I completed my network project about a week ago. The object of this project was to create a wired extension of my network on the other end of the house without running wire (the most cost effective method). I ended up using an ASUS WL-330gE Multi-functional Wireless AP to achieve success. I already had a wireless router running so attaching the WL-330eE was not a big deal. I even lucked out and it supports passing through the wired connection while functioning in wireless repeater mode. Before I go further, this method does have one big downside. Every device on the extended network is limited to the bandwidth achieved by the single adapter.
Materials for Project:
- 1 – Wireless network up and running.
- 1 – Linksys EZXS55W EtherFast 10/100 5-Port Workgroup Switch
- 1 – ASUS WL-330gE Multi- Functional Wireless AP – (AP, Ethernet Adapter, Gateway, Repeater 4 mode)
- N – Patch cable for devices.
Step-by-Step:
- Make sure your wireless network is enabled.
- Use the short bit of patch cable that came with the WL-330gE to connect it to the upstream port of the EZXS55W switch.
- Use another length of patch cable to connect a computer to one of the client ports on the switch.
- Navigate to url http://192.168.1.220/ on the computer. This will get you into the setup page of the WL-330gE. Initially the menu is in Chinese, but this can be fixed by the drop down box in the upper right.
- Set the device into Repeater Mode and select the network you want to connect to.
- You’re done. Now you have a wired network extension across a wifi connection.
For me this works excellent. I don’t have to worry about the bandwidth limitations and now I have all my media devices connected at all times.