Wireless access point as NIC

[hotpurple]

Hi there,

My current setup is as follows:

Cable modem - USR router (normal cable) - various computers around house, another switch - from switch - main computer and wireless access point - from wireless access point - PC card wireless card to laptop.

I've recently moved my HTPC to a different room downstairs (everything else is upstairs) and I don't particularly want to run a cable downstairs. What I intend to do is replace the USR router as it has become unreliable (about 3 times a day it disconnects itself and dissappears from my network places) and replace it with a wireless router with an internal 4 port switch. I am then going to connect the main pc to the router with a normal cable and use the pc card in the laptop to connect to this. I am then hoping to use the wireless access point I already have as a connection to the network for the HTPC via the machines ethernet port plugged into to WAP.

What I really want to know is a: is this possible and b: what do I need to set the WAP to, ie WAP, repeater etc.

Thanks in advance

Chris

[Nick]

Hey,

You've described exactly what I have running right now.

I'm no IT expert in anyway (its all voodoo to me) but this was a so easy to set up my kids could have done it. I'm not sure that you'd need to bother with the AP though as my router covers all of the house right up to the end of the garden with no problems.

I'd get your wireless up and running, then go into the router settings and tell it not to broadcast the wireless network (you'll need to broadcast for any wireless devices to find it first) then slap an encrypted key on the wifi and you're sorted. (My router had an alphanumercial to HEX converter in it so it was easy).

Make sure DHCP is enabled on the router and bob is your mothers brother.

[hotpurple]

Cheers for that. What I really wanted to know though is can I use the access point instead of buying a new wireless NIC?

Cheers

Chris

[Nick]

Ah, soz... better wait for one of the IT monkeys to come along then....

(Its still all voodoo and chicken bone crosses to me! )

[hotpurple]

Ah, no problem, Cheers for looking though.

Chris

[nichomach]

Normally, you'd have difficulty getting an AP of one brand to work in repeater mode with an AP/router of another brand, and even being the same brand won't necessarily work (stand up, D-Link, yes I AM talking to you ). If you have space in the HTPC for a PCI card, I'd just bite the bullet and get a wireless PCI card for it. If there isn't space for it, you need something like The Linksys wireless ethernet bridge which plugs into the wired ethernet port of any device and wireless enables it. Either that or maybe a Linksys USB wireless-G adapter, especially if the HTPC has USB2 ports. If it doesn't, I'd go with the wireless bridge.

[hotpurple]

Ok, so theoretically in repeater mode it will work? Even if it will be an absolute tart to set up? I'm going to have to get a new router anyway so it may as well be a wireless one. Unless you can suggest why my US Robotics router keeps dissappearing from the network, requiring a Hard reset (pull out the plug) to make it work again?

Chris

[nichomach]

Ok, so theoretically in repeater mode it will work? Even if it will be an absolute tart to set up? I'm going to have to get a new router anyway so it may as well be a wireless one. Unless you can suggest why my US Robotics router keeps dissappearing from the network, requiring a Hard reset (pull out the plug) to make it work again?

Chris

No, that's my point. If it's not kit from the same manufacturer it will not work in repeater mode, and even then it's not guaranteed to; depends on the different models of kit, firmware versions (and it's not always the case that it's the latest firmware you want). You've got my advice; yes a new router seems indicated, but I'd also look at a wireless NIC or wireless bridge.

[hotpurple]

Ok, cheers for the help. Looks like I'll need to go the way of the wireless bridge then as I've got a shuttle (ie not a lot of room inside).

Chris

[nichomach]

Well, it's £62.99 at dabs. None in stock at the mo', but I'm sure they'll order for you.

[hotpurple]

ok, cheers

Chris