

SoftAP, short for software-enabled access point, is a networking function that allows a device to act as a wireless access point using its own radio and software. It provides an infrastructure-style wireless network without requiring a dedicated hardware AP. The feature is implemented in software on the host device and relies on the device’s Wi-Fi hardware and drivers.

In operation, the device configures its wireless interface into access point mode, creates an SSID, and typically runs a DHCP server to assign IP addresses to connected clients. It may share an Internet connection via Network Address Translation (NAT) or simply provide a local network. SoftAP implementations are common on embedded systems and consumer devices, and they often use software components such as hostapd on Linux or platform-specific equivalents on mobile operating systems.

Common use cases include provisioning and configuring Internet of Things devices, direct device-to-device connections, and portable hotspots on smartphones, laptops, or cameras. SoftAP is widely used for initial setup workflows, allowing a user to connect to the device to configure network credentials or other settings without requiring a separate access point or existing Internet access.

Compared with a hardware access point, softAP offers flexibility and cost savings but may be limited by the host device’s processing power, memory, and radio capabilities. Performance, range, and the number of simultaneous clients can be constrained, particularly on low-power devices. Security depends on standard wireless encryption; WPA2 or WPA3 with a strong password is recommended, and leaving the network open is a security risk. Examples of platforms that support softAP include Linux with hostapd, Android’s hotspot functionality, and Windows mobile hotspot.