What is the point of an access point?

Hi, I am setting up a new network and I am just wondering if it is a good idea to get an access point. If it is, is it a good idea to get a router and access point built into one or should I rather buy two seperate units?

PS any recommendations for a good, cheap router that is practically fool proof when setting up?

 

An access point is particularly useful when you want wireless access but do not need (or already have) router functionality.

 

then what is the point of a router?

 

Router: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Router

 

Access point: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_access_point

 

You probably want a wireless router. That is a router with a built-in access point. You will need to decide what dialects you want/need (e.g.: 802.11 comes in A, B, G, N). You most likely do not need A, and probably do want B & G, and may want N if your devices support it.

 

A wireless Router in itself is an AP.

You will want a true AP only if you want to extend the range of an already set up network which consist of a wireless Router.

 

A home wireless router is actually a router, access point, and switch in one

 

And DHCP server!

 

If you want to get internet (mos likely) then keep in mind that an AP is only intended to extend WiFi coverage (e.g. repeater or bridge) and it requires a router to get internet access (you need a modem as well). As the previous members have suggested, get yourself a router which does all the functionalities, including AP.

 

I have a D-Link DWL G730 AP which can be used in several different modes (via a switch), one of which is Access Point mode. I have used it in that mode when travelling when there is already a router in place, but no wireless.

 

Right, makes sense...you can also use an AP and create a wireless network with a wired modem/router that doesn't have wireless features.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833129184

is that a good router/ap? or do you have any other recommendations?

 

A AP is used to connect wirelessly. In most cases you want a wireless router to start off with. You can then add a AP or wireless router setup as a AP to extend your coverage. Most AP are multifunction, meaning they support many modes, client, bridge, multi-bridge, repeater. These features are only supported by third party firmware (dd-wrt) on some routers. Meaning MFG do not want these functions, hurts them on sale of other hardware.

Most business use AP if they want to setup a wireless network on their facility. They will set them up so you can roam all over the facility and not need to login every time you move out of range of your current AP. It is so seamless you will not even know you changed AP.

 

Also, most modems that the ISPs provide are really Modem+Router combos. Some are even Modem+Wireless Router combos.

You can put a second router after the ISPs router, but if you do you probably should set the ISPs router to be in "bridge mode".

 

And if you have fiber to the house, you don't even have a modem.

 

Not possible here yet, but makes sense: No need to MOdulate-DEModulate (convert analog to digital) if it comes in digitally in the first place.