Page 1 of Wireless Router or Wireless Access Point

I am having ADSL installed i will have a router supplied by the company and wondering what is best to get wireless access as i am a bit unsure of the difference between the two. Does the wireless access point connect to my router for wireless access. Will i need a wireless router or access point if i want to share the connection between my PC`s.

Thanks

This item was edited on Friday, 19th November 2004, 10:58

Hi

a wireless access point if used mainly for connecting wireless systems to
already installed wired systems.

if your provider is supplying you with wireless equipment, there a re a number of
ways to "share" your connection.

the fist option is what is known as Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) which is
also described as "ad-hoc". this method of internet sharing means that one pc
(the host) is connected directly to the modem, all other pcs (clients) connect
through the host pc to access the internet...the host pc becomes the gateway
to the internet and must be switched on at all times should any of the other pcs
want to have internet access.

the second option uses a router which attaches to the modem directly (or can be
a combined modem/router/access point built into one device)
this is generally considered to be the best way to connect multiple pcs to the internet
because any machine can connect without relying on one of the other pcs to be the host.

if your ISP gives you a wireless modem/router, then your best option would be to
get hold of either PCI or USB wireless adaptors (USB are easier to install as you don`t
have to open up any pc cases to install them).

if you have any more questions......you know where to post:-D

Ste.

...is that gasoline I smell?

I think they are just supplying me with a normal router, so will i need to start with a wireless router or will the access point be ok running off the normal router so i can share stuff like the internet connection.

Thanks

Hi

if its just a regular wired router, then yes, you will need to use the wireless
access point if you want to access the net with a wirelessly equipped pc.

Ste.

...is that gasoline I smell?

Thanks for your help will have a look for a wireless access point now