Odd Network Question!

[cocksy_boy]

Hi All,

I've got a bit of an odd question. I want to create a wireless access point from a hard-wired ethernet connection at work; the ethernet connection connects to a broadband connection through a bunch of firewalls etc. The issue is that I'm not the network administrator and I have no access to any of the servers, ports, firewalls, routers, etc...!! So what I'm asking is: if I buy a simple cheap WAP, configure it on my home network and plug it into the ethernet connection at work, what are the chances of getting the wireless working with a connection to the internet?!

Avoiding the issue that it will probably piss off the IT team, and whether it breaks company policy etc; I would ensure its a WPA2 secure network, etc and there is no sensitive / personal data on the network, nor any physical public access within range of where I would put the WAP.

Cheers for any advice / pointers!

[Jay]

I know you said "Avoiding the issue that it will probably piss off the IT team, and whether it breaks company policy etc; I would ensure its a WPA2 secure network, etc and there is no sensitive / personal data on the network, nor any physical public access within range of where I would put the WAP "

But don't do this! It really will get you in very very hot water and cause your IT department to implement either sticky ports or 802.1x and lock you and everyone else right down.

Sadly its people doing this kind of thing that makes me put 802.1x in almost as soon as I start.

[peterb]

Hmm, so you want to install a wireless network silently, without involving your IT department? Presumably because they will say no?

Bad idea career wise, and the chances of it working are mixed depending on the underlying network topology.

If there is a business reason for doing this - write a business case and submit through your line manager.

[scaryjim]

I'll second Jay on this - if you tried this at any place I worked in an IT capacity I'd be hauling your rear end into a disciplinary for gross misconduct. If this is just for your personal convenience, forget it - that's not the point of work.

OTOH, if you think there's a good business case for having wireless in some parts of the building, talk to your line manager, develop an actual business case, present it to the IT manager, ask them to implement it. That way you can get credit for having the good idea, but you don't have to do any of the work or take any of the blame if it doesn't work out well!

[virtuo]

Is this so you can get your phone on the company network for free wi-fi?

Aside from all the warnings above, which you should take notice of, you might be able to use your workstation/docked laptop as an access point and piggyback off that. If it's hard wired and has a wifi card.

[cocksy_boy]

Ha ha - ok, I'm getting the message loud and clear this is a bad idea!!! Thanks for the moral guidance! :-)