Do I need a Wireless Access Point?

[WobbleWobble]

I have a D-Link wired router with a built-in print server. I love the print server and would like to keep that functionality but want to add wireless. Most cheaper wireless routers don't have the print server functionality. I was thinking the best way to add wireless was adding a wireless access point, but wireless routers are cheaper. If I disable DHCP and the firewall of a wireless router can I use it normally as I would with an access point?

Are there signal strength differences between the two? Wireless access points have authentication built-in right?

 

[n0cmonkey]

A wireless router is a wap, as far as I can tell.

 

[dc5]

2 options:

1) get a wireless router...
A) turn wireless router into an access point by disabling dhcp and change the default ip address of
the new router.
B) make the old d-link router into a stand alone print server and have your computers plugged into
the wireless router.

OR...

2)get a wireless access point. (expensive)


edit: damn it wont let me have spaces in front of the sentences.

 

[VirtualLarry]

At least for LinkSys, a wireless router will function as a basic wireless AP, but their wireless AP devices, also have more functionality, like functioning as a wireless bridge, and their wireless bridge (AFAIK) can function as a wireless client.

LinkSys's product differentiation and feature-list is pretty wierd.

 

[ToeJam13]

If you are buying new, then an access point does not make much sence. They cost roughly the same as low end personal firewalls with WiFi functionality.

However, if you don't mind getting something second hand, online auctions are a nice place to hunt for access points, especially if you are planning on using 802.11a or 802.11b. If you avoid auctions that end on a weekend, you can usually pick either type for $15.

All WiFi access points use at least three kinds of security lockdown. All allow for a WiFi encryption (WEP) with strengths up to 128-bits (802.11B) or 152-bits (802.11A+G). They also allow for MAC address lockdowns and unannounced SSIDs (network names).

Cisco APs go several steps further. Building on WEP, they use several dynamic key-exchanges services including LEAP, PEAP and EAP-TLS. Most of these tie into a backend solution for authenication, such as Radius or NT-DC. Many buisnesses require this additional security, but home users are fine without.