AP vs router pricing

[KenNashua]

Is it just me or are access points a good bit more expensive than full-fledge wireless routers?

I'm looking to extend my coverage in my house by adding a wireless access point in the upstairs office. My SMC Wireless Barricade currently sits in the garrage and provides excellent coverage to the downstairs, but no so much to the upstairs.

The competition for wireless routers seems to have caused the prices for the routers to be cheaper than the access points -- would any routers work as a combination switch/AP instead of having to buy a hub/switch for my office wired computers AND add an acceess point for the upstairs wireless laptops?

[EricB]

A decent ap is expensive indeed. Note that brand compatibility is crucial. So try to stick with SMC if you have already a smc router. If you need to extend your signal, don't go for another router because its not its core functionality. Moreover, an ap is smaller and thus easier to 'hide.'

[JackMDS]

Access Points are more expensive since they are selling less of it. In addition, from a Wireless point of view they are more sophisticated than the Wireless part of a Wireless Router.

The following may clarify.

Link: Wireless Network - Configuration Modes. (http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html)

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

However you can use a Wireless Router as a simple Access Point with a switch.

Link: How do I use a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point? (http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html)