Wired and Wireless

[jwormuth]

I have an SMC Barricade router that I like very well. It shares one IP on my broadband service for two desktop PCs, and one laptop computer. Can I keep my existing network, but simply add a wireless router to the output of the SMC wired router for my laptop and Pocket PC? The wired router is a DHCP server and a print server, so it is a valuable part of my network. I'm not sure if this would be possible.

[yonah]

If you want to keep your current router, you should buy a wireless access point - one wihtout any router features. This will keep all of your computers/devices on the same network segment. It will forward DHCP requests from the wired router to the wireless nodes.

Additionally, you can get a combinaion wired-wireless router (SMC makes a barricade wireless router that I've had a lot of success with). They usually come with 3 or 4 lan ports, and a printer port. Essentially, it lets you hook up both wired and wireless devices, gives you the security and features you'd expect, AND let's you set up your printer for both wired and wireless printing.

HTH
--Yonah

[jwormuth]

Thanks for the great reply. So, my understanding is that the access point is NOT a DHCP server, but would allow my SMC Barricade router to give out IP addresses, and that it is designed for exactly what I am hoping it will do, and that is to add wireless connectivity to my already existing wired network.

I know this is another subject, but I am considering purchasing the U.S. Robotics 22Mbps access point, thus giving my laptop and Pocket PC wireless connectivity. Will the access point prohibit a VPN connection? I currently connect via ethernet, through the Barricade, and have no issues with VPN. There is never any mention as to whether this device allows VPN connectivity.

[yonah]

JW,

I would actually call and consult U.S. Robotics on this one - to find out if their AP is exactly what you need. I know that with many routers, you need make some config changes to pass the VPN through, however and AP, in theory, should pass all packets to the router, and if it works with the wires, it should work with the wireless - but it always pays to check.

As for the 22Mbps, I would say that it is only worth it if one of the following is true:

1. Your Internet Connection is Faster than 11Mbps
2. You will be doing a lot of data transfer between computers on the wired network and computers on the wireless network (and your wired network is 100Mbps).


If you are just using this to surf the net, and you have a DSL or cable connection, the extra B/W doesn't help because your net connection is significantly lower speed than your DSL. If your wired network is only 10Mbps, then the 22Mbps has no added value. The only reason I'd reccomend you buy a 22Mbps connection is if you need the extra bandwidth between wired and wireless network (i.e. your MP3 collection is on a shared hard drive).