Adding Wireless to a wired network

2635 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by it-taterman, Sep 23, 2005

ross style

Discussion Starter · Sep 23, 2005

I would like to add wireless capability to an existing network. The current network consists of 5 desktops wired direct to a router. I believe all I need is a wireless access point plugged in to the existing router, correct?

Also, I am a bit confused about wheter there is a difference between a "wireless router" and a "wireless acess point". I do not want to install a new router, just want the access point. Is there a difference here?

Thanks.

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Resolution

· #2 · Sep 23, 2005

ross style said:
I would like to add wireless capability to an existing network. The current network consists of 5 desktops wired direct to a router. I believe all I need is a wireless access point plugged in to the existing router, correct?

That's correct, however, you will need a computer/laptop with a wireless network card to use it.

ross style said:
Also, I am a bit confused about wheter there is a difference between a "wireless router" and a "wireless acess point". I do not want to install a new router, just want the access point. Is there a difference here?

Thanks.

One is a router and the other is more of a hub for wireless devices. You don't need another router, so all you need is a WAP with devices configured for wireless connectivity.

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JamesO

· #3 · Sep 23, 2005

Buy yourself any wireless router that has a built in 4 port Ethernet switch. These are cheaper than wireless access points.

Configure the wireless router web interface with a static IP address outside of your current DHCP range in the same IP subnet of your current network. Turn off DHCP on the wireless router. Connect the wireless router using one of the LAN ports, leave the WAN port disconnected.

JamesO

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ross style

Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 23, 2005

Thanks for the quick replies. Answered my questions perfectly.

One more now..
I recently installed a hub on one of the ethernet connections so that I can plug a laptop and a desktop in at the same physical location. Does a combination hub/wireless acess point exist that would serve this purpose as well as a wireless access point?

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it-taterman

· #5 · Sep 23, 2005

That is what JamesO was talking about when he posted "Buy yourself any wireless router that has a built in 4 port Ethernet switch."

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