Forum Home
Press F1
 
Thread ID: 69832 2006-06-13 21:23:00 Making an existing routher wireless mejobloggs (264) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
462869 2006-06-13 21:23:00 I already have a hardware router/firewall/adsl modem. Is there a cheap way in which I can add wireless functionality to it?

My brother just got a laptop, and wants to connect to the network from upstairs. And all our 'lan ports' (whatever you call them) are used up anyway, so wireless looks like a good way to go.
mejobloggs (264)
462870 2006-06-13 21:32:00 Buy a cheap WiFi Access Point and plug it into your router. somebody (208)
462871 2006-06-13 22:30:00 What about WiFi security? Does an access point deal with that? And there are a few different security options such as WPA. Which one is the best?

-edit- nm. According to wikipidia, WPA2 is the best.

Can anyone recommend an access point? Any chance of a decent one ~$50, or am I being too hopeful :D

I have been looking... It seems that a complete wireless modem/router/firewall doesn't cost 'much' more than an access point. If I am correct, a wireless router can also act as an access point?
mejobloggs (264)
462872 2006-06-14 00:17:00 Yes, a wireless router can also act as an access point. Just connect it to your existing network via a LAN port (not WAN) on the access point, and disable the DHCP server. You may also need to change the IP address / subnet to fit in with what you already have. Avoid CNet ones - in my experience they have an extremely low throughput. D-Link ones are good. I paid $175 for a D-Link DI-524UP - a 4 port switch, router, firewall, access point & USB print server all in one unit (I only use it as an access point though). Erayd (23)
462873 2006-06-14 00:33:00 Ok, so it looks like everything is about $150. Access points actually seem to be more expensive sometimes :( This is not going to be as cheap as I thought it would be. mejobloggs (264)
462874 2006-06-14 01:02:00 The cheapest way around it would be to put a PCI or USB WIFI card into your desktop & use Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).

You can get a card for about $50-$60

www.dse.co.nz

www.dse.co.nz

I would personally go with the PCI over the USB, the USB are a bit flaky at times.

www.homenethelp.com
snoopy (74)
462875 2006-06-14 01:34:00 Interesting... But would that be secure? mejobloggs (264)
462876 2006-06-14 01:47:00 Setup using WPA or WPA2, then it will be as secure as any wireless network can be. :) snoopy (74)
462877 2006-06-14 01:52:00 Right, I thought that you had to have a wireless rounter/firewall to use WPA. Thanks. mejobloggs (264)
462878 2006-06-14 01:53:00 You would ahve been best to get an all in one router aceesspoint modem firewalll etc. However an access point plugged into your router would be the best option otherwise you would need to leave your computer on the whole time. pricespy.co.nz is your friend. rogerp (6864)
1 2