Wireless Repeater/Access network design

Question

So I have a need to setup a access point / Repeater, if that's the correct term. What I really need is to have a switch that is in another location to receive its connection to the network via wireless and still allow the use of the 10/100 ports.

Here is a diagram of what I want to do; the device i need is in red.

I'm not sure what type of hardware can do this type of task. Are there any broad suggestions on what sort of equipment I need?

Answer 1

I'm pretty sure you could achieve this with the Linksys WRT54GL and a custom firmware, such as Tomato, DD-WRT or OpenWRT. I have a similar setup, but just haven't purchased the 2nd AP yet .... my plan was to purchase a 2nd WRT54GL though.

Here is a guide on setting up a client bridge for DD-WRT:

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

Answer 2

I'm in the UK, but I'm sure you could get something similar to this: Tenda Wireless-N150 Access Point fairly cheaply in the US. If you look at the reviews for that product, someone gives a very detailed description of how to set this up as an Access Point/LAN Bridge- which I think is what you are looking to do.

Answer 3

• Bridging is one way to achieve it

• Straight routing giving your red segment clients default route that goes to existing router will make things work

• You could even do NAT from red segment to black and have your network work, but it is not necessary

Answer 4

Linksys WPGS606. It's classed as a 'wireless print server', but it has a built in wireless bridge, a 4-port switch and 2 USB ports for printers. I used one a year or so ago to link a Sony PS2, a VoIP phone and printer to a home network. I can also confirm that Trevor's suggestion of a client bridge using dd-wrt will work - I've done that too with an Asus WL-500g premium router.