A cable has miniaturized, low-cost, highly-integrated wireless network access points embedded in the cable at periodic intervals along the length of the cable. Power conductors that run the length of the cable supply each of the access points with electrical power. Each access point has an antenna for receiving and transmitting radio signals. The antenna of an access point is encapsulated, along with the rest of the access point circuitry, underneath an insulating protective outer sheath of the cable. The cable includes conductors that are usable for a purpose other than deploying a wireless network. When the cable is physically installed (for example, in the wall or ceiling of a building) for the other purpose, the access points are simultaneously physically installed. The access points so installed can then be activated and used as part of a wireless network.