Wireless networks for idiots (me)

[dern]

I currently have the following setup... A number of pcs upstairs in the office plugged in to a network switch which is plugged into ADSL modem. From the switch runs a cat 5 cable down the stairs to a small hub in to which is plugged my slimp3 player.

I'd like to replace the run down the stairs with a wireless link. Basically I'd like to plug a wireless access point in to the switch upstairs and another wireless access point in to the hub downstairs and for the whole lot to work as one big happy network with two wired sections joined by wireless and also providing wireless access throughout the house.

Is that possible and if so what do I need to buy? I already have a netgear WG602 wireless access point by the way.

Thanks,

Mark

[Plotloss]

You need a wireless bridge, alternatively you could use a wireless squeezebox...

That will act as a wireless bridge you see.

Edited by Plotloss on Sunday 12th November 20:01

[dern]

Ah-hah, a bridge... now I have the terminology google is my friend again

A wireless squeezebox would be cool but this is cheaper and other wired devices plug in to the hub downstairs too (ps2, antique laptop etc).

Thanks,

Mark

[agent006]

Netgear kit should have bridging capabilities built in. You just need another access point downstairs.

[dern]

agent006 said:

Netgear kit should have bridging capabilities built in. You just need another access point downstairs.

Would I be able to replace my wired ADSL router with a wireless ADSL router and use the netgear access point as a bridge?

[bogie]

nope - afraid not - the Netgear ADSL routers dont support bridging just yet.

you could use the router though and then use the access point as a bridge in 'client mode' to connect other wired device(s)to connect to the wireless network (achieves same effect but you are using a different methodology - just to confuse matters!)

so say Netgear DG834G (or PN/GT/N) etc upstairs and WG602 downstairs - it must be a WG602v3 as this has new firmware available so you can run it in 'client mode'

[dern]

Thanks guys, very educational

[TheExcession]

dern said:

and also providing wireless access throughout the house.

google for WDS - Wireless Distribution System - it links two APs whilst still providing wireless access to other clients.

You're other alternative is to ryn an AP (Access Point) upstairs, and then run the AP down stairs in Client Mode.

WDS would be my recommendation though.

I use Linksys kit (some would say foolishly) with a modified 3rd party firmware (SVEASoft) but this requires that you are happy flashing firmwares and also there is difficulty in obtaining the correct router versions now a days.

best
Ex

[benojir]

Hi all,

slightly off topic... Would anyone be able to recommend a good budget wireless-LAN adaptor for my desktop? I'm currently using ethernet to a 'bebox' modem on a 24Mb connection, and need to move my pc. Is the only cheap option USB, and does this result in a slower connection than any other altenatives?

Any help appreciated!

Ben

[bogie]

does the BEbox support wireless? if it does I bet its only 54Mbps 802.11g ...which at best will give you 20Mbps throughput...so not much point in them claiming to have 24Mbps ADSL is there?

just get a 54Mbps 802.11G PC card for laptop - WG511 Netgear will be fine