Wireless Access Point vs Wireless Router

Hi,

Can anyone tell me any advantages of getting a wireless access point rather
than a wireless router?

I am thinking of extending my home network by adding a wireless connection.
I already have an ADSL modem and router so I was going to just add a
wireless access point since I don't actually need another router. When I
looked at the prices of the Buffalo Airstation in Dabs I discovered that the
router (WBR-G54-1) is £81 but the wireless access point (WLA-G54-1) is more
expensive at £88. So what am I missing? What does it do that makes it worth
the extra money? As far as I can see the router will do what I need and be
cheaper.

Dave.




Dave Godfrey

In article <Y9XSb.432$(E-Mail Removed)>, Dave Godfrey wrote:
> Can anyone tell me any advantages of getting a wireless access point rather
> than a wireless router?

Depending on your circumstances, the best placing for the wireless unit to
give good coverage may not coincide with the best placing for the cabling to
the 4-input hub. A wireless unit can be added to an existing network and
placed wherever it works best with only one ethernet cable.

Other than these practical considerations, there's no real difference. If you
can position a combined unit and easily run all the neccessary cables to it,
then it's a neater solution, and will consume slightly less electrical power
than two separate boxes.

> I am thinking of extending my home network by adding a wireless connection.
> I already have an ADSL modem and router so I was going to just add a
> wireless access point since I don't actually need another router. When I
> looked at the prices of the Buffalo Airstation in Dabs I discovered that the
> router (WBR-G54-1) is £81 but the wireless access point (WLA-G54-1) is more
> expensive at £88. So what am I missing? What does it do that makes it worth
> the extra money? As far as I can see the router will do what I need and be
> cheaper.

This buffalo wireless access point seems to be a fancy one that can be used as
a repeater, and it also contains another 4-port hub. Do you need all this? You
could probably get something cheaper without the unneccessary extras from a
different manufacturer. Unless you like the idea of everything in one box and
cabling isn't a problem, in which case the Buffalo combined wireless router
looks like a good one. (Haven't used one but it gets good reviews in
magazines).

Rod.

Dave Godfrey wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Can anyone tell me any advantages of getting a wireless access point rather
> than a wireless router?

If you already have a router etc. then none. There are advantages to
having a separate AP though.

> looked at the prices of the Buffalo Airstation in Dabs I discovered that the
> router (WBR-G54-1) is ?81 but the wireless access point (WLA-G54-1) is more
> expensive at ?88. So what am I missing? What does it do that makes it worth
> the extra money? As far as I can see the router will do what I need and be

Try a cheaper AP:-

http://www.solwise.co.uk/wirelessaccesspoint.htm


--
Cheers,

John.

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"John Rumm" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:57ZSb.499$(E-Mail Removed)...
>
> Try a cheaper AP:-
>

Thanks for the replies.

After looking around at other places (I have been pointed to
www.nickknows.com) I have come to the conclusion that Dabs have simply got
the prices the wrong way round. I don't need another router so I shall
probably either buy the Buffalo AP from a different place or go for a
cheaper AP as you suggest.

Dave.