Wireless router

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A typical wireless router

A wireless router is a network device that performs the functions of a router but also includes the functions of a wireless access point. It is commonly used to allow access to the Internet or a computer 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).

1 WAP functions
2 See also
3 External links
4 References

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) and radio channel.