Wireless Network Question

[jdogg707]

WGT624
FS605

I currently own a Netgear WGT624 Wireless Router and have it connected to my cable modem. From the router I have my main PC hooked up, and then a Netgear FS605 10/100 Switch that connects my Xbox, PS2, and ReplayTV. I am moving to a new house and want to go fully wireless with my setup, but have a few questions.

1. Would I be able to buy a Wireless Access Point, connect my switch to it, and hookup my Xbox, PS2, and ReplayTV to the switch, and they would all have access to the network?

2. If the above will not work, what do I need to do in order to make it work?

3. What is the best Access point to buy?

4. I would like to add an Apple Airport Express so I can stream music to my home theater, and noticed that the Airport Express has an ethernet port. Could I use that ethernet port to plug in my switch, with all my devices hooked into it, and forgo having to buy another Access Point altogether? Will this work with my current router or will I have to get anew router?

This is my first foray into a completely wireless network and appreciate any help! Thanks!

 

[JackMDS]

A 1: You need an Access Point that is capable to be configures as a Client (not all AP are capable of it).

A 2: Irrelevant.

A3: There are alternative to Access Point that might be easier to use. E.g. Wireless Consumer Bridges.

See Here (edit): Wirelessly Bridging Home / SOHO Network.

There is No best to make sure that it works get the Netgear One. Specialty Wireless Hardware usually works better when using the same manufacturer hardware.

A4: Do not know I am not the ?Apple? kind of guy.

:sun:

 

[samuraijake]

A little more info can't hurt...

1) JackMDS is right. Your access point needs to be capable of client mode to use it in your described situation. Often times though, APs configured as clients don't work to well with devices that aren't of the same brand or even model. Research it more if you want to go that route. An alternative is to just get a wireless bridge. These devices are designed to be plugged into an existing wired network and connect it to another existing wired network via wireless.

2) See 1

3) Get the same brand as your router and make sure it can be run in client mode.

4) Apple seems to hint at the capability of the Airport Express to run as a bridge/range extender but doesn't really have any documentation for it. From what I've read, some people have had success using it as a bridge (see 1). This is enabled by turning on the Wireless Distribution Service in the Airport Express control panel. The WDS connects with an existing wireless network and enables DHCP on its ethernet port to assign IPs to your other connected devices, i.e. xbox, ps2, etc. This is kind of problematic because your router would normally assign the IPs to the devices. Some users have reported it working, others not. Check to see if you can return the item before you get it as you may have trouble.

If the Airport Express doesn't work out, get a wireless bridge and if you need the wireless audio, check out some other wireless multimedia offerings like the Netgear MP101. Some have features the Airport Express doesn't like an LCD display and remote control.

Hope it helps.