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wireless router vs wireless adapter/card

QueBert

QueBert

Lifer
My adapter doesn't have Vista drivers and won't ever, I'm thinking about going to Vista 64 sometime next week. This might sound like a silly question, but wouldn't I be better off getting a router and using it as an AP over buying an adapter? At Best Buy the adapters seemed expensive compared to the routers. I don't need anything fancy and the range isn't an issue.

Best Buy has the Linksys WRT54G2 for 50 bucks this week, I'm not a huge linksys fan but the router looks pretty decent and the price isn't too bad.

I know it can be done, but I've never used a router as an AP, are there any advantages/disadvantages to using one over an adapter?
 
I think client-mode wireless bridging is a good idea, but: (1) Not all access points or routers have this functionality, so you have to pick them carefully. (2) The initial setup can be more complex than for a wireless adapter.

If you're able to handle a high level of complexity, then a good option would be to run DD-WRT on a compatible router. There are many choices here, including the WRT54GL and the Asus WL-520gU, and some draft-n routers. You need to double-check the hardware compatibility, noting the revision numbers as well for some of the more recent gear, esp. draft-n. This option gives you the richest feature set, at the cost of complexity and vendor / warranty support.

However, the richer feature set is not always useful, and if you don't wish to get into third-party firmware and high complexity, there are several off-the-shelf devices which can do the job. E.g. the Linksys WET series, the Netgear WGPS606 (WPA only), the SMCWEB-N, D-Link DAP-1522, and some "wireless gaming adapters", etc. There are many variations of the same concept, but there are differences. Many "gaming adapters" don't support more than one device for example; there are significant differences in the wireless implementations.

Once you have one of these set up (assuming you don't run into trouble), it's all pay-off -- it can be driver-free, always connected, give you more placement options, and support multiple devices.
 
This pci wireless is very good inexpensive and has drivers for x64.

Edimax - PCI http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833315041

Driver/Utility for Windows 98SE/Me/2K/XP/XP 64/Vista/Vista 64

http://www.edimax.us/html/english/frames/b-download.htm

Using an Router as client card is a very good idea, howvevr, the WRT54G2 is a bad choice.

This cost the same and it is a better device, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833320023

--------------------------------------------

Disclaimer: I have No connection with any of the Hardware providers, or and, the vendors that I mention in my Posts.

My observations are based on hardware that I buy with my own funds.
 
JackMDS one last question if you don't mind, I've decided to go with a router, and since I'll be using it only as an AP I don't think it being able to be flashed with DD-WRT or Tomato is important. My question what do you think of the Netgear WPN824? It's on sale @ Best Buy this week. I like the Asus on Newegg but I don't have a credit card so ordering off there would be a hassle for me. I have a BB, Staples, Office Max & Circuit City local. they all have pretty much the same selection of routers.

 
I appreciate the help guys, I decided to actually do a little physical work and run Ethernet from the cable modem to my room. I got a little dirty and had to drill a little but the end result was high speed without buying anything. The other person here is only using the wireless so the ethernet port on modem was free. I think I am going to pick up that Asus router just to have it since 2 people in this thread both suggested it.
 
Originally posted by: QueBert Netgear WPN824? It's on sale @ Best Buy this week.
Click to expand...

I have no experience with the Netgear WPN824.

In general I shy away from the Draft-N Wireless devices.

 
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