Wireless access point vs. cable/DSL wireless router.

Hi,

I would like to know what is the difference between a wireless Access
point (AP) and a cable/DSL wireless router. Do both of them need to
connect to a cable/DSL modem provided by the ISP in order to share an
internet connection. What about Wi-Fi that the local ISP provides .
This last option is provided as long as my house is located near a
large antena that belongs to the local ISP (they told me). In this last
case, do I need an expensive Access point to connect to that antena or
it just suffices my NetGear WGR 614 v4 wireless router to connect to
internet wirelessly ?

Please forgive my ignorance but I am a newbie in this matter.

Thanks for your feedback and suggestions.

Alex.

"alex" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) ups.com...
> Hi,
>
> I would like to know what is the difference between a wireless Access
> point (AP) and a cable/DSL wireless router.

A wireless Access Point provides just a wireless connection.

A wireless router usually provides::
A wireless connection
Several wired ports
A firewall

> Do both of them need to
> connect to a cable/DSL modem provided by the ISP in order to share an
> internet connection.

Essentiall Yes.

> What about Wi-Fi that the local ISP provides .

See reply from Bobb.

> This last option is provided as long as my house is located near a
> large antena that belongs to the local ISP (they told me). In this last
> case, do I need an expensive Access point to connect to that antena or
> it just suffices my NetGear WGR 614 v4 wireless router to connect to
> internet wirelessly ?

If you already have cable TV and they can provide a wired Internet
connection by just installing a cable modem them I would go for that. Then
hook up the wireless router you already have. That way you can choose which
PCs connect via wire and which by wireless. If you want to add a wireless
printer later like the HP 6840 then it's easy because you are in control.

How do I get to the reply from Bobb. Is it just by doing a google
search for WiFi and Bobb ? I think you are being more specific pointing
me to the reply from Bobb on Wi-Fi. Please redirect me.. Thanks.

"alex" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) oups.com...
> How do I get to the reply from Bobb. Is it just by doing a google
> search for WiFi and Bobb

See below...

"bobb" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Sometimes referred to as Wifi-Max, it covers a neighbourhood, entire
> cities etc. A very new recent development. The only thing u need here
> is a compatible Network Interface in your machine. If this exists
> where u live.
>
> Existing Wifi technology goes like this, installed in your home -
>
> DSL/Cable Provider -> DSL/Cable Modem -> Router -> Wifi Acess Point.
>
> The DSL/Cable Modem is typically supplied by provider for a nominal
> fee (sometimes it's free with promotion).
>
> U can purchase a combined box router+AP
> U can even purchase a combined Modem+Router+AP if u want to keep the
> clutter down.
>