Networking question

[Meest]

Since there really isn't much of a computer forum around here locally that I know of. I thought i would pose this question here.

I currently reside in a basement apartment with all utilities paid. The owner of the basement is letting me share internet connection with them also. So they have a WRT54G2 set up (I am not able to change this piece of equipment but I have access to the control panel) So I have wireless access in the basement. There is no option to run a wire downstairs for me. I'm currently looking at trying to figure out an option so that I can have a "wired" connection down in the basement for my other projects.... I've debated using a Wireless bridge but i'm not sure about Double NAT issues...

Does anyone have any recommendations on network bridges, or does anyone have any experience with setting up a WRT54GL or something similar with a version of DDWRT and using it to connect to the other access point with multiple mac address support?? (only about 4 Mac's max needed)

Awkward setup I know, but for the price I'm not going to complain...It just puts a hamper on my projects I can do... =/

[pmp6nl]

So your wired connection is just for devices that dont have wireless?  Would it be cheaper to setup a power-line network?  What about buying a wireless card/adapter?  Just trying to think of cheaper options, I think bridging may be a bit expensive... of course I have never set up anything like this myself.

[Sal Atticum]

I know Apple products (Airport Extreme, Time Capsule) are capable of wireless network extension, but I don't know about other bridges.  I'm assuming you want to use a wired router for all your machines and then go from that router to your wireless connection.

[Meest]

Power line isn't an option. the two units are on separate meters. The reason I want the bridge is that most of my projects involve linux distro's in which I'd rather not Troubleshoot wireless drivers/setups until I know the wired portion is working.

yes sal, thats my idea... It looks as if I might just have to buy some hardware and experiment! ... might start getting expensive but we'll see.

[pmp6nl]

You are still having trouble with wireless on linux out of the box?  Wow, I guess I am so use to Ubuntu just working so well I didnt even think about that.  As far as bridges I dont know.  Hummm, let me ponder

[Meest]

I've had not so good of luck with some of my D-link PCI cards. had an issue with the netgear one also. So over all not a fan of wireless in in linux so far... the intel 2200 series drivers are rock solid though. no complaints on notebook drivers. Sure I could go buy a PCI Wireless network card that is "Compatable" with ubuntu, but that doesn't mean it will work for everything linux/debian based. where as anything seems to work with a trusty FA311 NIC.

I also don't exclusively use ubuntu. hence the project boxes as i tend to test out different distro's. Right now for a class I'm doing a project with a clearOS box and need to be able to get it on the network with minimal time spend troubleshooting it.... either that or i have to find a different location for it.

[pmp6nl]

Good point.  Sorry I cant be more help, I have never done this before.

[Meest]

Yea I haven't seen anything about it either... I think i'm just gonna buckle down and get a WRT54GL and load it up with DD-WRT and see if i can get it to listen to me... I'll post back if I get it working.

[pmp6nl]

Sweet, good luck

[Meest]

in the spirit of how forum threads usually end up I will put the thread flamer 13 year old response.

"Wow you guys are all &*@#$(er's!! You're not answering my question about a specific item no one has or really has has a purpose to try... why don't you guys have no life and think of every function that a random rtard like me could possibly need?!?"

But actually i'm just going to go try.. This thread just felt empty without that response..

[pmp6nl]

in the spirit of how forum threads usually end up I will put the thread flamer 13 year old response.

"Wow you guys are all &*@#$(er's!! You're not answering my question about a specific item no one has or really has has a purpose to try... why don't you guys have no life and think of every function that a random rtard like me could possibly need?!?"

haha, nice

But actually i'm just going to go try

Any updates?

[Meest]

Nah, I haven't had the funds to buy what I want to mess with yet. Hoping for April to be the go time for it... We'll see. I found a way to do my project for the class without this... but I'd like to have it running

[pmp6nl]

dang that whole money thing