Can a Wireless Access Point Hook up to a switch?

eGoCeNTRoNiX · Post by **eGoCeNTRoNiX** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 5:42 pm

Just curious.. I haven't tried and I'm thinking that it won't work. Even if it doesn't work, I've got a WRT54G somewhere around here that I can DD-WRT and make it a bridge if I need to so that I can relocate my media server.

TIA!

eGo

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 10:34 pm

I think what you're asking is can you use an access point or router as a repeater to get a hardwire connection to a device that has no hardwire running to it and no wifi capability build in.

The short answer is no. Some routers do claim to have the ability to act as a bridge but in my experience it doesn't work. I've never seen it work even with DD-WRT.

Simplest solution would be to just install a Wifi NIC in your media server. I'd recommend a USB NIC. The trouble is if you're not running 802.11N you're not going to get much bandwidth. 802.11G under real world conditions, and with encryption, is usually well under 50Mbit/Sec.

They also make Powerline ethernet which does work, but the cheapest cost around $80. I've used these and they work, although for that price you won't get anywhere near 100Mbit/sec (specs claim 85Mbit but that's under ideal conditions - I've never gotten more than 50Mbit): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6833122318

Ideally you would want your media server connected to the fastest hardwire connection possible. Even under the best conditions Wifi drops packets. The dropped packets are acceptable for a laptop or a BluRay player running Netflix, but not for your Media server.

eGoCeNTRoNiX · Post by **eGoCeNTRoNiX** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 10:53 pm

I have gotten the bridge mode to work with DD-WRT, I used it at my house in Louisiana to connect my PCs in my shop to the network in the house..

What I have hooked up to my PC now is a Belkin Wireless G Gaming Adapter. I thought it was an access point, didn't look close enough. But it works for the one PC.. Just wasn't sure if it would pass things through a switch or not..

I would LOVE to go wired.. But, since I currently live with my Dad, I have to play by his rules and he's not too fond of me running wires all over. However, I may be able to run some wires for what I'm wanting to do right now. I'll talk to him about it tomorrow and see what he thinks. If I could just get a wire run downstairs to the router from my room I could make the rest of them disappear. We shall see.. I do see your point on the bandwidth though. When they added on downstairs I tried to get him to let me wire his new addition and install a small cabinet with gigabit hardware but he wouldn't bite.. haha

eGo

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:30 am

Oh if it's one of those wifi adapters with a network jack on it, yes, it SHOULD work with a switch. Just remember they have limited bandwidth so you don't want too much on it.

Hmmm, I'll have to play with bridge mode again with one of my DD-WRT routers. Didn't work for me the last time I played with it.

eGoCeNTRoNiX · Post by **eGoCeNTRoNiX** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:38 am

Using it on a switch is a last ditch resort for me. I am still gonna put the bug in his ear about running a cable to the router and see how that goes.. I also need to check and see what the best N router is that can be DD-WRTed. I have a 54g running as a repeater at the house next door for our tenants and don't want to mess that up.

Make sure you update to the latest firmware release.. The older ones were really buggy, the newer ones work like a charm.

eGo

CaterpillarAssassin · Post by **CaterpillarAssassin** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 7:14 pm

I currently have DD-WRT working as a bridge. No real complaints, although it was a pain to get it to actually work. Since then, it works OK. I have my Xbox and Bluray hooked up to it (blu ray for netflix streaming). I suppose it was easier to do than running a wire.

I still hate wireless for anything but web surfing/downloading. Try copying a few large files from one wireless PC to another. Not fun.