WAP vs Wireless Broadband Router

[cessna152]

I'm looking at wireless networking obviously. I already have a router configured how I want, a di-704p, the old kind. I'm currently looking at the DWL-900AP and the DI-614+. My question is:

Why is the DI-614+ so much cheaper?

If the DWL-900AP is more expensive is it better or something?

If you have any recommendations for other products I'm open to them

-Chris

 

[JackMDS]

It is the same Radio, but it has much more flexible Configuration Modes, and the Antenna is replaceable.

More here: Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Actually, the real reason the DWL-900AP is more expensive is because you normally only need one broadband router and lots of access points. Pricing the access points that way is good for business. Remember the Kodak camera and film model, give away the camera, rape them on the film!

 

[cessna152]

CAn you guys reccommend any other WAPs then? The D-Link looks nice but I have nothing to base it against. I won't be using their AirPlus stuff since my card is a netgear.

 

[Torghn]

I have the DI-614+ and the DWL-900AP+. They are both great. I would probably get the router as it's cheaper, however the 900ap+ has a bunch of cool wifi feather the router doesn't. The 900ap+ can run as a wireless repeater or bridge, where the 614+ can only run in wap mode.

I've also used a linksys and netgear wifi router, and IMHO the Dlink is the way to go.

 

[vetteguy]

Originally posted by: Torghn
I have the DI-614+ and the DWL-900AP+. They are both great. I would probably get the router as it's cheaper, however the 900ap+ has a bunch of cool wifi feather the router doesn't. The 900ap+ can run as a wireless repeater or bridge, where the 614+ can only run in wap mode.

I've also used a linksys and netgear wifi router, and IMHO the Dlink is the way to go.

How is the range with the DLink products you mentioned? I just moved into a condo and want to extend my wireless network from my computer room out to my living room where my XBOX and HTPC are. I have a Netgear MR814 but by the time I get to the living room (not very far away, but lots of walls) the signal is almost 0. Is there a 802.11g solution that would give me good range as well? I would also need something that can operate in bridge mode.

 

[JackMDS]

The differences between the first set of graphs to the second represent the performance differences between 802.11b to 802.11g. It might give you a good idea about indoor's distance coverage It might give you a good idea about indoor's distance coverage* of various Brands.

Link: 802.11a/b/g SOHO Routers & Access Points: Performance

*Your actual distance might be different. Indoor coverage depends heavily on the envioroment, graphs like this should be used to understand the relation in performance between Wireless hardware.

 

[vetteguy]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
The differences between the first set of graphs to the second represent the performance differences between 802.11b to 802.11g. It might give you a good idea about indoor's distance coverage It might give you a good idea about indoor's distance coverage* of various Brands.

Link: 802.11a/b/g SOHO Routers & Access Points: Performance

*Your actual distance might be different. Indoor coverage depends heavily on the envioroment, graphs like this should be used to understand the relation in performance between Wireless hardware.

Thanks much! I'm guessing that I will probably need either a better Access point (not a "Home" one) or some kind of larger antenna.

 

[Torghn]

Originally posted by: vetteguy

Originally posted by: JackMDS The differences between the first set of graphs to the second represent the performance differences between 802.11b to 802.11g. It might give you a good idea about indoor's distance coverage It might give you a good idea about indoor's distance coverage* of various Brands. Link: 802.11a/b/g SOHO Routers & Access Points: Performance *Your actual distance might be different. Indoor coverage depends heavily on the envioroment, graphs like this should be used to understand the relation in performance between Wireless hardware.

Thanks much! I'm guessing that I will probably need either a better Access point (not a "Home" one) or some kind of larger antenna.

That sounds like it'll work, but wouldn't a repeater in the middle work just as well and be a bit cheaper?