Wireless Access Point Router Autopsy

The most common types of access points are called wireless routers or cable/DSL routers. A Linksys WRT 54G is shown below. The most common use for this type of router is sharing an Internet connection.

Wireless Access Point Router Outer Shell

The main external parts and ports of a wireless access point router are described below.

Reset Button – this button resets the configuration of the wireless router. In addition to any custom wireless settings the admin password and IP address of the device gets reset.

WAN Port – this port connects to the cable/DSL modem that is provided by the Internet service provider. Or connect to a corporate LAN port.

LAN Ports – these ports provide wired access to the network and Internet connection.

Antenna – these antennas amplify the signal from the 802.11 wireless radio that is inside the enclosure.

Wireless Router Autopsy

To better understand the various parts of a wireless router (LAN, WAN, wireless card), shown below are the internal electronics of a first generation Linksys WRT 54G cable/DSL router.

Wireless Access Point Router Network Architecture

Wireless access point routers are a combination of a wireless access point, multi-port network switch, and an IP router. The router portion is a three-port/interface router (eth0, eth1, eth2). The LAN switch ports and wireless access point are connected to two ports on the “router” and are bridged together (br0) as a single LAN segment. Network traffic is routed between br0 and the WAN port (eth1).

Newer Single Board Wireless Routers

Current wireless access point hardware has evolved into a single board design where the wireless card is integrated into the board.

Also, newer designs may have multiple wireless cards and additional ports like USB or printer ports.

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Filed under: Gadgets, WLAN Design