Adding wireles to my existing network

[Airjrdn]

I'm running a LAN based on a LinkSys BEFSR41 using DHCP to assign IP's, etc. to all my machines. I'm on a cable internet connection. Switches consist of a couple 8 port DLink switches and the 4 port switch built into the LinkSys router.

Work is purchasing me a laptop which will have a wireless NIC. I want to get a wireless "access point?" at home to connect to one of my existing switches so that I can access the net using my laptop at home.

I can handle the IP scheme differences between my home & office networks, what I'm interested in is what I need to purchase as a wireless solution to get connected to my existing 100Mbit network. Is an "access point" what I need?

I realize I'll probably end up w/an 11Mbit wireless connection, and honestly, I'd like the most economical solution possible.

Thanks for any info you can provide.

[Greenstead]

Yes, an access point is what you need. Linksys and D-Link make them. Check the make and model of wireless card you are being given in case it is one of the newer types rather than just 802.11b (e.g. turbo or 802.11a). I suggest you first check prices on an access point of the same make as the card. DABS and Insight on the web are good for prices in the UK.

btw you might find moving between office and home more challenging than you are expecting - but its all do-able.

[Airjrdn]

Thanks for the info. I was looking at a D-Link 802.11b solution as seen here .

That wouldn't be a good solution?

[Greenstead]

It looks ideal - good spec and price.

Just make sure the PC card is 802.11b also.

Good Luck.

[Airjrdn]

Thanks Greenstead, I appreciate your help.

[Airjrdn]

I'm just trying to be extra careful here, so please bear with me. I just got my work laptop. At work we have an 802.11b standard in place.

My existing network consists of a cable modem connecting to my LinkSys BEFSR41 router. I have two DLink 8port switches, one connected to the LinkSys through the uplink port, the other connected to the first DLink switch.

I want this WAP to simply act as a wireless link between the laptop and my existing network.

I don't really know what "point-to-point bridging" or "point-to-multipoint bridging." mean. Will the DLink 900AP get an IP from my existing router and assign IP's to any wireless connections (ie; my work laptop) assuming they are setup to use DHCP?

If not, what do I need as a wireless solution to connect my 802.11b laptop to my existing lan?

Again, thanks for the help.

[Greenstead]

DLink 900AP
From the spec:
- The D-Link DWL-900AP is an IEEE 802.11b Wireless Access Point with point-to-point bridging capability...that means it can be used with a another DWL-900AP to connect two wired networks. (No use to you).
- In addition, the DWL-900AP provides an option to be configured as a client AP instead of a bridge....thats what you need.
- In a network with a DHCP server, the DWL-900AP will automatically obtain an IP address....so it will get its IP from your existing Linksys, and the wireless adapter in your PC will get its IP from the Linksys also by communicating via the DWL-900AP.

So it will do exactly what you want to do. The point to point bridging is an extra feature you don't need.

Is the card in your laptop a Dlink? If so I would get the 900AP.

[Airjrdn]

If the card is a 3Com card, would you not get the DLink?

[Greenstead]

There is no technical reason in principle why one make of AP will not work fully with a different make of wireless PC card - they all claim to 802.11b compatible. However in practice there have been problems in the past between different makes (mostly solved now). Also some of the other functions like WAP can be configured differently between different makes and there more difficult to setup. Probably most important, if you buy a Dlink AP and a 3COM card and have problems and ring either company they will say their product works and you should contact the other company.

There's a 95% chance you will have no problems. I've been there myself on the other 5% and you're stuffed. You might buy the AP with an assurance from the seller it will work with a 3COM card and can be returned if you encounter problems.

[Airjrdn]

I gotcha, the typical issues then.

Thanks again for all the help!