[clue-tech] wireless education for dummies (me)

[Nate Duehr]

On Dec 15, 2009, at 7:03 PM, Collins Richey wrote:

> What is the difference between a wireless router and a wireless access
> point, and why would I want one or the other?

A wireless router usually includes a router "engine", usually around 4-ports of Ethernet connectivity, and the wireless RF "stuff".

A wireless AP typically has a single Ethernet connection, usually can't "route" anything, it simply acts as a wireless way into your existing LAN.

> My home setup consists of a comcast modem feeding a 4-port ethernet
> router into which I plug my current unsecured (uggh!) wireless router.
> and 3 other local devices.

Okay, so your router is your cablemodem.  You probably don't NEED another router in this mix.  But most wireless "routers" can be but in modes that make them act "dumber" and sometimes they're less expensive than AP's.

> The only other wireless router I have (D-LINK DI-614) doesn't want to
> work through the wired router. This one has some level of security.

Don't know what "doesn't want to work through the wired router means".  Does it get an address via DHCP, or are you assigning one, etc?

> Any help would be appreciated.

If you're going to do both wired and wireless, unless you have special needs like wanting to build completely different IP ranges for the wired vs. wireless networks... and even that's "do-able" in one device these days... 

I'd dump the wired router altogether and plug a wireless router into the Cablemodem... one that has enough Ethernet ports to replace your wired router while also acting as your wireless AP.

--
Nate Duehr
nate at natetech.com

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