[slugslugslug]

I just ordered a new TiBook w/the built-in airport card. I already have a wired router set up to share my cable internet. It seems as though all I need to use this network wirelessly is a wireless access point. it also seems as though I can also add wireless to the network with a router, but it's not necessary.

I'm just wondering if there's any advantage to adding WiFi to my network using a router instead of a simple access point. Or is it just needless expense?

thanks.
y.

[Krusty]

Originally posted by slugslugslug:
It seems as though all I need to use this network wirelessly is a wireless access point. .

An access point is your best bet IMO since you already own the wired router ... slightly less expensive and you can then place the access point in the best possible location for recption (and leave your routher where it is). Go for the access point !!

[jesses584]

What is a wireless access point exactally? Why is it better that purchasing a new router w/wireless capabilities? Is it hard to add to an existing network?

jess

[Krusty]

Originally posted by jesses584:
What is a wireless access point exactally? Why is it better that purchasing a new router w/wireless capabilities? Is it hard to add to an existing network?

jess

A wireless access point is just a wireless broadcast device (not unlike an airport base station but with slightly limited functionality .. it doesn't route signals). You can plug it in to your landline router just as you would plug in ANY other device. The bonus is, you can plug it in to your existing router with regular cat 5 ethernet cable and then mount the access point in a better location to maximize reception.

Here's one

[begin edit] BTW, if you don't own a router yet at all, its cheaper to go with an "all in one" wireless router. The access point is more economical IF you already own the router.
[/edit]

[ghporter]

An access point is only a bridge between the wired network and the wireless part, and can often be found for a lot less than an "all in one" router/access point. The AirPort Base Station is more than just an access point, but less than a multi-port router (the new one only has two ethernet ports).

It's also important to note that not all "all in one" wireless routers support protocols like AppleTalk, so if you're using that for printing, do your research before you buy.

[CRASH HARDDRIVE]

Wireless access points vs. Wireless routers has to be the most confusing peice of comp equipment as far as real world pricing. I must be missing something about the advantages of a Wireless 'Access point' vs. a router- because consistantly, it isn't price. (Although that would seem logical).

I've yet to find a WAP for under $89-100, which is the exact same price range for Wireless routers, generally with more features.

For example, on the same page vmarks linked to,in another thread, a Trendnet 22Mb Wireless router is only $89 (after the same rebates). At 22Mb it's double the wireless speed and ready for next gen 22Mb hardware, (but still works at 11Mb with current hardware) and also a wired router.

I own a 4-port Belkin F5D6230 wireless router my wife bought 6 months ago for $89, now it's $69. Works beautifully, fast, completly Mac and PC compatible- handles all my networking needs in one box.

The Linksys BEFW11S wireless router ranges from $89-$120. By all acounts a great peice of hardware.

This SMC2404WBR is another 22/11Mb router/WAP for $78 (after rebates). Do they make a stand alone WAP that can be had for less than that?

I did a search of CompUSA for the Netgear MA102 WAP mentioned in another thread at probably priced at $60. Rather than $60 (that would be a price I'd expect) I can't find it anywhere for less than $89. YET, Netgear makes the MR814 4-point router+WAP that can be had for $69!

What am I missing here? Stand alone access points seem to me on the whole grossly overpriced, while 4 point routers PLUS the access point are reasonably priced, even cheaper. WTF??

I can understand totally that someone who already has a standalone wired router may not want to buy another router PLUS the wireless access point- but when the WAP by itself costs just as much -and even more- than the two together, I'm lost to make sense of it!


Is there some inherant advantage of a standalone WAP over a wired router PLUS the WAP? First of all, in my own experience, I switched out a stand-alone Linksys BEFSR41 router for the Belkin I have now. My wired connections actually INCREASED in speed- as the Belkin unit must have newer/better circuitry, and possibly better software/firmware. There was a noticeable speed increase in my shared connections as well as LAN speed. Had we just got a WAP to use with the Linksys, we'd have never experienced the speed increase, and we would have spent the same or actually MORE money. (expecially 6 months ago, I can barely find an $89 WAP now, let alone then).

Another advantage, everything is handled in one unit- that's one less powersupply wall wart to feed and less space taken up by more little gizmo boxes.

Never mind how absolutly INSANE to me the Apple ABS at $300 is. I can't begin to fathom that.

Is there some supposed performance advantage one is supposed to have with a seperate router/WAP combo that would explain the fact that there is hardly a price gap- or even a negative price gap!?

I can only guess that a WAP is an advantage if you can find one much cheaper than a router +WAP or if you are just so married to your current wired router that you can't bear to replace it with a unit that does both. (I gladly kicked my old Linksys wired router to the curb and haven't missed it in the slightest).

I'm sure Appletalk support is a concern- works fast and fine on my Belkin. I'm pretty sure Linksys and SMC are up on AT compatibility.

Is there some performance advantage? From what I can tell the ranges seem to be about the same. Generally, the feature advantages of a router+WAP seem to be much better.


I've really tried searching for that elusive inexpensive stand alone WAP- I could use one in my new office where we are replacing the old AirportBS (not mine). I'd say that $50-60 is more what I'd expect to be fair, considering I can get the combo for $69.

Seriously, I'm befuddled over this. If someone knows something about stand alone WAPs that I don't (believe me, very possible) I would love to be enlightened. (IE: some truly worthwhile feature advantage, or where to find one for less than any comparable wired+ wireless router.)


As it is, I would have to say I'm inclined to do the same in my office as we did in our home- kick the current wired router to the curb and get an inexpensive wireless router. Unless someone has any insight into a cheaper/better alternative, I'd recommend the same course for anyone.