Router/firewall for wireless broadband

[rhedelius]

I live just outside of town and the only broadband option I have right now is wireless (802.11b) from my ISP. So far it works fine, I'm using an Avaya USB wireless device connected to an external antenna. I would like to use a router/firewall box that I already have. It's a Nortel Networks Instant Internet 100 I used with a DSL line before we moved.

My question is this:
How can I attach this to the Avaya card? The router has 2 NICs and no provision for a USB or pcmcia. I know there is a device called an ethernet converter designed for attaching devices with an ethernet port to the wireless network (http://www.hyperlinktech.com/web/avaya_converter.html) Has anyone used one with a router before or know if it would work?

Also, I know there are several wireless gateways available but most seem to connect to a DSl/Cable broadband connection and provide wireless for the home LAN. I need one that will connect a wireless broadband connection to a wired home network (confusing isn't it?!) Meaning I can plug my USB Avaya card OR a pcmcia wireless card into it OR it has a wireless card built in and a provision for an external antenna. I just want to have my router back so I'm not Live on the net and I don't have to have fire-up 2 pc's everytime I want to browse (ICS). Thanks for helping a novice!

Rick

[Sumaryo]

You will need a WirelessLAN bridge/station adapter.
This device is similar to your Avaya USB Wireless Adapter, but has an UTP out instead of USB.
You will need to power the device as well (use suitable Power over Ethernet if you like).
One brand that I knew works well is Teletronics's 11 Mbps Access Points/Bridge/Station Adapter. It is OEM with Planet WAP-1950. www.planet.com.tw. You connect the UTP port/output to one of your router's Ethernet port. No PC required, no driver required. You set the unit as Station Adapter, with parameters according to AccessPoints / hotspots setting in you area (you can inspect your Avaya USB WLAN card: ESSID, channel number, WEP key) and possibly you have to let your WISP know as well that you change the WLAN card/station adapter, so their could update their database of authorized MAC address to connect to the networks.

Enjoy surfing wirelessly
Yohanes