Reverse Access Point needed...

[jstengel]

I'm looking to provide wireless connectivity to devices that only have a 10/100 ethernet connection. It is not practicle or feasible to setup the devices for direct wireless access. So, I need a device that essentially works in reverse of a traditional AP.

Here's a diagram:

Click here to vew... (http://209.181.64.253/temp.jpg)
(NOTE: It's a big pic and if it looks all scrunched up make sure your browser isn't automatically resizing it to fit your screen.)

Considerations:

- many of these devices would need to be used so how to manage channels overlapping.
- probably would function like a bridge (maybe like the D-Link DWL-900AP+??) or ideally like a tranceiver.
- Don't want to it to cost too much $$$!

If your a manufacturer and would like to discuss production let me know. I have a turnkey solution that requires this product.

stengelj@netzero.net

[DL33T]

So basically, it seems you need the AP/reverse AP to act as a wireless bridge. The DWL-900+ indeed allows this, either as a direct bridge (with MAC addresses specified at either end), as an wireless client (with the same functionality of a bridge but allowing multiple bridge connections to a single AP) or as a Multipoint bridge. Depending on the proximity, you would want each AP to have its own channel, limiting you to 11 in the US (more in Europe or Asia). You can also buy standalone wireless bridges, but they are limited to that one functionality. Hopefully this helps...

[jstengel]

The channel thing is really going to be a sticky point for me because I plan to deploy 30-50 of these buggers in a 3-5 story multi-room environment. I don't understand why wireless cards don't have a problem being around other cards transmitting on the same frequency but APs do.

Is it possible that if I used the AP as a bridge the channel issue would go away?

What if I used an AP in AD-HOC mode? Is it possible to run wireless in a mixed environment (AD-HOC & Infrastructure)?

If somebody knows of a wireless tranceiver product, that would be ideal for me.

All comments are appreciated.

stengelj@netzero.net

[color_copier]

So whats wrong with a Ethernet to Wireless Bridge?
I have a D-Link DWL-810 and it connects my "device with ethernet(10/100) only" to my wireless AP.
And that device can be my PC (had it working) or my XBOX (have it currently working).

The DWL-810 is a Ethernet to 802.11b Wireless Bridge.
It has a good amount of settings, is real small and will be out of the way, can be placed in an optimal position for best signal because of how small and compact it is and that is connected via standard Ethernet cable allowing it to be placed almost anywhere within Ethernet reach.

Would this not work for you?

[jstengel]

TO: Color_Copier

The "810" is almost exactly what I need. For some reason I could not find it at first on D-Link's site. The size is great-the price is right-it's just lacking security but I can maybe manage that on the server end.

If anyone knows of a company that OEMs the chipset for this device please share.