T1 and wireless router

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

We have recently added a couple of laptops to our office and would like to have a wireless connection available. I know typically you would install the wireless router after the broadband modem and before the switch or pc. Does the use of a t1 connection change this?

I brought in a Linksys router from home to see what kind of range we would get, and installed it between the hardware firewall and our 32 port switch, but that did not seem to work.

Our regular IT guy is out with kidney stones (and has been for several days) and we really would like to get this up and running. I'm fairly comfortable with most everything, but I never deal with the T1 end of things.

 

[spidey07]

well if you already have a WAN connection (T1) with a firewall and switch, it sounds like you already have a functioning LAN/WAN.

What you need to do to the linksys is attach it to your switch via it's LAN connection only and then disable DHCP on the linksys. This will make it act like an access point only.

 

[n0cmonkey]

You should be able to toss a wireless access point off the switch, although there are security implications with that.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Originally posted by: spidey07
well if you already have a WAN connection (T1) with a firewall and switch, it sounds like you already have a functioning LAN/WAN.

What you need to do to the linksys is attach it to your switch via it's LAN connection only and then disable DHCP on the linksys. This will make it act like an access point only.

that will not allow internet access though, correct?

 

[InlineFive]

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats

Originally posted by: spidey07
well if you already have a WAN connection (T1) with a firewall and switch, it sounds like you already have a functioning LAN/WAN.

What you need to do to the linksys is attach it to your switch via it's LAN connection only and then disable DHCP on the linksys. This will make it act like an access point only.

that will not allow internet access though, correct?

No, all of the devices connected to the Linksys with wireless will have the same permissions as any other computer on your LAN. If your LAN can access the internet, so can the wireless clients.

Although you should really consult with your IT guy before doing this because there may be additional complications which you might not be aware of. Such as 802.1x authentication or VLANs.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

ah...gotcha.


I know we aren't doing any authentication or VLAN. We are pretty low-level.

 

[DaiShan]

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
ah...gotcha.


I know we aren't doing any authentication or VLAN. We are pretty low-level.

Spidey made a good post, for the technical implementation I would follow his advice, however I would still recommend telling the IT guy what you plan to do, otherwise it could cause him a lot of headaches.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
ah...gotcha.


I know we aren't doing any authentication or VLAN. We are pretty low-level.

well you REALLY should consider doing authentication. you won't need a separate vlan. Use use WPA enterprise. Or heck, if it's just a few people you can use WPA pre shared key.

Just secure it somehow. do not run it open.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Originally posted by: DaiShan

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
ah...gotcha.


I know we aren't doing any authentication or VLAN. We are pretty low-level.

Spidey made a good post, for the technical implementation I would follow his advice, however I would still recommend telling the IT guy what you plan to do, otherwise it could cause him a lot of headaches.

oh yeah...I'll tell him what I did when he gets back or calls in.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
ah...gotcha.


I know we aren't doing any authentication or VLAN. We are pretty low-level.

well you REALLY should consider doing authentication. you won't need a separate vlan. Use use WPA enterprise. Or heck, if it's just a few people you can use WPA pre shared key.

Just secure it somehow. do not run it open.

I plan on doing WPA with a key. We have a bunch of computer idiots here (VERY low skill) and due to the construction of out building, I don't expect our wireless signal to extend outside the walls, but I will do WPA just in case.