Acess points?

[xDylanio]

Okay so i have a few questions. 

1) from my understanding, i can somehow configure an acess point to be in my network, and work like a modem/router where i can plug in ethernet cables? 

 

2) Would i need to buy one of these or can i use a old router/modem

 

3) It's kinda like a copy of a modem/router, just in a different location? 

[KeemoSabe]

You call this a repeater or a wireless extender. You can use your old router to do this.

 

 

Here's one of the guides: http://lifehacker.com/how-to-extend-your-wi-fi-network-with-an-old-router-915783308 

 

 

 

[Oshino Shinobu]

1) Standalone access points typically need to be plugged into the network via an ethernet cable. Access points that connect to an existing WiFi signal and "boost" it are typically called range extenders or boosters and have various disadvantages compared to actual access points that plug into the network. 

 

2) If you have a spare router that has an AP built in (ie, Provides a WiFi signal) you can use this to perform the function of an access point, though how well it does this depends on how good the built in AP is and whether the router has an AP mode available. If there is no AP mode available, disabling things like DHCP and NAT will put it in a similar state. 

 

3) It's not at all like a modem/router. Modems and routers are also very different from each other, their functions are not interchangeable. Modern routers are actually a range of devices combined into one unit, sometimes with a modem combined into it as well. The access point part of the "router" is what provides the wireless signal for wireless devices to connect to. If you buy a dedicated access point, that is what it will do, it will not perform the router's typical functions such as NAT, routing, DHCP etc. 

An access point is a good way to replace or expand upon your existing wireless network. I personally have 4 access points in my network. 3 are in the house to give complete coverage in all areas in the house and one is outside to provide long range WiFi across the garden and around the outside of the house. 

[Oshino Shinobu]

2 minutes ago, KeemoSabe said:

You call this a repeater or a wireless extender. You can use your old router to do this.

 

 

Here's one of the guides: http://lifehacker.com/how-to-extend-your-wi-fi-network-with-an-old-router-915783308 

 

 

 

Access points and wireless repeaters are different things. In general, wireless repeaters are undesirable as they cut down bandwidth significantly for any device connect to them.