Question about wireless access points

[OK]

Hi,

We already have a small wired network with a typical broadband router (with DHCP server). Now I'm thinking of getting this wireless access point:

http://uk.asus.com/products/communication/wireless/wl-330/overview.htm

What I want to do is connect two portable computers (wirelessly) to the existing network, so that they can share files and internet connection with the desktop PCs.

What I'm wondering is, can two portable computers communicate with the same access point at the same time or only one? Also, why are wireless access points generally more expensive than wireless routers? What is it access points can do that wireless routers can't?

Thanks for any help!

[Midknyte]

What I'm wondering is, can two portable computers communicate with the same access point at the same time or only one?

you can have multiple computers connecting to the WAP.

Also, why are wireless access points generally more expensive than wireless routers?

it depends on the brand and type of the WAP. It also depends on the quality. I would expect a Cisco WAP to be more expensive for a DLink SOHO WAP/Router for example.

There are WAPs and there are WAPs with an integrated router. Wireless router means it's a combination WAP/router unit.

[OK]

Thanks for the info. Maybe I would be better off buying a wireless router (instead of an access point) and turn off its DHCP server? It should work in much the same way shouldn't it? It would also double as an extra four port switch, if I'm not mistaken.

[Midknyte]

you could do that if you wanted to.

http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

[kwebb]

In my opinion it doesn't justify the added expense completely but dedicated AP's are much more flexible than AP/Router combo's, at least in wireless terms. Generally, AP/Router's cannot be setup as Repeaters, Bridges or workgroup Bridges while AP's can, depending on the firmware etc... Frankly I think the added funtionality of the Router side of a combo unit makes up for that and they should be priced about the same.

[Midknyte]

Originally posted by kwebb
In my opinion it doesn't justify the added expense completely but dedicated AP's are much more flexible than AP/Router combo's, at least in wireless terms. Generally, AP/Router's cannot be setup as Repeaters, Bridges or workgroup Bridges while AP's can, depending on the firmware etc...

That's a good point. I forgot about that. :t

[cat5e]

Few details into the Good Posts above.

Link to: Wireless Cable/DSL Router or Access Point – What should I get? (http://www.ezlan.net/APvsRoute.html)

:t

[OK]

Thanks guys, nice info. I haven't quite decided what to get, maybe I'm going to look for some second-hand equipment.

One more question though: I want to allow only the computers with the MAC-addresses I specify to be able to log on to the wireless part of the network. This restriction is not necessary (and undesireable) for the wired part of the network, as computers get changed ever so often.

So, if I get a wireless access point I understand that I can specify which MAC-addresses are allowed wireless access, but what if the unit is a wireless router and not a wireless access point? Does the wireless router also have this functionality? I know that I can specify MAC-addresses in the non-wireless router that I already have, but as mentioned I don't want to do this for the computers that connect to the network via cables (not wirelessly).

This is getting complicated, so to sum up: If I get a wireless router, can I block MAC-addresses in the same way as a wireless access point can, while at the same time permitting any computer to connect physically (via network cable) to my network?

This is a crucial question, so an answer is greatly appreciated.

[Sun]

yes, MAC address filtering is supported by all routers. I haven't come across one which "doesn't", in the wireless field atleast.


http://www.zyxel.com/support/supportnote/ZyAIR_B1000/image/mac_11.gif

;)

[OK]

Okay, let's assume that I input the MAC-addresses for the two portable computers that are to connect wirelessly to the network, into the new wireless router. My original (non-wireless) router running the DHCP-server is left untouched.

How can the stationary computers communicate with the wireless computers? This must happen through the wireless router, but this router will only allow the wireless computers to connect to it!

This is confusing....:confused:

[Midknyte]

you can filter MAC addresses for only the wireless clients and leave the wired side alone. I would suggest that you download the manual of the WAP you intend to purchase and read the section on MAC address filtering. Each brand is a little different.

[OK]

Aha, that cleared things up. Thanks!