The difference between a wireless access point and a wireless router?

[axemanxt40]

Ok I am looking for a friend at equipment needed to setup a wireless network, I know all the differences between a, b, and g...however the one I think is best for him, the Netgear g protocol series, has two products. A wireless access point, and a wireless router. Now from what I understand these two do the exact same thing, right? So does it matter which one he goes with? Because they both seem to reroute the signal.

 

[Viper96720]

router probably has firewall capabilities . Think access point is like a hub just transfer data a to b

 

[Heisenberg]

A router will usually have firewalling and NAT capabilities, as well as a built in switch for several wired ports as well. An access point just has one wired port to connect it to the rest of the network, and no other features.

 

[Viper GTS]

It's basically the difference between a hub/switch and a router.

One connects devices on the same network, one connects devices on disparate networks.

Most wireless routers can have their routing functions disabled, thus turning them into access points.

Viper GTS

 

[saimike]

this question is better answered in the networking forum. in anycase, look here for a pretty thorough explanation.

basically ur usual "wireless router" is a AP and router put together. a standalone AP is more robust in general and can be used in various ways (bridging 2 networks etc) -- so a router and an AP is more robust than a "wireless router".