EXPERT RESPONSE
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.
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