Netgear w/less extension

[alanparrott]

I currently use the Netgear 108 gear with no problems, with Router/Gateway in the attic room and all wireless downstairs.

I would like to extend the network downsatirs to include a couple of wired devices via the wireless network (i.e. without wiring up/down).

From the Netgear site I can not see a suitable 108 option.

I have thought about using an old laptop with a PCMCIA WG511T wireless card and uisng the other PCMCIA slot and/or USB slot to wire the 2 devices. I guess I would then Bridge the points. Would this work?

Alternatively what would be my options?

The 2 devices would be for media server boxes so I guess at the least 54g would be appropriate.

Any help welcome

REgards

Alan

 

[kwebb]

Using a wireless client device and a wired interface, something like a PC network card in a laptop can be bridged. I don't particularly like it as a solution but it would be a way to keep your 108 Mb signalling rate.

 

[alanparrott]

Thanks if I was prepared to accept 54g for this,what would I need?

Alan

 

[kwebb]

Well, bridging doesn't have to adhere to any specification so staying with the same Mfg for your gear is usually a necessity. So any Netgear AP that has a "client mode" or it may be called an wireless ethernet bridge. Different Mfg's unfortunately call it different things unless it's WDS compatible. That is bridging/repeating. So anything from netgear that mentions WDS or ethernet client or client mode, bridging etc.. If your unsure post a link to something and I'll be glad to take a look.
The bridge would uplink to a single machine or a switch that you could use several machines off of.

 

[alanparrott]

kwebb, thanks for your input.

I have now ordered a WGE111UK Netgear Bridge and will use this to drive a couple of AV devices (MediaMVP etc) hopefully this will work. I have tried them both stand alone wired and they work fine.

Meanwhile, waiting I tried my original thought using an IBM Notebook as a bridge between a wireless PCMCIA card and an ethernet card. Bridging set up OK and both the connections and the bridge seem to show working in Network Connections however nothing happens, the devices keep serching for an Ethernet connection and fail. Is there something else that I need to configure.

Thanks again

Alan

 

[kwebb]

What do you mean they keep "Searching" for an ethernet connection? Are you saying your getting media disconnected errors?

 

[alanparrott]

It actually never makes the connection, I am using a USB/Ethernet converter that, as I say, works straight, through. I get a flashing orange light which I guess means its polling but the green stays steady.

Also i have found out that the Netgear WGE101 is now discontinued to be rplaced by a gaming unit the WGE111 which I am told does not support a switch, however there appears to be 2 models another WGE111UK that looks exactly like the WGE101 which I have ordered. All very confusing.

Links are
<A HREF="http://www.netgear.co.uk/home_wireless_ethernet_bridges.php#WGE111" target="_new">http://www.netgear.co.uk/home_wireless_ethernet_bridges.php#WGE111</A>

<A HREF="http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=5281177327&action=YWRkX3Byb2R1Y3RfcmV2aWV3&product_uid=78052" target="_new">http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=5281177327&action=YWRkX3Byb2R1Y3RfcmV2aWV3&product_uid=78052</A>

<A HREF="http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=5281595912&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=75472" target="_new">http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=5281595912&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=75472</A>