Topic: Smeserver as Wireless Access Point (WAP)?

[cactus]

I am thinking of using my SMEServer as a Wireless Access Point (WAP) for my office environment as more and more laptops (with wireless functionality are used in the office). Does anybody know if this is possible?

If so:
1. will it function parallel to my local wired network, in other words is it possible to have a local wired NIC and a wireless NIC hosting the lcoal network?
2. what card(s)/chipsets are best used/supported by linux?
3. do I need to install additional software to make use of encryption, access control/MAC-address verification or is this all done by the SMEServer it self?

Thanks in advance!

[MSmith]

Why bother, really?  Given the money value of time, by the time you work the issues out (and they are many!) you'll have more than spent the $70 (well, here in USA anyway) for which you could have bought a Linksys WAP54G, which is simple to install and Just Works.

[cactus]

Why bother, really?  Given the money value of time, by the time you work the issues out (and they are many!) you'll have more than spent the $70 for which you could have bought a Linksys WAP54G, which is simple to install and Just Works.

• For the fun
• To learn a thing or two
• But most off all to use the functionallity of SME instead of implementing yet another gateway, firewall etc

[MSmith]

I can understand your wanting to tinker with it, but for the office I think you'd be well advised to look at an appliance.  You don't have to fiddle with firewall settings or anything like that, you just assign the device an IP address and tell it where your gateway is (i.e. the SMEServer); DHCP, I have found, works just fine for the wireless clients.  Full network functionality, almost instantly.

I think you will have a LOT more aggravation troubleshooting any access problems if you hack this capability into the SMEServer.  But if you take it on, heck, write up a HOWTO.  Good hunting!

[achandra]

Yeah..Ill have to agree with the comments on this one.

The price for wireless APS, let alone full routers with excellent functionality and feature set is dirt cheap. Spend the money on a bitchin antenna and serve up the neighborhood.