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Question regarding WAP client mode

  • Thread starter Thread starter Deleted member 174149
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Deleted member 174149

I have a question about the client mode of a WAP. The apartment complex I'm moving into has a high speed wireless internet connection available to its tenants. Rather than buying a wireless PCI card or USB connector, I'm buying a Linksys WAP54G to act in client mode which will provide connectivity for my entire wired LAN.

I'm a little unfamilliar with the particulars of the client mode, as up until this point I've only used wireless routers. If I have the WAP plugged into the uplink port of the hub, and the WAP acting in client mode, I will get no wireless connectivity to my wired LAN, correct? That isn't an optimal solution for me, since I stream music off my server onto my laptop and would rather not have to be plugged into the wired LAN to do it.

Is there a way around this? I see the guide below that shows how to have the wireless router act in client mode, will that have the same effect as the WAP - i.e. no connectivity to my wired LAN? Is there another solution?

The only other thing I had considered is to use internet connection sharing, and to route my internet connection through the laptop. That would let me plug the WAP into one of the standard hub ports and not need it to act in client mode. This doesn't seem optimal, though, and it'll be a pain in the butt for certain things.

Suggestions?
 
Welcome to AT Network Forum.

After configuration you can plug the WAP into a WAN port of a Wireless Cable/DSL Router and have a regular Wireless LAN.

Being behind your own Router would provide additional security as well by isolating your system from your Neighbors.

:sun:

 
Thanks, Jack. That's my long term solution, but unfortunately, I'm trying to conserve as much money as possible right now and would prefer to not drop the extra $50-60 on a new wireless router.

There's also the consideration that the wireless network will be too slow for me and I'll want to fork out for a cable/DSL connection, which would make the WAP redundant if I have the wireless router.
 
It looks like you found one of the better places to ask a question like this 🙂

You already have a wireless router right? You're buying a WAP54G so you'll have an access point to obtain an internet connection. Run a patch cable from a LAN port on the WAP to the WAN port on your router and you will have all the same functionality you'd have with a wired internet connection. Imagine your WAP54G replacing a modem and using your wireless router as you always have.
 
Hey Kornphlake!

Yeah, I usually ignore other forums since I don't want to get sucked in but figured a technical question was better suited here.

The reason this won't work - and the reason I can't do what Jack suggested above without spending money - is because I'm selling my wireless router and card to a friend. It's an older 802.11b router and I'm using this opportunity to upgrade to 802.11g, since I do a lot of wireless file transfers between my computers.

Thanks though!
 
Keep your receipt. Bridging is not a Wi-Fi certifed funtion. So if the parent AP is not Linsksy then it's a dice role whether or not your AP will associate in client mode. I didn't see WDS functionality on Linksys's webpage. If the parent AP and your AP are both WDS capable then brand becomes less of an issue. If the complex has a Cisco wireless infrastructure for instance then your Linksys is not going to associate to it in Client mode. It's worth a shot but there is no guarantee with non WDS workgroup bridging.
 
I was under the impression that the AP acting in client mode was not considered "bridging" but rather acting just as a wireless card acts. Is that not the case?
 
Nope, it's bridging. Just happens to be bridging to to an AP instead of another dedicated bridge. Called a workgroup bridge in the enterprise. Called many things in the home consumer sector, Client mode being one of them. Just be prepared for it not to work and if it does, allgood. Now if the device you buy is WDS and their AP's are as well, then your good. Generally speaking anyway. If you do use WDS and don't have any wireless clients on your LAN then remember to disable the repeater function.
 
Thanks for the info!

For the moment I'm going to buy the AP and use it as an uplink for my wired LAN (assuming it works, of course). I just purchased 1000ft. of Cat5e and a crimper so I'll just transfer files on the wired LAN for the time being. I'll probably buy an 802.11g router if I end up liking the wireless connection available down there.
 
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