Router and Access point - what's the difference?

Can someone please give me a quick explanation of the differences between
these two devices? Most of the websites I've visited seem to use the two
interchangeably.
If you wanted to go about setting up a home network which is preferable?

Thanks.


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N.

A router allows you to connect it to a Ethernet capable modem and distribute
it to a private LAN of computers, providing a simple firewall. An Access
Point can be hooked up to a modem but it will use public or internet ip
addresses and provides no firewall. Most often an Access Point is hooked up
to an existing wired network where there already is a router, to add
wireless capability. For a home network you would need either a router and a
Access Point or a Router/Access Point combo device. A router does not
provide wireless by itself, only when it has an Access Point attached or
integrated.
"Sylvestre" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:yBX0b.6195$(E-Mail Removed)...
> Can someone please give me a quick explanation of the differences between
> these two devices? Most of the websites I've visited seem to use the two
> interchangeably.
> If you wanted to go about setting up a home network which is preferable?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
> --
> ---
> N.
>
>

"Nite Rider" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:iSX0b.212497$Ho3.28262@sccrnsc03...
> A router allows you to connect it to a Ethernet capable modem and
distribute
> it to a private LAN of computers, providing a simple firewall. An Access
> Point can be hooked up to a modem but it will use public or internet ip
> addresses and provides no firewall. Most often an Access Point is hooked
up
> to an existing wired network where there already is a router, to add
> wireless capability. For a home network you would need either a router and
a
> Access Point or a Router/Access Point combo device. A router does not
> provide wireless by itself, only when it has an Access Point attached or
> integrated.

You possibly should have pointed out that your description of a router, is
actually a router + hub.
The hub is logically and often physically a separate device.

Martyn

> "Sylvestre" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:yBX0b.6195$(E-Mail Removed)...
> > Can someone please give me a quick explanation of the differences
between
> > these two devices? Most of the websites I've visited seem to use the
two
> > interchangeably.
> > If you wanted to go about setting up a home network which is preferable?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> >
> > --
> > ---
> > N.
> >
> >
>
>