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What's a good, cheap, wireless bridge?

Red Storm

Red Storm

Lifer
I have a (Comcast) cable modem hooked up to the one desktop in my apartment, but I'd like to have wireless as an option for laptops/phones/tablets. From my understanding, I just need a wireless bridge that goes into one of the LAN ports on my modem correct? If so, are there any good ones for $50 or less?

Edit: I assume I need one of these, but I just want to be sure I get the best brand/model for that price.
 
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If your modem is a Combo Modem Router then you need a Wireless Router that is configured as Wireless Access Point & Switch.

Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

In this day and age (taking into consideration the low prices), your are better off getting a Wireless Router that can do simultaneous AGN, has a Giga switch and is flash-able with DD-WRT.

Why DD-WRT? If needed now or in the future when more Wireless devices are added to the Network, very few Wireless Router can work as a Client Bridge or a Repeater. DD-WRT makes many of the Wireless Router Bridge/Repeater capable.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Supported_Devices

When using Bridge/Repeater mode it is important that the firmware of the source and the client will be compatible. Regardless of the model, if the Network's Wireless devices are DD-WRT flashed they will be compatible.

Least expensive - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124388

Very good value - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833162047

On a Good AGN/Giga capable Network the Buffalo can exceed 10MB/sec.(B=Byte) LAN transfer.

Really shines - http://homestore.cisco.com/en-us/Ro...-router_stcVVproductId133604734VVviewprod.htm

On a Good AGN/Giga capable Network the Cisco can do around 15MB/sec.(B=Byte) LAN transfer.



😎
 
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Have you heard much about the E3000 doing the same?
i just ordered mine (I read that it has less problems with this than the E2000 which I have not been able to get to work yet).
 
Do I have to flash DD-WRT? I'm sure I could do it, I just have no real desire to mess with the thing beyond first time setup.

Does it have to be a router? I can't connect a simple access point to the modem?
 
If you do not need any of the features of DD-WRT you do not need to flash.

However, it good to have the option because you might need it in the near future.

There is No simple Access Point. In addition to match an Access Point to your current Modem/Router might amount to 10 mouse clicks, to do the same with a Wireless Router might be 11 or 12 clicks.


😎
 
Ninjahedge said:
Have you heard much about the E3000 doing the same?
i just ordered mine (I read that it has less problems with this than the E2000 which I have not been able to get to work yet).
Click to expand...

Did you flash your E2000 with Tomato or DD-WRT? E2000 refurb here flashed with Tomato (Shibby V83 AIO version) and it's been rock solid as a bridge.
 
I'm not sure if "wireless bridge" is the correct terminology. It's my understanding that a "bridge" is the use of 2 wireless routers hooked up (link to a picture here, http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Image:Standard_bridge_large.jpg). Maybe what you are looking for is a simple wireless router that allows your wifi enabled devices to access your Internet.

I found myself needing a router recently, and picked up the most inexpensive dd-wrt capable router I could find; the Airlink101 AR670w. It does not have a Broadcom chip nor gobs of memory which may mean it has simple functionality, but I didn't need that. This one can be found at an on-line retailer for ~ $25.00 (use Google, I don't know if I would be breaking forum rules to tell you). I flashed it with dd-wrt 3 nights ago; and it has been working solid.

I've seen it recommended to not buy a router+switch combination, since you can save money if you buy them separately (router separate, switch separate).
 
Red Storm said:
Do I have to flash DD-WRT? I'm sure I could do it, I just have no real desire to mess with the thing beyond first time setup.

Does it have to be a router? I can't connect a simple access point to the modem?
Click to expand...

You don't have to do DD-WRT, every wireless router I've owned can be setup as an access point with the stock firmware. You want a wireless router instead of an access point because access points cost 2x as much as wireless routers. Even if you never intend to use it as a router, buy a wireless router instead of a dedicated access point unless you like spending more than necessary.
 
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