Wireless Router or Access Point???

colin300

I have bought a laptop and want to know what is it I need I know wired networks down but the wireless stuff is a bit more lost on me since people say its more niggly then the wired stuff.

What i need to do is just connect the computer i have upstairs in my house that is connected to the internet to something wireless to send it around the house. I would prefer to be able use a access point cause i don't really want to use a wireless router. Just wondering if i could use a access point without a wireless router or do i need a wireless router no matter what?

humaxf1

2 options:

1. A wireless ADSL/Broadband/cable router depending on you ISP. With this, you have an all-in-one box. A disadvantage is, depending on the signal range on the wireless, PCs/laptops may not be in range. You may be limited on locating the unit depending on where you phone socket/cable connection etc is. Whereas...

2. An access point can be located where ever you want, provided you can run CAT5 handily enough and have a power socket nearby. You can now loctate the access point closer to your wireless machines.

Be sure that the router you choose has a 4 port switch bulit in, so you can connect the AP. Most routers now come with a switch anyway.

colin300

Right but I cant just stick an access point on at the end of the ethernet coming out of my PC into the access point it has to come from a router?

Snowbat

You can if not already used for your internet connection but you'll need to set up NAT routing (Internet Connection Sharing in Windows) or proxy software on your computer and you may find the functionality limiting. With that kind of setup you can skip the access point altogether and just add a wireless card or USB wireless "dongle" to your computer and put it in ad-hoc mode - no access point required.