why are wireless routers cheaper than access points?

[q2418130103p]

it seems like linksys and d-link really want to sell you routers an dont really care to sell access points.

i just want an access point, my router works great... but its cheaper to buy a new router then get a regular 802.11g access point.

anyone know where cheap access points are (that are slightly name brand)

[Panama Red]

Think it's the ol' law of supply and demand. Lots more demand for wireless routers than there is for WAP's. I suffered the same pain when I wanted to add wireless to my existing wired home network. Didn't feel like reconfiguring all the computers with a new router so I went for a Linksys WAP. Check for the best deals including rebates. And make sure you get a unit rated at least 54G.

[q2418130103p]

i guess ill have to do that, its a shame isnt it... $30 for a router, $50 for a crappy WAP.

alothough i have to point out that price goes up when demand goes up, so if demand was higher for routers, the price of routers would increase, and if the demand for WAPS was low, the price would decline to try and spark buying (i just left my macroeconomics class about an hour ago :-) ).

[edfair]

That is where the battleground is today. Manufacturers battle it out on price and the low price creates the demand.

The same thing happened with hard drives.