Tommy,

You will need to check the wireless router specifications to see if it will
act as an access point only, but I would say probably not.  In general, a
wireless router will expect to have two separate network subnets or networks
connected to it (i.e. two separate IP address ranges and subnet masks), one
wired and one wireless, and it will route the traffic between the networks.
An access point acts as a hub or basic switch and all connected devices,
both wired and wireless, are on the same network or subnet.

Depending on your network and what services the computer needs access to,
you could run it on its own subnet but it can get complicated.  You will run
into issues like passing ARP, WINS, DHCP (if needed), etc. or other
"non-routable" traffic across the router.  Generally you install a router
internally to subnet and limit broadcast traffic.

Fred Nielson

-----Original Message-----
From: PCBUILD - Personal Computer Hardware discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Tommy Holmes, Jr.
Sent: Friday, October 17, 2003 12:35 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [PCBUILD] Wireless network access


We are investigating adding wireless network access.  In the course of
comparing various products it came to our attention that the U.S. Robotics
wireless router was available for about $70. after a rebate, but that the
comparable U.S. Robotics wireless access point costs about $190.  The two
are very similar in features and in physical design.  In our network
geography, the router must be installed in a location that doesn't lend
itself to extended coverage. A much better location is available for an
access point that would require but a single Ethernet connection.  Is there
some reason why one seeking just the wireless network access feature could
not purchase the less-expensive router, install it in the better location,
but connect and use it only as an access point?

Tommy Holmes, Jr.
[log in to unmask]
713.621.5666

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