Why is a Linksys A/G AP more expensive than a Linksys A/G router?

[miston]

Linksys Dual-Band Wireless A+G Broadband Router
Model #WRT55AG
$114.99

Linksys Dual-Band Wireless A + G Access Point
WAP55AG
$134.99

Those prices are from CDW. At ecost.com the prices differ even more, with the access point being almost $100 more expensive.

Why is the AP more expensive, if the router contains a AP, router, and switch?


thanks!

 

[skyking]

volume of sales.
Unless you absolutely need "A" band, you can get decent routers for about $100 less after rebate.

 

[JackMDS]

Ever thought how come that you go to a computer store and on one side of the aisle there is a 6? USB extension cord in plastic bubble for $15, and on the other side there is a Wireless Cable/DSL Router for $15 after rebate.

A piece of plastic vs. a small computer (which is what the Routers are) for the same price.:shocked:

Most computer components past the development stage are very inexpensive to make and they have short Retail life.

Prices are controlled by market considerations and has nothing to do with what us. Carbon Computers think is worth more or less in the world of Silicon computers.

APs are more expensive because they sell less of them, and many of them are sold to businesses.

When 802.11a is involved you pay for the past. Almost all of the 802.11a goes to big companies that got stuck with it few years ago and need to maintain thier Wireless without retooling the whole system.

:sun:

 

[miston]

skyking, both of them do 802.11g AND 802.11a

JackMDS: than why don't you just buy the router? can't you disable the router function and use it just as an access point?

 

[JackMDS]

If all you need is just a Gateway unit you can buy a Router, if you need another Wireless mode you need an Access Point.

Link to: Wireless Cable/DSL Router or Access Point - What should I get?

Link to: Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point

:sun:

 

[skyking]

skyking, both of them do 802.11g AND 802.11a

I see that.
You asked why it cost more for an AP. answer = volume of sales
They sell tons more routers.

The "A" stuff provides no benefit, other than getting off the portable phone band, and costs big bucks.

 

[cparker]

How'sabout a wap54g for 42.95? http://www.pcconnection.com/ProductDetail?sku=421531

I've seen other brand APs (also 802.11g) going for between 20 and 30 dollars -- Belkin, Netgear, trendware, Motorola. They kind of appear on sale, usually during a weekend, and then the price is jacked up. This wap54g price has been active for a few weeks. You can pick up two on one of the rebates and only one on the other. So I believe the average price for 2 would be 47.95 if you need two.