Adding a Bridge to a Wireless Network

I have an existing wireless network in my house.

I want to have a wired connection in my workshop so that I can get an
Internet connection for PCs that I repair for my friends and family. Most of
these PCs use a wired connection so I don't want to turn them into a wireless
client on my network when I'm done repairing them.

I don't want to drag the repaired PC up to the router and plug it (which I
have been doing) and I don't want to run any cable. I was thinking of buying
a wireless bridge to basically make a wired connection in my workshop and
connect it to the wireless network in the house.

I was thinking about something like the Linksys WET54G or a similar product.

Does this sound like it makes any sense??

Thanks for any help.
Tony

Tony V

On Apr 25, 7:57*am, Tony V <To...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
> I have an existing wireless network in my house.
>
> I want to have a wired connection in my workshop so that I can get an
> Internet connection for PCs that I repair for my friends and family. Most of
> these PCs use a wired connection so I don't want to turn them into a wireless
> client on my network when I'm done repairing them.
>
> I don't want to drag the repaired PC up to the router and plug it (which I
> have been doing) and I don't want to run any cable. I was thinking of buying
> a wireless bridge to basically make a wired connection in my workshop and
> connect it to the wireless network in the house.
>
> I was thinking about something like the Linksys WET54G or a similar product.
>
> Does this sound like it makes any sense??
>
> Thanks for any help.
> Tony

I current have an SMC wireless router (SMCWBR14T) which seems to be
able to "join" any existing wireless network and provides 4 base Rj-45
Ethernet ports.

Here is the "feature" description:

The Wireless Distribution System (WDS) provides a means to extend the
range of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). WDS allows a wireless
router to establish a direct link to other wireless base stations and
to allows stations to roam freely within the area covered by the WDS.

smlunatick

On Apr 25, 7:57*am, Tony V <To...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
> I have an existing wireless network in my house.
>
> I want to have a wired connection in my workshop so that I can get an
> Internet connection for PCs that I repair for my friends and family. Most of
> these PCs use a wired connection so I don't want to turn them into a wireless
> client on my network when I'm done repairing them.
>
> I don't want to drag the repaired PC up to the router and plug it (which I
> have been doing) and I don't want to run any cable. I was thinking of buying
> a wireless bridge to basically make a wired connection in my workshop and
> connect it to the wireless network in the house.
>
> I was thinking about something like the Linksys WET54G or a similar product.
>
> Does this sound like it makes any sense??
>
> Thanks for any help.
> Tony

Second, you can look here: http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

smlunatick

Bridges operate in pairs,...you have to buy two.
You don't add them to the wireless network,...you add them to the Wired
Network.

Host machines do not connect to Bridges directly (unless they have a built
in Switch) so you have to connect each bridge in the existing wired LAN at a
Switch, which could be the built in switch at the "router" at one end and a
standalone Switch at the "repair shop" end.

I know absolutely nothing about the WET54G specifically,...I can only speak
"generically" about the technology and the principles.

Personally I would just run an Ethernet Cable to the Shop and forget it.
You can run them up to 100 meters (300 feet),...which is about double the
distance you get with wireless devices if you want "good" wireless
performance. It is a lot cheaper than two Bridges and another Switch.

--
Phillip Windell
www.wandtv.com

The views expressed, are my own and not those of my employer, or Microsoft,
or anyone else associated with me, including my cats.
-----------------------------------------------------


"Tony V" <> wrote in message
news65E488D-5F0F-4ADA-BBC4-...
>I have an existing wireless network in my house.
>
> I want to have a wired connection in my workshop so that I can get an
> Internet connection for PCs that I repair for my friends and family. Most
> of
> these PCs use a wired connection so I don't want to turn them into a
> wireless
> client on my network when I'm done repairing them.
>
> I don't want to drag the repaired PC up to the router and plug it (which I
> have been doing) and I don't want to run any cable. I was thinking of
> buying
> a wireless bridge to basically make a wired connection in my workshop and
> connect it to the wireless network in the house.
>
> I was thinking about something like the Linksys WET54G or a similar
> product.
>
> Does this sound like it makes any sense??
>
> Thanks for any help.
> Tony

Phillip Windell

"Tony V" <> wrote in message
news65E488D-5F0F-4ADA-BBC4-...
>I have an existing wireless network in my house.
>
> I want to have a wired connection in my workshop so that I can get an
> Internet connection for PCs that I repair for my friends and family. Most
> of
> these PCs use a wired connection so I don't want to turn them into a
> wireless
> client on my network when I'm done repairing them.
>
> I don't want to drag the repaired PC up to the router and plug it (which I
> have been doing) and I don't want to run any cable. I was thinking of
> buying
> a wireless bridge to basically make a wired connection in my workshop and
> connect it to the wireless network in the house.
>
> I was thinking about something like the Linksys WET54G or a similar
> product.
>
> Does this sound like it makes any sense??
>
> Thanks for any help.
> Tony

I'm doing this with a WRT54GL and DD-WRT v23 SP2 Firmware as a game adapter
for my brothers xbox.
I have the box configured as a Client Bridge that connects to his main
wireless router which supplies his internet.

Doing this will basically give you a four port switch in your shop to hookup
whatever devices you want and move data between then and the wireless will
simply bridge you as a client to your exsisting router for internet and
access to recources on that network.

That said you do not have to use the linksys hardware DD-WRT is supported by
many devices. www.dd-wrt.com

Adair

Adair Winter

Adair Winter wrote:
> "Tony V" <> wrote in message
> news65E488D-5F0F-4ADA-BBC4-...
>> I have an existing wireless network in my house.
>>
>> I want to have a wired connection in my workshop so that I can get an
>> Internet connection for PCs that I repair for my friends and family. Most
>> of
>> these PCs use a wired connection so I don't want to turn them into a
>> wireless
>> client on my network when I'm done repairing them.
>>
>> I don't want to drag the repaired PC up to the router and plug it (which I
>> have been doing) and I don't want to run any cable. I was thinking of
>> buying
>> a wireless bridge to basically make a wired connection in my workshop and
>> connect it to the wireless network in the house.
>>
>> I was thinking about something like the Linksys WET54G or a similar
>> product.
>>
>> Does this sound like it makes any sense??
>>
>> Thanks for any help.
>> Tony
>
> I'm doing this with a WRT54GL and DD-WRT v23 SP2 Firmware as a game adapter
> for my brothers xbox.
> I have the box configured as a Client Bridge that connects to his main
> wireless router which supplies his internet.
>
> Doing this will basically give you a four port switch in your shop to hookup
> whatever devices you want and move data between then and the wireless will
> simply bridge you as a client to your exsisting router for internet and
> access to recources on that network.
>
> That said you do not have to use the linksys hardware DD-WRT is supported by
> many devices. www.dd-wrt.com
>
> Adair
>
>

I have a similar setup and it works well. If you want to use a Linksys
WRT54xx router as the bridge device, buy a v.3 or v.4 WRT54G from eBay
or a WRT54GL (the Linux-based model) if buying new. Don't get a WRT54G
v.5 or more recent.

--
Lem -- MS-MVP

To the moon and back with 2K words of RAM and 36K words of ROM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer
http://history.nasa.gov/afj/compessay.htm

Lem

Hi
Your plan should work.
If you are incline so, Lem's suggestion would be less expensive, and more
flexible with the Wireless security.
Other options, http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
Jack (MVP-Networking).

"Tony V" <> wrote in message
news65E488D-5F0F-4ADA-BBC4-...
>I have an existing wireless network in my house.
>
> I want to have a wired connection in my workshop so that I can get an
> Internet connection for PCs that I repair for my friends and family. Most
> of
> these PCs use a wired connection so I don't want to turn them into a
> wireless
> client on my network when I'm done repairing them.
>
> I don't want to drag the repaired PC up to the router and plug it (which I
> have been doing) and I don't want to run any cable. I was thinking of
> buying
> a wireless bridge to basically make a wired connection in my workshop and
> connect it to the wireless network in the house.
>
> I was thinking about something like the Linksys WET54G or a similar
> product.
>
> Does this sound like it makes any sense??
>
> Thanks for any help.
> Tony

Jack \(MVP-Networking\).

Thanks for everyone's help.
So to recap, I need to buy a wireless bridge. I then configure it using a PC
that's physically connected to my wireless router. Then after configuring it
using the CD that comes with it, I can disconnect the wireless bridge and
take it to any part of the house and plug an Ethernet device into it (such as
a wired PC).

Correct? Or do I need two wireless bridges--one cabled to my wireless router
and one that's in a remote (my workshop) where I can plug in wired computers.

Alos, should I buy a bridge or access point? Is there any advantage for the
scenario that I have??

Thanks!
Tony


"Jack (MVP-Networking)." wrote:

> Hi
> Your plan should work.
> If you are incline so, Lem's suggestion would be less expensive, and more
> flexible with the Wireless security.
> Other options, http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html
> Jack (MVP-Networking).
>
> "Tony V" <> wrote in message
> news65E488D-5F0F-4ADA-BBC4-...
> >I have an existing wireless network in my house.
> >
> > I want to have a wired connection in my workshop so that I can get an
> > Internet connection for PCs that I repair for my friends and family. Most
> > of
> > these PCs use a wired connection so I don't want to turn them into a
> > wireless
> > client on my network when I'm done repairing them.
> >
> > I don't want to drag the repaired PC up to the router and plug it (which I
> > have been doing) and I don't want to run any cable. I was thinking of
> > buying
> > a wireless bridge to basically make a wired connection in my workshop and
> > connect it to the wireless network in the house.
> >
> > I was thinking about something like the Linksys WET54G or a similar
> > product.
> >
> > Does this sound like it makes any sense??
> >
> > Thanks for any help.
> > Tony
>
>

Tony V

"Tony V" <> wrote in message
> Thanks for everyone's help.
> So to recap, I need to buy a wireless bridge. I then configure it using a
> PC
> that's physically connected to my wireless router. Then after configuring
> it
> using the CD that comes with it, I can disconnect the wireless bridge and
> take it to any part of the house and plug an Ethernet device into it (such
> as
> a wired PC).
>
> Correct? Or do I need two wireless bridges--one cabled to my wireless
> router
> and one that's in a remote (my workshop) where I can plug in wired
> computers.
>
> Alos, should I buy a bridge or access point? Is there any advantage for
> the
> scenario that I have??
>
> Thanks!
> Tony
>

What you get depends on how much money you want to spend and how good of a
signal your wireless router has in your shop. I'd say if you get a good
signal in the shop than one of the Linksys WRT54GL routers with DD-WRT
(www.dd-wrt.com) flashed to it would be your cheapest way of making this
work.. Or even any other devices that supports a client bridge or what they
call Client AP on the EZ3+
(http://www.wisp-router.com/wri/itemD...c=EZ3plus%2D14)
The latter would be best if you don't have good signal out in the shop as
the 14db antenna would help in making a better connection.

Using the linksys (or similar device) has the advantage of having a built in
ethernet switch for hooking up your devices. If you use the EZ3+ you'd have
to come out of it and into another switch or connect directly to the
computer you are working on.

In any case these devices need to have an IP address in the same subnet as
your current network (e.g. 192.168.1.0/24) and be configured to connect to
your wireless network via it's SSID, security key and channel.
There are alot of good resources out there do some searching and see what
fits you and your budget.

Adair

Adair Winter

On Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:46:24 -0500, "Phillip Windell" <>
wrote:

>Bridges operate in pairs,...you have to buy two.
>You don't add them to the wireless network,...you add them to the Wired
>Network.
>
>Host machines do not connect to Bridges directly (unless they have a built
>in Switch) so you have to connect each bridge in the existing wired LAN at a
>Switch, which could be the built in switch at the "router" at one end and a
>standalone Switch at the "repair shop" end.
>
>I know absolutely nothing about the WET54G specifically,...I can only speak
>"generically" about the technology and the principles.
>
>Personally I would just run an Ethernet Cable to the Shop and forget it.
>You can run them up to 100 meters (300 feet),...which is about double the
>distance you get with wireless devices if you want "good" wireless
>performance. It is a lot cheaper than two Bridges and another Switch.

Phillip,

If the shop is a separate building, that might not be a good idea. Google for
"ground potential difference" if you don't know what I'm discussing.
<http://networking.nitecruzr.net/2007/04/electrical-issues-in-ethernet.html>
http://networking.nitecruzr.net/2007...-ethernet.html

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://networking.nitecruzr.net/

Chuck [MVP]