Any difference between a wireless hub and an access point?

Post #100,748

5/7/03 1:56:33 PM

Wireless is new to me. These two things initially appear to be the same thing, but the products advertised as access points don't mention the ability to hook up to a DSL or Cable Modem, nor do they advertise any kind of firewall capability. On the other hand, they don't seem to cost any less, either.

So what's the deal? Is there an actual difference, or is it just a matter of vendor preference in terms of naming and feature preference?

"We are all born originals -- why is it so many of us die copies?"
- Edward Young

Post #100,750

by bepatient

5/7/03 2:07:36 PM

Access points connect to an existing LAN.

They will not connect to cable or dsl service. For that you need a router.

So, if my recollection of the rest of the conversation is correct, you had been using a Linux box to connect to the WAN of your provider and running through a hub (I'm guessing).

You will need to buy the wireless router. Which at this point isn't bad...because the price point has fallen so low that it should be cheaper that way.

When I wired the house the routers will still a bit pricier than a straight access point.

If you push something hard enough, it will fall over. _{Fudd's First Law of Opposition}

[link|mailto:bepatient@aol.com|BePatient]

Post #100,756

by cwbrenn

5/7/03 2:24:31 PM

So can you use a wireless access point...

... to extend the range of a wireless router? That seemed to be what you were saying in the other thread, but I wasn't sure if you meant that, or if you meant I'd need to set up another DSL modem at another point in the house, and have *two* wireless networks set up.

How do you get an access point to synch up with a wireless hub? Do you just point your browser at the AP's IP address and it pops up a configuration screen, or something?

"We are all born originals -- why is it so many of us die copies?"
- Edward Young

Post #100,771

by bepatient

5/7/03 3:37:42 PM

Should you need to do this.

..you'll need an access point that can support bridging or you could wire the AP to the router, as most are router/hubs with 4 available ports. I have the AP hardwired to the lan...which is located in the basement. It was fairly easy to run the wire because I have a drop ceiling in the basement.

However, SpiceWare's suggestion of the Linksys with the booster seems like it would cover your house quite handily and quite likely allow you to sell bandwidth to a neighbor.

If you push something hard enough, it will fall over. _{Fudd's First Law of Opposition}

[link|mailto:bepatient@aol.com|BePatient]

Post #100,868

by static

5/8/03 7:43:43 AM

There is, yes.

An access point lets wireless PCs with wireless cards access the wired LAN the AP is on. (I think Beep said this.) A wireless hub is an AP plus an ethernet hub plus a cable (or ADSL) modem in the one box.

You can use an AP to extend a WLAN, but you need *two* APs: the first is in range of the original WLAN, then you run a cable to the second AP to create a second WLAN. I doubt your house is big enough to need this! :-)

Wade.

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Somebody save my life
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