access point or usb adapter?

I'm setting up a wireless leg of my home network, with an eye on cost
and future changes. At present, there's only one extra machine to hook
in, which will no doubt change.

I intend buying an access point at the 'net' end, but am wondering about
how best to attach the computer. Something like a usb adapter is an
obvious choice, but limited as there's no driver s/ware for un*x
machines. I was pondering instead on buying a 2nd access point, to use
in bridge mode which I *think* is possible, wouldn't cost a lot more and
would be more useful in future. Thus:

(existing net) <--> access point <<<<<>>>>> access point <-twist!-> PC

Can anyone confirm that two belkin access points (I'm looking at
F5D7130) will work in this way (or not) please? (Give or take the odd
twisted cable :-)

"Mike Scott" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:MKeHc.662$(E-Mail Removed)...
> I'm setting up a wireless leg of my home network, with an eye on cost
> and future changes. At present, there's only one extra machine to hook
> in, which will no doubt change.
>
> I intend buying an access point at the 'net' end, but am wondering about
> how best to attach the computer. Something like a usb adapter is an
> obvious choice, but limited as there's no driver s/ware for un*x
> machines. I was pondering instead on buying a 2nd access point, to use
> in bridge mode which I *think* is possible, wouldn't cost a lot more and
> would be more useful in future. Thus:
>
> (existing net) <--> access point <<<<<>>>>> access point <-twist!-> PC
>
> Can anyone confirm that two belkin access points (I'm looking at
> F5D7130) will work in this way (or not) please? (Give or take the odd
> twisted cable :-)

Yes, the Belkin can do this. So can several other brands.

If you want to connect several computers to the unwired network, connect an
Ethernet switch to the Access Point with a straight cable.

Ron Bandes, CCNP, CTT+, etc.

"Mike Scott" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:MKeHc.662$(E-Mail Removed)...
> I'm setting up a wireless leg of my home network, with an eye on cost
> and future changes. At present, there's only one extra machine to hook
> in, which will no doubt change.
>
> I intend buying an access point at the 'net' end, but am wondering about
> how best to attach the computer. Something like a usb adapter is an
> obvious choice, but limited as there's no driver s/ware for un*x
> machines. I was pondering instead on buying a 2nd access point, to use
> in bridge mode which I *think* is possible, wouldn't cost a lot more and
> would be more useful in future. Thus:
>
> (existing net) <--> access point <<<<<>>>>> access point <-twist!-> PC
>
> Can anyone confirm that two belkin access points (I'm looking at
> F5D7130) will work in this way (or not) please? (Give or take the odd
> twisted cable :-)
Be careful what you buy as many wireless routers simply will not connect as
a bridge between wireless networks. I made that $55 mistake a few weeks
ago.
AG