Configuring a wireless router to act as a switch.

[blackbird307]

I am considering purchasing a wireless capable router. However, I only want it to work as a switch.

There are two networks (two buildings).
- Network A is building A
- Network B is building B
- All computers in Network B connect to a wireless router
- The wireless router in Network B connects to the router in Network A
- I want Network B to in the same IP address range as Network A
- Computers in Network A should be able to ping computers in Network B, vice versa
- Network A and Network B are intended to be unified as one network in the final result


Does anyone know if this is possible? If not, does anyone know how to make this possible?

If the above is possible, I am considering purchasing one of the two wireless routers. Do either of these meet the requirements?
- NETGEAR FVS318N ProSafe Wireless VPN Router
- D-link DSR-150N Wireless N VPN Router

My alternative to this is to have an 8 port switch with a wireless access point connected to it, however, I would prefer if I could have a wireless router do this. My reason is that I would have a an extra jack to use, and would use less power supplies.

I attempted doing this using a router I had lying around one time, I got it to work to some degree, but I was only able to ping computers in the host network. I wasn't able to ping computers behind the router I was using, because they were all behind the routers IP address that I assigned to the router.

Thanks!

 

[jsmithepa]

If you browse other posts in this forum, you have probably heard folks told to configure their WIFI routers as ACCESS POINTS. This is what you want to do.

A WIFI router has a WAN port, but using it automatically creates a second subnet, SO DON'T USE IT. Hook up everything through its LAN ports, assign a static IP to the WIFI router for administration purposes, enable WIFI or not as you like, and everything will be in the same subnet. Oh and if there is a DHCP here, disable it.

 

[dextermat]

Hi ,

I think the best would be to buy a bridge

I recommend engenius or Ubiquiti brands.

http://www.engeniustech.com/products/outdoor-access-points-client-bridges.html
you can buy 2 X ENH500 (5 ghz) or ENH202 (2.4 ghz)

I buy most of my wireless gear from newegg or amazon.

Fairly simple to install, longer lasting compared to other brand (usually about 3 years)

 

[AgPaul]

what you want is an access point

my buddy says these are pretty good
https://www.sonicwall.com/us/en/products/sonicpoint-wireless-access-point-series.html