It's a client! It's a router! It's an access point!

One of the guys at work has noted that Wi-Fi manufacturers make different SKUs for 802.11 clients, routers, and access points although it would seem that the silicon is very similar if not identical. His speculation, and I wholeheartedly agree (cynic that I am), is that the manufacturers want to sell more units and multi-purpose devices would likely reduce their volume.

Well, now one of the manufacturers (D-Link) has a multi-purpose device, the AirPlus G DWL-G730AP Wireless Pocket Router/AP (DWL-G730AP). Here's what they say about it:

The DWL-G730AP supports multiple operation modes including: Access Point (AP) mode to create a wireless connection; Router mode to share an Internet connection; and Wireless Client mode to connect an existing wireless network. Easily switch between these modes by using the 3-way configuration switch located at the bottom.

A SWITCH to set the mode!

But wait, there's more!

In AP mode, the DWL-G730AP adds support for 802.1x user authentication with an external RADIUS server.

This makes it "enterprise friendly."

Here's a picture of it.

See the USB cable? It can be powered by the USB port.

I'll let you know if I get one.