DescentBB

I've decided to get an 802.11b/g access point. I need the access point to be multi-function capable. Mainly, it needs to be able to act as a bridge as well as an access point. (Currently I am in a Dorm Building that has Access Points set up, I need this device to be able to bridge to an ethernet network until I move out of my dorm). Currently on NewEgg the only Access Points that Ive found that satisfy these needs are made by D-Link. However, from reading broadbandreports.com I know that there are some D-Link products that have firmware issues in the extreme. So, does anyone have any experience with these D-Link Access Points or other access points that can function with B/G devices and act as a bridge?

Wireless bridging is when you have an access point that instead of acting as an access point, just acts as a bridge between other wireless APs (to lengthen your wireless network). Is that actually what you need it to do? (I'm used to them providing you with Ethernet ports in your room, even if there are wireless APs as well. In which case you shouldn't really need any bridging capability, just AP functionality.)

I want it to be able to act as a bridge, yes.

We have access points set up on campus, however, they are crash prone, so I will be connecting this bridge/AP to the one AP around here that actually stays up all the time so that my computers can have internet connectivity all the time.

After I move out of here, I will be using the access point as an access point.

Just wanted to make sure I understood your needs correctly. I have a Belkin router that can act as a bridge, though I haven't tried it (or had need to). Also, it (and I believe it's the same with other brands) will only work with certain other equipment from the same manufacturer. This may not be entirely accurate, but that's what they say they support.

If that's true, then you'll need to make sure to get an AP+bridge from the same manufacturer as the AP you're trying to connect to. I don't really have any experience either way, though, so I can't help.

Well supposedly this access point from Dlink can connect to any other access point as a client and bridge that way, or it can be forced to connect by mac address, which will be helpful. The AP in question is the DWL-7100AP, its a Tri-Mode, Dual band device, which will really help later on when I use it as an access point, as I'll be abel to use it in either the G or A ranges.

That's good. I couldn't see any good reason why my Belkin said it wouldn't work with anything else, but you never know when these people will do crazy stupid things just to sell more of their own (usually inferior) product.