What’s the difference between a Router and Access point?

Question

Can I have a single device that work as a DSL Modem and Wi-Fi? And what’s it called?

Answer 1

Difference between Router and Access Point:-

Access Point:- It is a wireless device with antenna that enables data communication using 802.11 between different 802.11 end stations i.e. PC. Access Point operates at layer 2 and it is for point to point connection. Access Point enables wireless communication.

Router:- Router is the device used to share Internet connection between various computer at home or at office. In addition router is Layer 3 device that enables network communication. Router DOES NOT have to be wireless. Matter of fact, most routers use wires e.g. Ethernet cables.

Wireless Router:- You can find wireless router that provides Access Point Functionality as well as Router Functionality. You can use Wireless Router to connect to Internet using wireless card or connect using Ethernet cable.

Theoretically it is possible to have a device that has DSL mode and Wi-Fi connections. I have not seen many of these though.

Personally I would suggest to buy

1. DSL Modem and
2. Wireless router

Reason:- You may decide to change the service provider and shift to cable then you only have to change one box. It gives you flexibility.

Using Wireless Router is better as

1. It provides wired and wireless connection.
2. Provides firewall
2. Provides port filtering.

Hope it helps

Answer 2

Yes you can. An access point is a device that allows wireless connections to the network. A router or a hub is a device that acts as an intersection of multiple connections in a network. A modem is a device that allows internet access through the DSL. A single device can have multiple functionality. It can act both as a router, an access point, and a hardware firewall. It might be called a gateway or simply a wireless router. The modem is usually a separate device.

Answer 3

Access point, just means a point of access to an outside source (a.k.a the internet)

Wireless Routers, Routers are both access points since you go in and come out somewhere else is the easiest way to put it.

If you can merge your DSL and wireless router(if you wish to connect more then 1 computer) no you can't do that yourself, since what comes with your DSL is not only a router but also a modem (which is what connects with your DSL host company (ISP).

HOWEVER, many ISP's now also offer there modems already merged with routers and/or wireless, so your easiest guess in getting a single device with the dual function of modem and wireles router is to call your ISP (Internet Service Provider)