Looking to add a wireless capability to my home network

WarAdvocat · Post by **WarAdvocat** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 2:49 pm

I want to add some sort of wireless connect so that I can surf the net, stream media & transfer data etc. to/from my (soon to be built) HTPC.

Currently I have a Linksys BEFSR41 wired router, which is linked to a 16-port 10/100 switch. What's my best bet for a combo wired/wireless router to either replace the Linksys or just daisy chain to my existing hardware?

Grendel · Post by **Grendel** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 4:32 pm

Netgear
Linksys

I used the Netgear WGR614 for a short time as an extension w/o problems (cheap ($30) & easy to setup). Replaced it (and the Zoom X5) w/ a Zoom X6 all-in-one.

Edit: Forgot -- I'd suggest to replace the BEFSR41 w/ Wi-Fi enabled gateway, easier to setup if the AP works in the same IP range as the rest of the network.

WarAdvocat · Post by **WarAdvocat** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 5:00 pm

AP?

Whazzat?

THIS looks like what I need, I think, then I can share internet with computers not on the wires (I have cathedral ceilings and don't want to run external wires if I can help it.

Grendel · Post by **Grendel** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 5:36 pm

Access Point. Yes, that will do nicely

CDN_Merlin · Post by **CDN_Merlin** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 5:44 pm

I have that exact wireless router and it is great. Just make sure to use Wireless G and allow only the MAC addys of the pcs you need and use WPA encryption.

WarAdvocat · Post by **WarAdvocat** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 5:58 pm

right... Is there a way to allow new computers to access the network via password though, like if family visits, and brings a laptop?

Mobius · Post by **Mobius** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 6:57 pm

Yes, but you would have to add their MAC address to the list of allowed PCs.

This is easy. Simply go to the "Logging" portion of your AP's configuration web site. That will list all the MAC addresses of PCs which have attempted to connect to your network.

Take the most recent MAC address and add it to the "Allowed" list.

Oh, you have to have **attempted** to connect to the network with the new device before you can do this.

Hey Presto: visitor now on the network, and will be able to whenever they return.

P.S. Don't forget to save the AP configuration after making a change like this, or it will be lost the next time you switch the AP off.

BUBBALOU · Post by **BUBBALOU** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 5:54 am

Mobius uses the long way for EVERYTHING...what teh LusR

in linky show MAC list click allow for the new one, click apply

give key for WEP for new wireless unit

Mobius · Post by **Mobius** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 2:41 pm

Sometimes quicker isn't better Bubba.