wireless router vs access point

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luv2bike2nv

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Oct 29, 2015
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I need to get a wireless router or access point for my employer (small casino).
the situation is as follows:
They will be opening up a restaurant inside the casino. They are going to use iPads for the Waiters/Waitresses to place the food orders that will go into the kitchen. I was put the task to of getting a wireless router set up. We have an Ethernet Network.

My questions are:

which would be better wireless router or an access point?

any suggestions as to which brand and model i should go with?

Thank you in advance for any and all suggestions.

 
Solution
Solandri
Wireless router = wireless access point + gateway. If you want the iPads to be on their own separate network, then you need a wifi router. If you intend for them to be on the existing wired network, then an access point will suffice.

I assume you want the latter since the cash register(s) will probably also need to access the same server in order to tally up the bill, and they will probably be wired.

Do note that with a little configuration, a wireless router can be used as an access point. Basically give its LAN side a static IP address within the range of the pre-existing LAN, disable DHCP on it, plug one of its LAN ports into the existing LAN, and (optional) cover up the WAN port with tape so nobody accidentally plugs something...
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-Fran-

-Fran-

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May 3, 2007
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Interesting dilemma you have there, but unfortunately I don't have experience with brands and wireless "open" networks. What I do know is that you have to find a solution that is robust and low latency with good encryption.

From home routers, I can think of Netgear's line of APs, since I do own Netgear Routers and they never disappoint, but I would also tell you to give the Linksys 54g a try. It's an old-ish model, but DD-WRT could be your best ally in configuring the network to your needs and I know for a fact it's a rock solid Router/AP.

If you have the money for something more "professional", then I would suggest looking for enclosed solutions from Cisco. They might not be the best, but the warranty you get might save you from nasty situations.

Cheers!

EDIT: Give this link a read: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/wireless/small-business-wireless-access-points/index.html
 
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Solandri

Solandri

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Jan 4, 2012
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Wireless router = wireless access point + gateway. If you want the iPads to be on their own separate network, then you need a wifi router. If you intend for them to be on the existing wired network, then an access point will suffice.

I assume you want the latter since the cash register(s) will probably also need to access the same server in order to tally up the bill, and they will probably be wired.

Do note that with a little configuration, a wireless router can be used as an access point. Basically give its LAN side a static IP address within the range of the pre-existing LAN, disable DHCP on it, plug one of its LAN ports into the existing LAN, and (optional) cover up the WAN port with tape so nobody accidentally plugs something into it. I only mention this because economies of scale have made wifi routers cheaper than wifi access points, even though wifi routers have more functionality than wifi APs. So even if you only need an access point, you may be better off getting routers and configuring them as access points.

I won't suggest brands or models. There are just too many of them with too many different capabilities. Start here and do your own research. I do strongly recommend 5 GHz. 2.4 GHz can cease to function when microwave ovens are operating, and I'm pretty sure a restaurant will have a few microwaves.:

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/
 
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L

luv2bike2nv

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Oct 29, 2015
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Thank you both for your suggestions. I will take them in consideration. just have to make sure all my i are dotted and t's are crossed before making the decision. don't want any issues when the restaurant opens up.
 
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