Help Finding a Wireless Access Point

[mully006]

Hey,
 
I am investing in some home networking gear because I want to start off right and build something pretty good.  This is what I have planned so far

 

Modem: Arris Surfboard SB6121

 

Wired Router: TP-LINK TL-R600VPN

 

Network Switch: Netgear GS116NA

 

Wireless Access Point:  I don't know yet

 

What I need help on is the wireless access point I am considering the following options

 

D-Link DAP1665  $89.99

D-Link DAP2660  $167.99

 

I was hoping to get an AC access point because if I get a new laptop I would want to have maximum bandwidth with my server.  I was thinking about setting up teaming with the server, but that is not happening for a while.  Currently my laptop only has 2.4Ghz, but I might upgrade it soon.  I just really have the following questions

 

1. Why are access points so much more expensive that routers for the same speed?  The way I look at they have less stuff.

2. Is PoE really worth it if I can't run the wire through the wall.  It's going to have a hanging wire why not 2?

3. Could I buy a router and set it up as a wireless AP?

4. Is there anything else I should know? A ranking system maybe?

 

Any thoughts would be really helpful.  My knowledge is pretty limited so I would appreciate some help.  Thanks.

 

James

 

[Emanuel_M]

Hey,

 

I am investing in some home networking gear because I want to start off right and build something pretty good.  This is what I have planned so far

Network Diagram.png

 

Modem: Arris Surfboard SB6121

 

Wired Router: TP-LINK TL-R600VPN

 

Network Switch: Netgear GS116NA

 

Wireless Access Point:  I don't know yet

 

What I need help on is the wireless access point I am considering the following options

 

D-Link DAP1665  $89.99

D-Link DAP2660  $167.99

 

I was hoping to get an AC access point because if I get a new laptop I would want to have maximum bandwidth with my server.  I was thinking about setting up teaming with the server, but that is not happening for a while.  Currently my laptop only has 2.4Ghz, but I might upgrade it soon.  I just really have the following questions

 

1. Why are access points so much more expensive that routers for the same speed?  The way I look at they have less stuff.

2. Is PoE really worth it if I can't run the wire through the wall.  It's going to have a hanging wire why not 2?

3. Could I buy a router and set it up as a wireless AP?

4. Is there anything else I should know? A ranking system maybe?

 

Any thoughts would be really helpful.  My knowledge is pretty limited so I would appreciate some help.  Thanks.

 

James

1) it's like that because of shielding, and the if it is single dual or tri band.

2) not really for PoE with your setup because you already have other access points which PoE may actually connect to and use.

3)Yes router can be a router or a WAP

4) why switch to WAP? router to WAP so bandwidth can just go to your switch. and different bandwidth for WAP

[mully006]

1) it's like that because of shielding, and the if it is single dual or tri band.

2) not really for PoE with your setup because you already have other access points which PoE may actually connect to and use.

3)Yes router can be a router or a WAP

4) why switch to WAP? router to WAP so bandwidth can just go to your switch. and different bandwidth for WAP

 

 

The router is a wired only router.  It does not make any wifi at all. Could explain your answer to 4 a but more I don't rally understand it.  Thanks

[Cheatdeath]

 

 

I was hoping to get an AC access point because if I get a new laptop I would want to have maximum bandwidth with my server.  I was thinking about setting up teaming with the server, but that is not happening for a while. 

 

No point wasting money on a non managed switch if you have thoughts of teaming and already have a server. Take a look at managed switches so you can setup LACP ect... may I suggest this model. Currently using it myself, did a fair amount of research and found it to be well reviewed and one of the lowest priced options for a managed switch. 

 

Also why exactly do you want to separate wireless from your router hardware? I would look into a wireless ac router if you are going with a commercial hardware setup. Put the saved money into a managed switch and call it a day.

[Emanuel_M]

The router is a wired only router.  It does not make any wifi at all. Could explain your answer to 4 a but more I don't rally understand it.  Thanks

i was saying router to WAP of your choice. instead of router/switch/WAP

 

 

 

EDIT: I remember seeing the Netgear R6100 for $100 bucks

has wireless AC speeds because it is.

[mully006]

 

No point wasting money on a non managed switch if you have thoughts of teaming and already have a server. Take a look at managed switches so you can setup LACP ect... may I suggest this model. Currently using it myself, did a fair amount of research and found it to be well reviewed and one of the lowest priced options for a managed switch. 

 

Also why exactly do you want to separate wireless from your router hardware? I would look into a wireless ac router if you are going with a commercial hardware setup. Put the saved money into a managed switch and call it a day.

 

Ya when I wrote that I thought the GS116NA supported teaming but I know now it does not.  What I'm thinking is that I am not going to set up teaming for a bit so I might just get the GS116 for now and then expand with managed switch later.  And by "have a sever" I have an old pc which I'm gonna get a WD Red Pro for.  I was thinking about getting a Netgear GS116E  but I cannot really justify the price hike if I an not supporting teaming for another year or two at least probably.

[mully006]

i was saying router to WAP of your choice. instead of router/switch/WAP

 

 

 

EDIT: I remember seeing the Netgear R6100 for $100 bucks

has wireless AC speeds because it is.

 

I wanted to go router>switch>WAP bacause that way when I read/write files or stream movies from the server I don't want to have to go laptop>WAP>router>switch>server.  Also if I add additional users to the wireless I will be capped by the bandwidth of the modem which is not that much.