Wireless Router vs Wireless Access Point

Archived from groups: alt.internet.wireless (More info?)

What is the functional difference between a wireless router and a
wireless access point? When/why would you choose an access point over
a router?

Archived from groups: alt.internet.wireless (More info?)

Dick <LeadWinger> wrote in news:251g70t41gg6ejbrb8fjno2rhg6obkm923@
4ax.com:

> What is the functional difference between a wireless router and a
> wireless access point? When/why would you choose an access point over
> a router?
>

http://www.homenethelp.com/web/explain/about-NAT.asp

That's what a wire/wireless router does that WAP cannot do. I think most
wireless routers are AP's as well.

http://www.homenethelp.com/web/exp [...] 02.11b.asp

If you want to go wireless and have a wired router, then you plug a WAP
into the router.

Duane

Archived from groups: alt.internet.wireless (More info?)

Thanks Tom. I have a connection problem with a wireless "g" adapter
trying to communicate with a "b" network. I am at the point that I
want to buy either a WAP or a wireless router.

With your explanation, it sounds like I might as well get a router.
Considering the D-Link DI-624. I have tried everything I can think of
(read many articles) about getting a network connection. Nothing
works. I get the little network icon on the taskbar, and it says I
have one or more networks I can choose from. When I open it, I see
the network icon (looks like a chess pawn), but there is nothing next
to it. When I go into control panel/network, and enter the SSID and
WEP encryption key, it appears in the bottom box, but I can't get it
to take the 128 bit WEP. It keeps reverting back to the 64 bit key.
And it won't connect with the router. I have about run out of ideas.
It should be noted that the existing "b" network has been running for
several months without a problem. It's just that the new "g" adapter
won't connect to it. If you have any ideas I would love to hear them.
I'm about ready to order the "g" router and start over. The existing
"b" router is a combo cable modem and wireless router. I can turn off
the wireless, and set it to bridge the output so it is just a plain
cable modem.

Dick

On Sat, 10 Apr 2004 15:18:19 GMT, "Tom A"
<jetski2@optonline.net.NOSPAM> wrote:

>Hi Dick;
>
>A wireless router is basically a router and access point all in one.
>You would buy an access point if you had an existing network and wanted to
>add wireless capability. You would plug the access point into an existing
>router, hub or switch.
>Going back as this stuff was emerging there was a price advantage to just
>buying an access point. But as things progressed wireless routers sold in
>greater numbers and the prices became more competitive. To the point that
>now in many instances a wireless router will cost you less than an access
>point.
>There is very little reason any longer to buy an access point as most
>wireless routers now can function as an access point.
>HTH;
>TomA
>"Dick" <LeadWinger> wrote in message
>news:251g70t41gg6ejbrb8fjno2rhg6obkm923@4ax.com...
>> What is the functional difference between a wireless router and a
>> wireless access point? When/why would you choose an access point over
>> a router?
>