Wireless from ethernet internet socket

[Top-Dog]

Hi, I am moving to a flat where the internet is provided to us through Ethernet sockets in the wall, and where each socket allows a LAN connection to other flats/rooms. I basically want to be able wireless broadcast what is available via the Ethernet connection (LAN and internet), so I can use my computer without being wired to the desk.

At the moment I have to dial the broadband internet connection from my computer and supply a user name and password (WAN minport PPPoE connection) and just physically have the Ethernet cable connected for LAN related stuff.

So, what device do I need to achieve this, and how do I set it up? Thanks.

 

[john-b691]

Since it is unclear from your post if you will need PPPoE support in the new location buy a router that has the ability to also run as a AP. If it turns out you don't need to log in or anything then you can use the router as a AP or you can run it as a router without PPPoE login. Of course your PC needs a wireless adapter also.

 

[Top-Dog]

Yes, it will need PPoE support. I need a password/username to dial a connection from the computer, but I don't know if it is possible to have the router or AP dial the connection then just broadcast the wireless internet signal, OR if I must somehow broadcast what comes from the Ethernet and dial a internet connection from the PC via the router.

Also, because the internet is provided via a Ethernet port (and not a phone line) I can't use a 'router', as a router has a built in modem (from my understanding). I would think I would need a access point or bridge, but I'm not sure how to configure them.

 

[Saga Lout]

Are you absolutely certain that the connection through the room's ethernet socket doesn't some complete with the Internet? I'd put money that it does and you will no longer need your dial-up connection. An access point will do what you want but so would any router - even if it included a MODEM - will also do the trick if configured properly. In Control Panel>Internet Options>Connection tab, tick "Never dial a connection" to avoid confusion.

 

[Top-Dog]

No, the Ethernet wall connection defiantly has Internet, but you have to dial it first from the computer. It's like a uni/hall kind of setup, but each person in the flat has a account with the ISP, and you can dial the connection from any Ethernet port in the building, so long as you put in a valid username and password. That's the bit that I don't understand, I have just plain Ethernet Internet at the moment, because we all split the bill (no password, no username) just plug into the router and you are free to browse, only the wifi has a password. So, when it comes to the flat I don't know what needs to change because of this password/username for individual users that must be entered before connecting.

 

[john-b691]

What do you have to do to make it prompt you for a password. If you are setting up a network connection and set it to run PPPoE then a router can do that.

The other things that maybe being used are 802.1x. This one prompts for a userid and password and you cannot use a router or any other device between the jack and your PC. This is the most secure method of running a LAN and the fundamental design prevents you from inserting anything AP,router,switch on the jack other than a single PC.

A third option is they are using a web intercept. You would open a web page and it would prompt you for a userid and password. After that you could continue to use it for a period of time without putting in the userid and password. This one you can pretty much insert a router or a AP in the path. These devices would not have to have any knowledge your PC would still do the security...and if you had a second device attached to your router all could use the same connection after the first device opened it up.

 

[Top-Dog]

Here is a link to the setup: https://prepay.snap.net.nz/support/
I think at step 4 it shows the network being setup as PPoE, so a router then should be able to it? Can you suggest a router, because as far as I know a router has a telephone line in (rj-11 or rj-14) and not an Ethernet socket.

To connect I have to:
click 'network' icon in the task bar --> then under 'Dial-up and VPN' select the connection/network name --> click 'connect' and a new window opens under the tittle 'connect to broadband connection' --> enter my username and password and click 'connect' in this new window.

 

[john-b691]

It is far more common for a router to have a ethernet for a wan than anything else. Almost all the advanced routers all have ethernet for wan since many cable companies require you use their modem. DSL its not as common but the number of routers that have a built in DSL modem is limited.

Which exact one depends on your budget. Almost all support PPPoE but its pretty easy to check the manuals before you buy it to see if it has the feature. I know some of the ASUS routers claim to auto detect the type of connection and set it up for you, you just put in the userid and password. Not sure I would trust it but that is what the manual says. Some routers have a feature called PPPoE pass though that let your PC do the PPPoE. I have never tried the option just saw the check box.

 

[Top-Dog]

Well I have a Linksysy EA4500 now, and I have it almost setup the way I want it. I can now wirelessly connect to the internet with PPPoE. All that's left is to connect to te LAN network.

If I run an Ethernet cable to the pc and wall I can see all the computers on the wired lan network and share using DC++. If I connect via the router (over wifi) I loose this ability, and the only computers that I can see are ones connected to my router and DC++ will not connect.

Is there a way to make the wired lan network usable over wifi?

 

[Top-Dog]

Best answer selected by Top-Dog.