Wireless N Access Point

With the spread of the wireless technology, more and more people need wireless-N access points set up at their home or office. However, there are a few tips you should keep in mind when shopping for such a product, or you might end up with a device you don't need or can't use.

First and foremost, there are wireless N access points made for networks that are already setup and configured and have no routing capabilities, and there are routers with wireless N capabilities. Both are usually in the same price range (a little above $100, but can go higher, depending on the make and model) so, if you haven't set up your network yet, getting the latter would be advisable. 

For a non-technical person, getting a model that comes with extensive documentation is a must. There should be a user manual with basic setup instructions and more detailed, technical information on a CD. 

Also, if you run a small network (for example, the few computers in your household), the wireless-N access point you will get should be able to run DHCP configuration automatically and without much trouble. This way, you won't have to worry about assigning IP's and configuring all the network settings manually on all computers.  

More advanced users could be deterred by the fact that some lower end devices will assume, by default, that the Netmask of your network is 192.168.0.0/24 and have to take extra steps to configure it for a, say, 10.0.0.0/8 or even 192.168.1.0/24. However, a networking guru should configure any device in less than an hour without much hassle. 

The frequency specifications are also to be taken into account when shopping for a wireless N access point. Since both 2.5 and 5 GHz technologies are widely available these days, it would be pointless to get a device that only supports one of them. Make sure you read the technical specifications in detail beforehand. 

In the box of your new wireless-N access point you should find, at minimum, the device, the AC adapter, an Ethernet cable, drivers and installation CD, a quick start guide and warranty certificate. As a note, you are likely only to find Windows drivers on the disc, so, before buying the device, you should find out if it is compatible with other operating systems.

Wireless N access points will usually work with generic drivers on most Linux flavors and all BSD operating systems, but make sure you read up on it before considering buying a certain model if you don't use a router running Microsoft Windows.

As a final note, remember that you are likely to find the best deals in online shops. Large retailers usually have a wide variety of wireless access point models, so you are far more likely to find one that suits your needs than paying a visit to the corner electronics shop. And, since most stores offer next day delivery, you could have your new device in no time. Some of the most popular and reputable brand names for these devices include Belkin, Netgear, Cisco, Linksys, and d-Link.

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