Most wireless routers today are a combination of multiple features in one box: a router, a wireless access point, a basic firewall, and a small Ethernet switch.

These can act as wireless access points if you already have a router, or they can take on the job of a router as well. A Switch Connects Extra Computers to the Router TP-Link TL-SG108 switch ...

Now Router B, when connected to Router A using a network cable, will work as a both a switch (allowing you to use its LAN port to add wired devices to the network) and an access point. You can ...

First 802.11 Access Point The InTalk WR1200 was the first access point (AP) to conform to the IEEE 802.11 standard. Introduced in 1998, the unit supported a maximum rate of 2 Mbps. (Image courtesy ...

This division obviously requires more fiddling than a combined router/switch/access point, but the setup can be useful even in homes, especially if you have many devices of different kinds.

It combines a router, a switch with four Ethernet ports and a Wi-Fi access point. It has an integrated cloud key that lets you control your network and system traffic.

Buffalo’s AirStation Nfiniti High Power Giga Wireless-N Router & Access Point (WZR-HP-G450H) ($85 street) is the most feature-rich consumer router on the market. In fact, the latest Buffalo ...

Access points are most commonly used in larger spaces (like offices, schools, or large homes) where a single wireless router might not be able to provide strong enough coverage by itself.

Make a note of the IP addresses of your current router and the old one – these can be found on the back or on a small card from your broadband provider. Once you've reset your old router, follow these ...