Network Management Strategies for the CIO
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Many APs can operate as a wireless bridge -- for example, the Linksys WAPG54G. You can easily connect several Ethernet devices to another wired network over wireless by deploying a pair of WAP54G's, both configured in wireless bridge mode. In that case, you would cable each device's RJ-45 interface to one of the ports on an inexpensive 8-port Ethernet switch, then cabling that switch's uplink port to a nearby WAP54G. The other WAP54G would be cabled to the distant wired network.
This type of solution can accommodate all Ethernet devices through one switch/bridge pair. However, it requires you to install a pair of compatible bridging APs (for example, Linksys WAP11's or WAP54G's can interwork in wireless bridge mode).
Another alternative is to connect an Ethernet bridge designed to operate as a standard 802.11g/b client, like the Linksys WET54G. In this case, you would still cable all Ethernet devices to a nearby Ethernet switch. But the switch's uplink port would be cabled to the WET54G, and the WET54G would be configured to associate as an ordinary client to your existing 802.11b/g AP.
This type of solution seems to do what you want, but still requires you to have a separate switch and bridge. To accomplish both functions with just one box, use a product like the Linksys WET54GS5, which is basically the WET54G with an integrated 5-port Ethernet switch. A similar product is the Buffalo Turbo G High Power Wireless Ethernet Converter. However, to accommodate more than four Ethernet devices, you may need to go with a separate switch.
This was first published in December 2006
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