Wireless Access Point -- What do these features do?

[rw120555]

I like my Netgear ME102 wireless access point, but Netgear's documentation for the features added in the latest firmware/software update seems to be virtually nonexistant. For example, what does this mean?

"Support wireless bridge functions: Point-to-Point and Point-to-MultiPoint"

"Support Access Point Client feature"

Also, when you go into the configuration software, you get options for

* "Access Point" (which is checked; I think I understand that one),
* "Access point client" (followed by a box to type in a bunch of numbers, currently 00 00 00 00 00 00)
* "Wireless Bridge" (which can futher be configured as Point to Point, and you type in Remote AP Mac Address; or Point to Multipoint).

I suspect a lot of this has to do with using multiple WAPs together, but it isn't at all clear how or why. I'm wondering if any of these options could help me extend range. I know that if I had ethernet jacks throughout the house I could plug in multiple WAPS, but since I don't, do any of these options help me?


Thanks for any insights or links. RW

 

[Thor86]

Originally posted by: rw120555

For example, what does this mean?

* "Access Point" (which is checked; I think I understand that one),
* "Access point client" (followed by a box to type in a bunch of numbers, currently 00 00 00 00 00 00)
* "Wireless Bridge" (which can futher be configured as Point to Point, and you type in Remote AP Mac Address; or Point to Multipoint).

1) What you are running now, meaning wireless clients/nics can connect to your access point.

2) Makes your access point a wireless nic via ethernet and cat5 cable. (guessing on this one).

3) Bridging is when you have two WAP in bridge mode, and they connect two seperate wired networks. Most problems with low-cost, home wap in bridge mode, is that you cannot use it as an access point for clients at the same time. Again, not sure on the Netgear, as I am guessing on this.

 

[ktwebb]

What the SOHO 802.11b Vendors call "client mode" is more appropriately termed a workgroup bridge by the larger 802.11b players. It communicates with an Access Point as a wireless client much the same way a PC card would in a laptop but you can hook a computer with a wired NIC into the RJ-45 port on the client AP and have wired connectivity off the wireless backbone. Not sure if the SOHO equipment limits nodes. The cisco WGB allows up to 8 MAC addresses to pass data via the bridge. True Wireless Bridges link wired LANs and do not accept associations from wireless clients, laptops and desktops with wireless NIC's etc.. Point to point is one parent bridge and one child bridge at whatever remote site your trying to link up. Multipoint allows multiple children bridges to associate to the parent bridge when more than one remote site is involved.

 

[rw120555]

Thanks much guys. I can't say that I followed everything (especially the bridge parts) but I think I get the key ideas. Client mode sounds like it would make the ME102 an alternative to a USB 802.11b card, albeit perhaps an expensive one. Bridge sounds like it would be for a far more complicated setup than I have.

Doesn't seem like there is anything in the new features that will help me to improve range -- I keep on wishing I could install a 2nd wap at a midpoint (with no ethernet connection) and it would relay and extend the signals from the first wap. But, it doesn't sound like it works that way.

 

[ktwebb]

That would be a repeater and the option is available as far as the technology goes. Cisco and Orinco AP's offer repeater mode. Don't know about the budget stuff but it does what the name implies. Repeats a signal. Effectively cuts bandwidth in half for each hop but it would extend your wireless LAN.

 

[Thor86]

If range is what you are looking for, then search the net for better antennas. I know there are third-party hardware vendors that can supply better antennas for increased WAP range, but they are a bit expensive and may or may not work with your current WAP unit.

Or

Positioning your current WAP unit in the center of your broadcast area, and usually the higher elevation (2nd or 3rd floors) would provide a bit better coverage.

 

[rw120555]

Thanks much guys. I sent an email to some antenna place asking what would be good for my Netgear ME102, but so far no response. I suspect the cost isn't worth it just so I can use the laptop in my back yard, but maybe I'll treat myself some day. Within the house there are some weak spots (including my home office of course) but I also have a HomePna setup so I can just plug into that when necessary.

I'm surprised that higher elevation is better. I always assumed that optimal placement would be in the center of the house, which would be first floor. I was thinking there might be some relatively painless way to get an ethernet jack there, but if that is a worse spot I certainly won't bother.

 

[ktwebb]

The middle is the best location. It really depends on the polarization of your antennas but if you have dipoles (rabbit ears) then the middle of the area you want to cover as best you can get it and then you can play around with placement.