clueless about WAP

[thelittleprincess]

What is a wireless access point? and what's the difference between Netgear WG602 and Netgear WGR624? I am sooooooooooooo computer-related illeiterate.

 

[ktwebb]

An access point (psst...they're all wireless when your talking about consumer based lans) are analagous to hubs. they allow multiple wireless clients (PC's laptops handhelds) to associate to it and provide access to network resources. Either from each other or if the AP is plugged into your existing backbone then resources would be made available. File server, internet is available, etc... I don't have the time to go look at the specs on the devices you reference but just pull up the data sheet on both and compare.

Went to there site. I saw a WG614 but not a 624. The 602 is AP only. The 614 and I would guess the 624 if it exists, is a combo unit. Router with integrated AP and switched ports.

 

[Kevin]

Don't worry about a wireless access point, just buy a Wireless router. It will be cheaper and can be used both ways. Since you seem to be interested in Netgear parts, Best Buy is having a sale on Netgear wireless equipment. If you're going to use your wireless devices for internet use, I would go with the 802.11b router. If you're going to use it for file sharing and similar uses, go with the 802.11g router.

 

[ktwebb]

If you need a router then yeah, might as well buy a combo unit. If you have a device that already shares your internet connection, then i'd just buy an AP. If you already have a NAT router then getting an AP will offer alot more options. Point to Point or Point to Multipoint bridging, workgroup bridge, repeater, while AP/Router combo units are strictly AP's. It really depends on what you want to do.