Access point or router?

[BigTimeNovice]

I have cable modem and need to know what is the difference between getting a wireless router or wireless access point. Please tell me what the difference is.

Thank you

[Ridgerunr]

One big difference imo,is the router usually has a built in Nat. This will give you a' bit of firewall protection from incoming pings. But regardless of that, be sure you enable the security measures if you get a wireless router and use a good software firewall with it. Some info on the hazards of going wireless can be read about here: http://www.linksys.com/splash/wirelessnotes.asp

[BigTimeNovice]

Ridgerunr,

Is an access point a router with network capabilities such as networking a printer, etc?

[DrMDJ]

An access point (alone, not an access point router combo) is not a router. An access point is really a device for providing a common connection point for wireless and wired (using ethernet cables) devices. For example, if you had desktop PCs using ethernet cards (wired) and laptops using wireless cards an access point would enable the wired desktops to form a connection with the wireless laptops, providing common network (lan) access between all of these. Hope that made sense.

This picture here gives an idea where (just) an access point fits in to the scheme of things.

[Train]

A access point is a wireless router and they do make wire routers with built in printservers and/or connections for printers.