Basic Question on Setting up Wireless Access Point..

[cohenfive]

we have a wired network in our home and want to set up a wireless access point for using laptops in the house as well as for streaming netflix/pandora, etc onto our sony and lg network bluray players located in areas of the house without a local wired node.

do i need any hardware other than a standard wireless router, and are there any issues on compatibility with the major brand wireless routers? do the wireless routers 'know' they are being used as an access point when plugged into one of the wired nodes on our network or is there additional setup required...

thanks in advance and sorry for the basic queries, all suggestions on hardware and setup are appreciated.

 

[DnetMHZ]

You'll just want to disable the DHCP server on the new access point (assuming your current router is already handling DHCP)

 

[ScottMac]

we have a wired network in our home and want to set up a wireless access point for using laptops in the house as well as for streaming netflix/pandora, etc onto our sony and lg network bluray players located in areas of the house without a local wired node.

do i need any hardware other than a standard wireless router, and are there any issues on compatibility with the major brand wireless routers? do the wireless routers 'know' they are being used as an access point when plugged into one of the wired nodes on our network or is there additional setup required...

thanks in advance and sorry for the basic queries, all suggestions on hardware and setup are appreciated.

If you don't expect to use any additional / supplemental router features, I'd suggest going with a straight-up "access point."

An AP will just extend the wired domain into the wireless and (usually) doesn't include the other services (like DHCP and the firewall(s)) that already probably exist in your current router.

If you are going to swap in a different router ..... "never mind" ;-).

Also, before you buy another wireless anything, download and run Netstumbler (www.netstumbler.com) or InSSIDer (http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/) to see what your RF environment looks like. If it's pretty congested, then wireless may not be the best way to go for your entertainment systems. Either of those applications will show you what channels are used, some interference indication, and activity levels are in your immediate surroundings.

Good Luck

 

[JackMDS]

For regular every day Wireless a Wireless Router is an Inexpensive solution and it is configured this way.

Using Wireless Router as an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

However, Quote: "as well as for streaming netflix/pandora, etc onto our sony and lg network bluray players located in areas of the house without a local wired node.
End of Quote.

This adds complexity that is beyond regular Wireless.

Depending on the environment it might need a solution like mentioned above by Scott. At time this has to be a multiple solution (i.e., few expensive APs).

A combination Cables with APs sometimes can provide a good solution.

MOCCA can help too, http://mocablog.net/2009/04/09/setting-up-a-moca-network-in-your-home/

In other words that is a complicated issue that need time and searching before you jumping into anything.

 

[cohenfive]

i have actually tried using an old linksys wap-54g a bit and it only works sporadically in our streaming situations, but seems to work reasonably well for internet access (laptop) for short distances. i was hoping there would be a modern access point solution that would extend the range and speed for both internet access (laptop) as well as streaming (to sony bdp-570 and lg bd570)....

 

[ScottMac]

i have actually tried using an old linksys wap-54g a bit and it only works sporadically in our streaming situations, but seems to work reasonably well for internet access (laptop) for short distances. i was hoping there would be a modern access point solution that would extend the range and speed for both internet access (laptop) as well as streaming (to sony bdp-570 and lg bd570)....

I believe you should try Netstumbler and / or InSSIDer ... the largest share of problems with wireless is interference, often from others on the same or adjacent channels. Run these apps, then choose a channel with the least activity AND least interference. This is one situation that leaving the device on "Auto" can really bite you.

Pick the best of channels 1, 6, or 11. Any activity within five channels (2-3 channels on either side) is interfering with your throughput. Look at the prime channel (1,6, or 11) then also look at the adjacent two or three channels and select the one with the least aggregate activity.

 

[cohenfive]

installed both...inssider gave me an error message (wlan autoconfig error of some sort) and netstumbler said there was no wireless...not sure exactly what i'm supposed to do with that info.

i think i'm going to try to get a better wireless access point/router than the 8 year old cisco i am using and will see what that does.

anyone have suggestions on what to get, or will any basic wireless router from the big names likely be ok?