add wireless to ethernet connection...?

nobbybonez · 28 Apr 2016 at 16:46

hi

freind lives in a caravan in folks garden. he's run an ethernet cable out there, but is looking to use wireless.

could i please have a suggestion for a cheap gismo that will allow wireless connection to the existing cable? speed not really too much of an issue, its just for browsing etc.

many thanks

nobby

bledd · 28 Apr 2016 at 16:53

Wireless access point.

If he buys a 'PoE access point', he can use a PoE injector on the house side and then the access point will be powered by the ethernet cable, meaning he won't need to use up a plug socket for it in the caravan.

or a normal wireless access point.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/asus...nder-access-point-media-bridge-nw-089-as.html

This type, plugs into a power socket and the ethernet goes into the bottom of it.

You'll need some very basic networking knowledge to set it up.

Orcvader · 28 Apr 2016 at 16:54

You will need an access point. Does he still require a cable connection or is he going to use only wireless?

nobbybonez · 28 Apr 2016 at 17:13

Orcvader said:
You will need an access point. Does he still require a cable connection or is he going to use only wireless?

ethernet would be a bonus, but not essential. plug socket is not too much of an issue.

bremen1874 · 28 Apr 2016 at 17:44

I'd use a wireless router configured as an access point. You'll then have a few Ethernet ports spare for wired devices.

nobbybonez · 28 Apr 2016 at 17:52

bremen1874 said:
I'd use a wireless router configured as an access point. You'll then have a few Ethernet ports spare for wired devices.

i have a spare netgear wireless router i could bung him. is it going to be an arse to set up?

bremen1874 · 28 Apr 2016 at 18:22

It shouldn't be.

There are loads of guides available. Google 'router as access point' or something similar.

The process has been detailed on this forum many times as well.

A quick guide...

Find out the subnet (e.g. 192.168.0.n) the rest of the network is using.
Find out the limits of the network's DHCP range.
Connect a PC to the router to be configured. Don't connect the router to anything else at this stage.
Configure the router so it's using the same subnet as in step 1.
Set the router's management (gateway) IP to something that doesn't clash with the DHCP range from step 2.
Configure the wireless settings you want to use.
Disable the router's DHCP server.
Connect the router to the end of the Ethernet cable using one of the LAN ports. If it has an Ethernet WAN port ignore it.
If all is well (and I haven't forgotten a step) it'll be working and will be accessible on the IP set in step 5 for admin.

If you're lucky the router may have an AP mode that does most of the above for you. It's worth checking.

nobbybonez · 28 Apr 2016 at 18:34

that sounds more of an arse than telling him its wireless only

bremen1874 · 28 Apr 2016 at 18:46

It's easier to do than it is to describe.

An other option for wireless + Ethernet is to connect a small network switch on to the end of the cable and then plug an access point into that.

DJMK4 · 28 Apr 2016 at 22:11

You can use an old consumer broadband WiFi router as an access point if there is one knocking about

Assign it an IP address, turn off dhcp, etc setup WiFi with the same details as what I would assume is WiFi setup in the house, secure the device and turn off any features you don't need to use

Or buy an access point

bledd · 29 Apr 2016 at 08:14

nobbybonez said:
that sounds more of an arse than telling him its wireless only

Setting up a normal wireless access point involves pretty much exactly the same steps. Minus the 'disable DHCP' section.

As said above, you'll need some basic networking knowledge to set one up.

nobbybonez · 29 Apr 2016 at 08:38

ok, might get brave and have a go with the router... thanks for the advice folks...