Topic: SME Server as a Wireless Access Point?

[Brian Barber]

I noticed that someone asked about this quite a while ago and received no responses, so I'll throw this out for discussion again.  I'm wondering if anyone has configured their SME Server to work as a Wireless Access Point.I'd like to be able to install a PCI wireless NIC in addition to the existing NICs to provide wireless natwork coverage for my house.  Is there any documentation that I could be directed toward or an experience you want to share?

Thanks,
BB

[steve]

I have not done this though I have thought about it a couple of times.
What I would do is get a WAP, not a card, and config it as a node on the existing network
you might even want to set up a second sme server/gateway and put the wap on a separate network, for security purposes, that way it is not connected directly to your home network with your  wired machines (in case or wardrivers)
well, that my 2 cents

steve

[Gary]

There are distros better suited and tuned to be an access point - www.locustworld.com is one solution which turns a pittiful machine into a wireless mesh device.

[Ron]

Hi,

I've been running a Wireless Access Point plugged into my switch at home and haven't had any problems at all with access to my SME box or access out to internet via my SME internet gateway.  If you wanted to connect your WAP device straight into your SME internal network NIC card I don't see why it wouldn't work.  

Regards

Ron

[brian kirk]

I am sure it would work Ron but what about the security issues of having a wireless AP on the internal network. I think it would be very risky even with encryption and mac filtering.

Regards
Brian

[Andrew Gray]

Well what's the better method?  What's the best way to do this without compromising security and not breaking the budget?

Thanks.

- Andy Gray

[mark whittle]

had the same concern about security so I found another server which runs on a pentium 166 with 64mb ram, two ibm network cards, plug the access point into one and the other to a switch which gets its ip address from the sme server.
this software is free for non commercial use. you supply a username and password to log onto the network, excellent for our neighbourhood wireless network sharing broadband, hope this helps.
http://techzone.reefedge.com/dolphin/about.page