- Wireless router
A wireless router is a network device that performs the functions of a
router but also includes the functions of awireless access point . It is commonly used to allow access to theInternet or acomputer network without the need for a cabled connection. It can function in a wired LAN (local area network), a wireless only LAN, or a mixed wired/wireless network. Most current wireless routers have the following characteristics:*LAN ports, which function in the same manner as the ports of a network switch
*A WAN port, to connect to a wider area network. The routing functions are filtered using this port. If it is not used, many functions of the router will be bypassed.
*Wireless antennae. These allow connections from other wireless devices (NICs (network interface cards), wireless repeaters, wireless access points, and wireless bridges, for example).WAP functions
The wireless functions operate as a separate nested "mini-LAN" within the router. The devices that connect wirelessly use the wireless router as their hub, and the wireless router presents that "mini-LAN" as a single device to the rest of the LAN. This mini-LAN has the same features as discrete WAPs have. Wireless routers, access points, and bridges are available that utilize each of the commonly used wireless frequencies (used in the Wireless-B, Wireless-A (and -G), and Wireless-N standards). The frequency bands for these wireless standards can be used license-free in most countries.
Wireless routers can work with devices in a point-to-point mode, but more commonly functions in a
point to multipoint mode.Wireless devices used that communicate with the wireless router must be set to the same
service set identifier (SSID) andradio channel .ee also
Network bridge External links
* [http://www.serialrouter.com/basics/wireless-router.html Wireless Router]
References
Also see:
Residential gateway
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