System for and method of implementing wireless neighborhood area networks

A communications system that receives information (e.g., TCP/IP-compatible audio, video, and data applications) from a high-speed wide-area network (e.g., an existing cable, DSL, or satellite network) and communicates at least a portion of the information to a wireless device. The information includes information having a first characteristic and information having a second characteristic. The system has at least one switch in communication with the network, where the switch is configured to receive the information and control the flow of the information based in part on the first and second characteristics. The system further includes an access point in communication with the at least one switch. The access point has a controller and an antenna, and is configured to receive at least a portion of the information from the network and to wirelessly transmit at least a portion of the received information to the wireless device.