Adding a wifi conection to a wired broadband network

[rocketron]

Can anybody tell me if you can add a wifi conection to a wired broadband (virgin media) network without any problems. I have a Router and modem with two desktop computers running through the network with no problems. I would like to add a wireless connection so that l can use a laptop anywhere in the house and also to use my Archos 605 wifi.


rocketron

[johnwill]

Sure, you can either replace the existing router with a wireless model, or connect a new router to your existing one. If you go for the new router, try this configuration for the least amount of file/print sharing issues.

Connecting two (or more) SOHO broadband routers together.

Note: The "primary" router can be an actual router, a software gateway like Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing, or a server connection that has the capability to supply more than one IP address using DHCP server capability. No changes are made to the primary "router" configuration.

Configure the IP address of the secondary router(s) to be in the same subnet as the primary router, but out of the range of the DHCP server in the primary router. For instance DHCP server addresses 192.168.0.2 through 192.168.0.100, I'd assign the secondary router 192.168.0.254 as it's IP address, 192.168.0.253 for another router, etc.

Note: Do this first, as you will have to reboot the computer to connect to the router again for the remaining changes.

Disable the DHCP server in the secondary router.

Setup the wireless section just the way you would if it was the primary router, channels, encryption, etc.

Connect from the primary router's LAN port to one of the LAN ports on the secondary router. If there is no uplink port and neither of the routers have auto-sensing ports, use a cross-over cable. Leave the WAN port unconnected!

This procedure bypasses the routing function (NAT layer) and configures the router as a switch (or wireless access point for wireless routers).

[rocketron]

Thank you johnwill for your help. I think that l will just put a wifi router on to my wired system. The network is only used as a shared internet connection for my wife, daughter and myself. we do not run the printer through or share files. Which way do you think is best.

Rocketron

[johnwill]

Well, make sure the wireless router has a different base subnet than the wired router, or it won't work connected in the normal fashion through the WAN port of the new router.