Access Point vs. Router

Question

What's the difference?

My understanding is that the only difference between the two is that the router has ethernet ports in addition to the wireless ability, while the AP is wireless only.

If access points are less functional than routers, why are they more expensive?

mattcowger · Answer

It doesn't. Theres something else on the network that assigns the address, whether that be a separate DHCP server, nonwireless router, or whatever.

volcano11 · Answer

Access points also have ethernet ports. The main difference is that a router acts as a dhcp server and also isolates internet traffic from the computers and routes internet to the computers. Yes, an access point is less functional, but it is also less popular. In the electronics industry, less popular usually means more expensive, as prices drop when more units are sold. Routers used to be more expensive, but their prices have dropped significantly as more and more people set up wireless networks. Access point prices have remained fairly constant during this period.

Steve

JamesNU · Answer

If access points don't have DHCP capability, then how does it assign IP addresses to the laptops that come within range of it?

johnallg · Answer

None.  Think of an AP as a wireless hub or switch.  Think of a router as a DHCP server and firewall computer with 3 or 4 ethernet ports.

mattcowger · Answer

No, it can be used up to its limit of client (usually around 128, depending on traffic).

JamesNU · Answer

But what good is an AP-connected machine without an IP address?

JamesNU · Answer

So if an access point is plugged into a router's ethernet port, the AP can only be used by one machine at a time?

mattcowger · Answer

The AP is what we call in networking a 'bridge' - it mearly passes traffic. When your wireless client connects, it sends out a request for an address, which is heard and responded to by the router that is BEHIND the AP.

JamesNU · Answer

Ok I got it now. Thanks for the explanation guys

NemesisDB · Answer

This might also help:  the 'wireless routers' you typically buy are really a router, a switch, and a wireless accesspoint/bridge all in one box.  A basic router will have one WAN port and one LAN port.  A router with 4 ethernet ports (which you usually see) is really just an integrated router/switch combo.  A router with a wireless access point is very much the same thing -- just as you can buy a switch seperately, you can buy a router seperately.  The AP will still connect to a router, it's just not integrated in the same box.   Now ... it was mentioned that wireless routers (all in one box) solutions are usually cheaper.  The good news is that if you already have a router you like (but need a cheap access point) you can buy the wireless router and just use the access point part of it (you'd connect one of the ports on your current router/switch with a cross over cable to a lan port on the wireless router).   That said, integration is less messy and usually cheaper (if sometimes lacking in features).  I think linksys is currently offering a product that's a cable modem, VOIP phone, router, switch, and AP all in one box.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Access Point vs. Router

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