Topic: how to add wireless to my existing network

[D"Arcy McLean]

What is the best way to add wireless to my SME network? I have been using an SME box to network my home for a couple of years. Right now I have a hub connected to my SME 5.6 server for the workstations and my DSL is connected to my SME as well. What I want to do is be able to add a wireless notebook while at the same time getting rid of my 10mbs hub and replacing it with a 10/100 switch. I looked at the local electronics store and saw many different choices, but don't know exactly what to get. Do I need a wireless router or a wireless access point? I am assuming I don't need the router because the SME box takes care of that. But I was surprised to see that the access point was more expensive than the router. Looking on the box (Linksys) it seems the access point has everything the router has except the router functionality. This is why I thought it should be cheaper. In any case, I am looking to keep it simple, keep my SME acting as Gateway/Firewall/Server, and am not too worried about someone driving by in their car looking for open wireless networks, as I live in the country, and really do not have much "sensitive" data.

TIA,

D'Arcy

[Henry]

Phone line to DSL modem to e-smith box to 100b-T switch, just like the book says. To get wireless connectivity, I added a cheap ($15.00 from e-bay) access point to the switch and there you go, wireless connectivity for the couple of laptops in the net.

Just get an access point, hook it to the switch, run the configuration software from a client computer on the network and let the e-smith box do the routing. Cheap AP's work just as well as expensive ones, as long as you stay with 802.11b stuff.

[DArcy McLean]

Henry,

Are you suggesting I buy a seperate switch and seperate access point? The access points I have seen have switches built in. Is the seperate method better?

DArcy

[Mark]

DArcy wrote:
> Is the seperate method better?

Not better, per se, but easier. I have a gateway/firewall (box 1) that supports five ethernet ports and manages IP assignment, etc.. I have an access point (box 2) connected to one port. As an aside, I have a hub (box 3) off of which hang the various printers.

The access point, in my case, is configured to act as a hub and does not perform any advanced functions other than enforce what security it has.

Works great. I can move the access point around if the signal is poor for one user or another; which does happen as they like to sit in different places from time to time.

As Henry pointed out, this approach can also be cheaper. Used gear is often in fine shape but of little value to the person selling it. Hence the dirt cheap prices.

Finally, if one of the devices goes kaput, it is easy to replace without rebuilding a complex box.

hth,

 - Mark

[Dennis]

The best choice is to replace the hub with a switch and buy a access point for your wireless devices. Your SME box is already a router.
I have bought a Asus Access Point for my network (WL-300g - 54Mbit) and this is working fine for me. It was the cheapest thing for me at that moment.

You can also use second hand access-points if you like.

I hope i helped you a little with your question.

Greetings,

Dennis

[D]

Dennis,

Do you mean a seperate access point and switch, or can I use one that combines the two?

DArcy

[Bill]

You can combine the two and you might even find an affordable model that includes a print server.

[SloopJohnB]

Ok, here are my thoughts: (I am a cabling contractor BTW)
Always run cable for your network whenever availible. It lasts years longer than wireless!

If you want to spend more, get an all-in-one Wireless/gateway/switch that supports placing it in router (for your SME configuration) or gateway mode (for when the SME server goes down). In the event the SME server goes south, you'll still have the NAT capabilties through that Gateway/router/wireless access point all-in-one super duty device!

Shoot for maximum UP time on your network, so if one goes down the others still have basic communications (ie. LAN & the internet).

If the wireless is in your home and your home is fairly large with a bunch of walls between the Access point and the laptops, then get as many access points throughout your home as you need to boost signal. Be sure to hard wire these to the back of the Wireless Gateway Router access point super duty device. This is my seudo-WI-FI solution. Here in San Diego a Wireless 5.4g (80211 compatible) about $150.00 (sug retail). Check them out at cdw.com, warehouse.com, staples.com, officedepot.com, outpost.com... Don't forget the extra cat5 patch cords!

SloopJohnB

[Marcello]

> I have bought a Asus Access Point for my network (WL-300g -
> 54Mbit) and this is working fine for me. It was the cheapest

Dennis,
Did you measure the actual throughput? I'd be interested to know if you got anything near the advertised speed.
Marcello