wireless AP hanging off the client end...

[Anghang]

i need to setup a wireless connection, but not as the server end...

basically, my computer connects to a server, can the computer's cat-5 be unplugged and plugged into the wireless AP?

and then with my laptop and wireless card, connect to the network?...or do APs have to be connected at the switch or router?

 

[JackMDS]

You probably can connect the A/P to the computer?s NIC (use crossover cable).

However, if you disconnect your computer from the network and put the A/P on it, your laptop will be able to connect only to your Computer, not to the ?Network?.

 

[Anghang]

hmm...sorry, i don't think i phrased the question clearly...

can i replace a client end desktop computer with a wireless AP, and then connect to the network via a laptop with a wireless PCMCIA card communicating with the network via the AP?

 

[ktwebb]

 

[JackMDS]

I think you should find what exactly (hardware wise) your computer is connected to.

If you are in a University setting, and people are using the phrase your computer is connected to a server. It is not an accurate description of the actual hardware connection.

My guess will be that you probably don?t need an A/P. You have to stay connected to the ?Server? and install second card (Wireless PC card) in the desktop. Wireless card in the Laptop, and set it to Ad-Hoc connection.

 

[ktwebb]

If you mean, can you plug the AP into a rj45 jack that is on your network then yeah. Assuming the jack feeds to a MDF or IDF and a switch or hub that the server is also connected to.

 

[Anghang]

the desktop is connected to a jack in the wall via cat-5 cable, the information flow to/from it is coming from a router/switch...all traffic flow goes to a router/switch first before arriving to its destination (another router/switch, server, desktop, etc)