Wireless bridge

[Topochicho]

I currently have my cable modem plugged directly into my WRT54G. 2 machines connect to that via WUSB54G Wireless USB adapters.

I am adding 3 machines to the network soon, 1 wireless laptop and 2 machines with no wireless connections. I want to hardwire all the machines together for added transfer speeds and so I don't have to buy more wireless connections.

I want to hardwire all the machines, except the laptop, to a Hub/Switch, preferably the WRT54G, and then somehow setup a wireless bridge to the modem.

How do I set this up and what will I need... cheaper is better.

 

[ivwshane]

Why wouldn't you just connect a switch to your router?

modem
^
l
l
router/wifi access
^
l
l
switch

 

[ktwebb]

Why would anyone want to use wireless? To not run cable.

You could either put the Router/AP at the modem and get a bridge with multiple ports (WET54G) for example, or you could reverse that if you prefer.

 

[Topochicho]

Originally posted by: ivwshane
Why wouldn't you just connect a switch to your router?

modem
^
l
l
router/wifi access
^
l
l
switch

A wireless switch? Such as another WRT54G?

Originally posted by: ktwebb
Why would anyone want to use wireless? To not run cable.

You could either put the Router/AP at the modem and get a bridge with multiple ports (WET54G) for example, or you could reverse that if you prefer.

So I move the WRT54G to the computer room and plug all the machines in, then plug the modem into the WET54G?
Will the WET54G only connect my router and none of the other in range?
Is a 1 connection device, not a wireless switch, that will allow people to easily hijack my internet?

Edit: just looked up the price of the WET54G... is there a cheaper alternative that will work with the WRT54G, maybe by another company?

 

[ktwebb]

Any WDS capable device. I believe the WRT54G supports WDS. If not there is a firmware that will allow this functionality. Any AP only device with WDS. This would allow the client device to connect as a bridge for wired clients and repeat the wireless signal as well.

Someone with more experience with that router/ap can step in and correct me or give more information about what firmware would allow this.

You'd have one as the parent device, attached to the modem, and the second would act as the WDS client, repeating the signal to the wired machines through it's switch and wireless through it's radio.