Access point?

[iceperson]

Ok. I have a wireless G network using a Dell 2300 router that connects 2 laptops, 2 desktops, 1 server, and my Tivo flawlessly. What I was wondering now is how best to connect my PS2 and X-Box. Is it possible to get an access point and then connect my console directly into it using my ethernet port on the console? I have a <a href="http://www.pelicanperformance.com/universal/popup/pl_957_pro_system_selector_pop.html">Pelican's Pro System Selector</a> and it would be nice to just buy an access point that I can connect to it and use with both the PS2 and the X-box (and any new console that comes out in the future.) In theory it should work but everything I've seen about access points talks about plugging them in directly to the switch/hub/router. I know I could buy wireless hardware for each console but that really wouldn't make much sense when I can buy an access point for cheap and maybe use it for something else when the next gen consoles come out. Best case scenerio it might even increase the range/signal strength of my current setup.
Thanks,
ice

 

[kwebb]

An AP that will work in "client" mode, aka as a workgroup bridge, or buy a dedicated workgroup bridge like the Wet54. That will act as a driverless client device that you can either attach a single PC to via Cat5 cable or uplink to a switch or hub to server multiple wired clients. Not part of any compatibility standard however so you would stay with the same Mfg if you can, if not I'd go with the Wet54. You could go cheaper probably and go with the .11b Workgroup bridge however this could affect your overall speed, depending on how your setup currently.

CCNA, MCSE, A+, Cisco Certified Wireless Field Engineer

 

[iceperson]

Aren't all access points "driverless"? Most of the ones I've been reading up on have web interfaces so there is no software to install. I'm looking at the WAP54G right now and it says that it works as a bridge also. Looks like I may have to just go someplace with a decent return policy and pick one up and try it.

 

[kwebb]

Correct AP's do not need drivers but AP's in access point mode (infrastructure) is alot different than one acting as a workgroup bridge. Also, just because it says bridge doesn't mean necessarily that it will act as a workgroup bridge, though I would be almost certain the Linksys devices do both. A bridge, in the strict since will only talk to other Bridges, point to point or point to multipoint. A workgroup bridge, or AP in client mode, will associate to Access Points within the infrastructure framework, or if you run them Ad Hoc they will associate to other workgroup bridges, essentially like a PtoP or PtoMP bridge setup.
Yep, a good return policy is an excellent choice when trying to get this setup to work. May, may not.

CCNA, MCSE, A+, Cisco Certified Wireless Field Engineer