WAPs, adapters, gateways, routers...what??

[badger]

Can someone please explain to me the difference between a wireless access point and a wireless adapter? I was under the impression that both can be used to connect to wi-fi, as well as operate a wireless network without the use of a router, and that you can also share an internet connection with them, but if that's the case why are there two different types of device?

Also, is it possible to share a net connection using a standard router without modem, by having it connected to a PC that's online via a separate ADSL or cable modem?

[Splash]

An access point is something that you connect to, an adapter is something you connect using. Think of the adapter like the network card in your PC, and the WAP as the switch that it connects to.

As for your second suggestion it is possible, but a cheaper and much simpler solution would be to get an all in one wireless modem/router.

[badger]

Ok. So does an access point create a wireless network, like a router?

[Howard]

Yes but it only acts as a "bridge" so only use one if you have an existing router / switch configuration on your network

[badger]

Right, got it. I think.

So...

Router/gateway to create a network
WAP to do...erm, whatever, bridging thingy
Adapter to connect (or share an internet connection at a push)

How does it work sharing a connection with a plain wi-fi router, is it similar to the method of using ICS with an adapter to share a connection?

[Splash]

Essentially an all in one solution like the Netgear DG834GT is an ADSL modem, a router, a 4 port switch and a WAP all in one. Get something like that (not necessarily that make/model, but something like) if you want the minimum of hassle.

In your example of a wifi modem/router you would simply need a wireless adapter for each client machine in order to connect through the modem/router. Be aware that most modern laptops (and even some desktops) already have adapters so you wouldn't necessarily need to buy these.

[Howard]

Yeah if you're starting from scratch it makes sense to get a wireless router (But not Netgear, don't like them ) but I for example run Smoothwall, so my Access Point fits in fine

[b0redom]

Hi,
This might be easier if you explain what you're trying to do. In order to 'create a network' you typically have a switch.

Every network adapter, wired or wireless connects into the switch.

If the switch just has ethernet ports, you need a wireless access point to bridge between the wireless cards and the wired switch.

In order to get Internet access to all devices connected (wirelessly or not) into the switch, you need some form of router which says "send all Internet traffic I see out to the Internet".

In the most complicated layout for a home user you'd have:

Internet <---- Router ----- switch ----- Access Point ......... wireless 1
                               ^------ wired pc1
                               ^------ wired pc2

For most people, an all in one box handles all this stuff, so you have wired connections plugging into it, wireless adaptors connecting to it etc. This single box also handles sending traffic out to the internet.

So:

Internet <---- wireless router......... wireless 1
                  ^------ wired pc1

I personally like Netgear stuff, but with all consumer products, Linksys, Netgear, Belkin etc the support isn't fantastic.

Fortunately, for what (I think) you're doing it's pretty simple to set up.

[badger]

Thanks for your help.
I don't actually have a clear aim in mind right now, I'm just reading up and trying to sort out what all the different terms mean.

[Jay]

just a WRT54G its a router / wireless access point all in one and there is some good 3rd party firmware out there!

[badger]

Say I already had an ADSL modem...if I connected that to a normal (not gateway) router, do I need to enter my ADSL pass and username into the router somewhere? I've never noticed any option like that in a plain wireless router before.
Also, what do you do if your modem is USB only?

[dave87]

Nope, all the router does is receive and forward packets to the relevant computer/device. The modem still deals with all things connection related.

USB only? Ditch it, probably wasn't very good in the first place. Then buy a combined modem/router

[badger]

Okay, so I would still have to dial-up via my PC?

[dave87]

Nope - the modem router will stay connected 24/7 (accounting for any power outages, service failures etc - it may not be truly 24/7) and your PC just uses the network connection when it needs to