wireless access point

[rjf]

I think I want a wireless access point for home use. I already have DSL, a router, switch (2), print server, and some rooms wired. Access point just plugs into the ethernet and magic happens right?

What brand/options do I want for home use with two or three laptops. Computers are turned off when not used. I may turn the access point off also.

I don't need all bells and whistles, just need to prevent unauthorized access.

Will use for running Pandora radio, and video from another computer to the TV.

[MR2Chuck]

Wireless Router/Access Point

Quick answer: yes, you can add a WAP (wireless access point) device to an ethernet port.

Longer answer: Most wireless Routers (WIFi router) include several ethernet ports as well as being a WAP, so you replace two device and, in reality, wirless routers are typically the same price or cheaper, than purely WAPs. You can go one step further in eliminating devices and wires: Most companies make a WiFi router with built in DSL modem. eg http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/impre...ort/index.html

With WiFi, go for the Wireless-N configuration if range is a consideration.
AND...Configure the WAP security!!

Most devices are straight forward to set up if you already have your DSL running OK.

-cheers

[JDay]

You can go one step further in eliminating devices and wires: Most companies make a WiFi router with built in DSL modem. eg http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/impre...ort/index.html

And they typically suck. Just go get a Linksys or Buffalo wireless router.

[paul0660]

Just got a Netgear from newegg. Replaced a wired D-link. $15 bucks, 4 lan ports, wireless works at least 100 feet away, password setup was easy, pretty much plug and play.

[chiefcrash]

Linksys WRT54GL + DD-WRT = WIN

[sonico]

DDWRT is the shiznit, but it would be overkill in this case. I would just go vanilla firmware linksys, probably a WRT-160.

What you would probably do is replace the wired router with the wireless one and move the PPOE information for your DSL connection over to the new wireless router.

[sonico]

about security: WPA2 TKIP with a strong passphrase if your devices support it, otherwise WPA TKIP.

[JDay]

DDWRT is the shiznit, but it would be overkill in this case. I would just go vanilla firmware linksys, probably a WRT-160.

What you would probably do is replace the wired router with the wireless one and move the PPOE information for your DSL connection over to the new wireless router.

Providers still use PPPoE?

[sonico]

Yep, every single ATT DSL I've worked on is PPPOE, e-mail address and password logins.

The PPPOE info is either set in the modem (newer modems) or much more commonly in the router (older modems) or in either.

[CSDGuy]

Linksys WRT54GL + DD-WRT = WIN

The DD-WRT makes a rather plain "G" router into something pretty spectacular, IMO. However, it's a bit daunting to begin with, because if you don't follow the steps correctly, you "brick" the router. Get a wireless N compatible model. Then, as you acquire newer notebook/laptop computers, they'll work with it and be able to use the higher connection speeds (which will still be faster than your DSL speed). The higher speeds will allow for faster file transfers through your network... which you'll appreciate if you start using one of your computers as a file server...

[JDay]

The DD-WRT makes a rather plain "G" router into something pretty spectacular, IMO. However, it's a bit daunting to begin with, because if you don't follow the steps correctly, you "brick" the router. Get a wireless N compatible model. Then, as you acquire newer notebook/laptop computers, they'll work with it and be able to use the higher connection speeds (which will still be faster than your DSL speed). The higher speeds will allow for faster file transfers through your network... which you'll appreciate if you start using one of your computers as a file server...

Its hard to brick the router, all you do is upload the new firmware. And even if you brick one it takes a minute to unbrick.

[Gregchico]

The DD-WRT makes a rather plain "G" router into something pretty spectacular, IMO. However, it's a bit daunting to begin with, because if you don't follow the steps correctly, you "brick" the router. Get a wireless N compatible model. Then, as you acquire newer notebook/laptop computers, they'll work with it and be able to use the higher connection speeds (which will still be faster than your DSL speed). The higher speeds will allow for faster file transfers through your network... which you'll appreciate if you start using one of your computers as a file server...

It is cheaper to get one "preflashed" on Fleebay. Just search "dd-wrt". The router around here was $60-70 by itself, I ordered one from Fleebay for $50 delivered.
It really is better. My wifi enabled cellphone would crash my netgear and my dlink. My new DD-WRT Linksys has worked flawlessly from day one.

[CSDGuy]

I've read of a few bricked routers that needed a bit of surgery to revive them... that takes a little longer than 1 min... However, if you have the right firmware for the router... the upgrade goes VERY smoothly. I'm not that router savvy... but I got mine up and running pretty quickly on the DD-WRT firmware. My router never did get bricked, but I've had to reset it and redo the firmware upload once or twice.

Mostly, I'm just advocating some caution. If the wiki says that the router is compatible and you follow the directions... it all should go just fine.

For the OP: do a search for the router model you're looking at and "DD-WRT" and you'll see stuff that tells you whether or not the router is compatible with the firmware and which version will (and won't) work.

[chiefcrash]

DDWRT is the shiznit, but it would be overkill in this case. I would just go vanilla firmware linksys, probably a WRT-160.

What you would probably do is replace the wired router with the wireless one and move the PPOE information for your DSL connection over to the new wireless router.

Not really. Put DD-WRT micro on there. The main reason for DD-WRT is it needs fewer reboots than stock firmware...

[chiefcrash]

The DD-WRT makes a rather plain "G" router into something pretty spectacular, IMO. However, it's a bit daunting to begin with, because if you don't follow the steps correctly, you "brick" the router. Get a wireless N compatible model. Then, as you acquire newer notebook/laptop computers, they'll work with it and be able to use the higher connection speeds (which will still be faster than your DSL speed). The higher speeds will allow for faster file transfers through your network... which you'll appreciate if you start using one of your computers as a file server...

That's why I go with the WRT54GL: it's specifically designed to be compatible with the likes of DD-WRT. Just use the build in firmware upgrade function and bingo!

Use the "micro" version, and it'll make it a smaller, simpler version.