WAP or Wireless Router

[rg1]

Hello,

I have a cable internet connection that I am currently sharing via a Linksys BEFSR41 (router). I want to add wireless capability to my existing network. The choices I see are:

1. Get a wireless router and replace/throw away my wired one
2. Get a wireless access point and connect it to my existing router

My questions are:

1. What are the pros and cons of both options?
2. Can multiple PCs share the same wireless access point?

Thanks in advance.
RG

[Greenstead]

To answer your questions:

1. A combined wireless router/switch is a little easier to configure and manage. A split router and Access Point allows you to upgrade them separately as technology advances (wireless technology is moving fast). Its a shame to throw out a working router unless it lacks features you want like UPnP/VPN/Print server. So my recommentation would be look for a cheap Access Point.

2. You can connect (many) multiple PCs to a single Access point.

[rg1]

Thanks for the reply. Do you recommend any "cheap" access points? The ones I found are more expensive than the router itself ($80 for the Linksys BEFW11S4 vs $110 for the WAP11). Other brands are priced similarly.

[Greenstead]

Yes the pricing is bad. I'm UK based so can't help you much on prices. Belkin are usually cheap. If price is close to a router I would be inclined to get a combined wireless router and keep the old router as a backup.