[selowitch]

I'm deciding between a Linksys Wireless Access Point (WAP54G) and a Wireless Range Extender (WAPREG). The price of the two units is more-or-less identical, but I'm thinking that since the AP has two antennae instead of one and presumably is more configurable than the RE that the former is the better choice.

Anybody have an opinion? Is there any reason to pick the RE versus over the AP?

[ghporter]

I'd go with the access point and configure the network to support roaming. It's really easy: give all access points/wireless routers the same network name (here it will be an Extended Service Set ID or ESSID), but different channels. Wire them all to ONE wired router. Bingo, you're done.

This gives you a lot of flexibility in shaping your wireless coverage and in controlling access to the network. Let's say you put an additional access point in the den, and it covers that room and a little more, but the only computer you use in or around the den is your PowerBook. You can set up the access point to ONLY connect your PowerBook, but not your next door neighbor's Toshiba laptop, nor the drive-by cracker's whatever it is.

BTW, I'm using a WAP54G right now, and it's a great little box.

[selowitch]

Actually, since I can't directly wire the WAP to the router, I'll need to use the WAP essentially as a wireless bridge. My hope is I can get slightly better reception on the client machines in another room that way.

I use the same technique at home with my Belkin router and access point and it works quite admirably.