[loupi01]

Hello,
I'm new to this board.
In each of 3 rooms I have one internet connection (wired ethernet in each room). Can I add a 8 port switch and connect a wireless access point to each internet connection in the 3 rooms?

Thanks in advance

[ebaines]

Please define what you mean by "internet connection" in each room - do you mean coax cable drops, or DSL lines, or Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable wiring?

My initial reaction is: why would you want to have 3 wireless access points? Why not just have one, and use wireless for access to the internet by for the other 2 rooms? Alternatively, your WAP most likely already has several Ethernet ports on it - you could connect these ports to the PCs in the other rooms using Cat5e (or Cat 6) cables.

[loupi01]

DSL line into building connected to DSL modem. Modem connected to a 4 port router (not wireless). The 3 rooms are connected via cat5e wiring. The 3 rooms are not close to each other. The building is over 100 years and the rooms are lath and plaster. The reason for wireless access points is because a want to have wireless internet in the surrounding areas of the rooms. Hope this better explains.

Thanks

[ebaines]

OK - then I suggest you replace the 4 port router with a Wireless Access Point (WAP). That way you have wireless available through out your house - not only to the other 2 rooms but also at the kitchen table, on the back patio, etc.

I'm thinking maybe we have some confusion here over terminology. You only need one WAP in your house, but each computer needs a wireless network adapter. The PC that sits in the room with the WAP would have a direct Ethernet connection into the back of the WAP. The other PCs in your house can then access the internet through their wireless network adapters. If these are laptops they're probably already equipped with wireless adapters, but if they're desktops then you may have to purchase a wireless network adapter card for each one. Maybe this will help make it clearer:
4 steps to set up your home wireless network

[loupi01]

Thanks ebaines

One wireless access point will not be able to service the other 2 locations. The walls are to thick and to far away. I tried already and the signal is way to weak to even get a connection.

[KISS]

Lou:

I'm in agreement with you. This is not a typical installation. The program NetStumbler.com will help you pick a frequency.

You will have to decide if your going b/g/n. Usually b is bundled with n. n has much larger range.

I do agree to go with an Access Point and not a router, because other options are available. The access points ethernet ports can be used, so there is no need for another hub. I have used D-link access points without any problems.

You can set them to repeat another MAC address and I don't see anything wrong with them all having the same SSSID and frequency.

Let your router hand out the IP leases, so DHCP and NAT should be turned off in the access point. The access point itself gets a fixed IP address on the wired LAN, but have it hand out the addresses that the router gives out, so everyone is effectively on the same network.

[loupi01]

Thanks for your help KeepItSimpleStupid,
I was also thinking of using a wireless repeater (also called a extender)

[KISS]

The access points from d-link support those modes:
You can use them as access points, repeaters, or can use two and create a wireless segment of the network.

I actually have a repeater set up about 4' from a location where I sit sometimes. Without the repeater, I can't get a decent signal 4' away from where it sits.

Orient the antennas randomly. The best place, usually, for the main access point is the center of coverage. I doubt it will be true for you.

Some routers have options to make them access points, but not repeaters.

[loupi01]

Thanks again KeepItSimpleStupid,
I will look into D-link

[KISS]

I'm using the DWL-2100AP which is a b/g access point.