Extend BT Hub ADSL using WRTG54G V1

Just about to install BT Home Total Broadband Hub.
http://www.frequencycast.co.uk/homehub.html

It only has 2 x LAN ports could I use my WRT54G along side the BT Hub.

Main PC LAN --- LAN1 Hub LAN2--- WRT54G >> Providing additional switch
ports for wired LAN? Actually could I use WiFi capability of the WRT54G
also?

I use WiFi only with my laptop and like to have backup wired sockets. I
don't really want to purchase a dedicated Switch just to extend the BT
Hub switch ports.

Many Thanks

On Fri, 13 Apr 2007 12:09:50 GMT, Mr User <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in
<iqKTh.23$(E-Mail Removed)>:

>Just about to install BT Home Total Broadband Hub.
>http://www.frequencycast.co.uk/homehub.html
>
>It only has 2 x LAN ports could I use my WRT54G along side the BT Hub.
>
>Main PC LAN --- LAN1 Hub LAN2--- WRT54G >> Providing additional switch
>ports for wired LAN? Actually could I use WiFi capability of the WRT54G
>also?
>
>I use WiFi only with my laptop and like to have backup wired sockets. I
>don't really want to purchase a dedicated Switch just to extend the BT
>Hub switch ports.

Sure. Just configure the WRT54G as an access point (not a router), as
described in the How To wiki below, and put it on a different primary
wireless channel (1, 6, 11) than the BT box. The two wireless access
points should probably have different, unique SSIDs.

--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_HowTo>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>

John Navas wrote:
>> Just about to install BT Home Total Broadband Hub.
>> http://www.frequencycast.co.uk/homehub.html
>>
>> It only has 2 x LAN ports could I use my WRT54G along side the BT Hub.
>>
>> Main PC LAN --- LAN1 Hub LAN2--- WRT54G >> Providing additional switch
>> ports for wired LAN? Actually could I use WiFi capability of the WRT54G
>> also?
>>
>> I use WiFi only with my laptop and like to have backup wired sockets. I
>> don't really want to purchase a dedicated Switch just to extend the BT
>> Hub switch ports.
>
> Sure. Just configure the WRT54G as an access point (not a router), as
> described in the How To wiki below, and put it on a different primary
> wireless channel (1, 6, 11) than the BT box. The two wireless access
> points should probably have different, unique SSIDs.

Thanks. This Home Hub isn't as clever as WRTG54 ... can't define my own
IP range subnet etc boo ... but I'll check out the WRT54G as an AP
sounds like a plan.

PS What should I use? I've selected WPA-PSK (BT Hub) then have options
WPA, WPA2 and WPA+WPA2 (Selected WPA) ... read the Wiki but *damn* WiFi
is getting confusing. Max security is my goal. Thanks again.

PPS I assume BT Hub LAN <> WRT54G LAN (i.e. no longer need WAN). I've
used 2 separate channels and 2 SSID's BTW I assume they must be on the
same subnet (i.e. both BT Hub & WRT54G).

Mr User wrote:

> Thanks. This Home Hub isn't as clever as WRTG54 ... can't define my own
> IP range subnet etc boo

Which firmware version do you have? I am still using 6.1.1.R and have no
problems creating, editing, deleting IP Address, subnets, DHCP pools
from the " Interface - LocalNetwork" configuration page.


>
> PS What should I use? I've selected WPA-PSK (BT Hub) then have options
> WPA, WPA2 and WPA+WPA2 (Selected WPA)


If your wireless clients are able to use WPA2 then use it.

.... read the Wiki but *damn* WiFi
> is getting confusing. Max security is my goal. Thanks again.
>
> PPS I assume BT Hub LAN <> WRT54G LAN (i.e. no longer need WAN). I've
> used 2 separate channels and 2 SSID's BTW I assume they must be on the
> same subnet (i.e. both BT Hub & WRT54G).

Assuming you connected LAN port in the Hub to LAN port in the WRT54G
then disable DHCP on the WRT54G and let the Hub provide the addresses
for the same subnet.

On Fri, 13 Apr 2007 21:22:51 GMT, Mr User <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in
<LwSTh.358$(E-Mail Removed)>:

>John Navas wrote:
>>> Just about to install BT Home Total Broadband Hub.
>>> http://www.frequencycast.co.uk/homehub.html
>>>
>>> It only has 2 x LAN ports could I use my WRT54G along side the BT Hub.
>>>
>>> Main PC LAN --- LAN1 Hub LAN2--- WRT54G >> Providing additional switch
>>> ports for wired LAN? Actually could I use WiFi capability of the WRT54G
>>> also?
>>>
>>> I use WiFi only with my laptop and like to have backup wired sockets. I
>>> don't really want to purchase a dedicated Switch just to extend the BT
>>> Hub switch ports.
>>
>> Sure. Just configure the WRT54G as an access point (not a router), as
>> described in the How To wiki below, and put it on a different primary
>> wireless channel (1, 6, 11) than the BT box. The two wireless access
>> points should probably have different, unique SSIDs.
>
>Thanks. This Home Hub isn't as clever as WRTG54 ... can't define my own
>IP range subnet etc boo ... but I'll check out the WRT54G as an AP
>sounds like a plan.
>
>PS What should I use? I've selected WPA-PSK (BT Hub) then have options
>WPA, WPA2 and WPA+WPA2 (Selected WPA) ... read the Wiki but *damn* WiFi
>is getting confusing. Max security is my goal. Thanks again.

WPA2 is max security as compared to WPA (and WEP).
RADIUS is max security when compared to PSK.
If the BT box doesn't support those things, then use just the WRT54G for
wireless.

>PPS I assume BT Hub LAN <> WRT54G LAN (i.e. no longer need WAN). I've
>used 2 separate channels and 2 SSID's BTW I assume they must be on the
>same subnet (i.e. both BT Hub & WRT54G).

If the WRT54G is an access point (not a router), then the BT box
controls all that.

--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_HowTo>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>

kev wrote:
> Mr User wrote:
>
>> Thanks. This Home Hub isn't as clever as WRTG54 ... can't define my
>> own IP range subnet etc boo
>
> Which firmware version do you have? I am still using 6.1.1.R and have no
> problems creating, editing, deleting IP Address, subnets, DHCP pools
> from the " Interface - LocalNetwork" configuration page.

Ah yes, the default Hub address of 192.168.1.254 confused me somewhat
.... I did eventually find that page. Software: 6.2.2.6 Boot Loader: 2.0.4

>> PS What should I use? I've selected WPA-PSK (BT Hub) then have options
>> WPA, WPA2 and WPA+WPA2 (Selected WPA)
>
> If your wireless clients are able to use WPA2 then use it.

I wasn't unaware of this fact. I'll check the clients.

> ... read the Wiki but *damn* WiFi
>> is getting confusing. Max security is my goal. Thanks again.
>>
>> PPS I assume BT Hub LAN <> WRT54G LAN (i.e. no longer need WAN). I've
>> used 2 separate channels and 2 SSID's BTW I assume they must be on the
>> same subnet (i.e. both BT Hub & WRT54G).
>
> Assuming you connected LAN port in the Hub to LAN port in the WRT54G
> then disable DHCP on the WRT54G and let the Hub provide the addresses
> for the same subnet.

I'll give it a spin. A little playing around required as I have static
IP's for 2 machines and 1 machine with DHCP and fallback to static (or
do I have that the wrong way around .. meh I'll check).

Still using my NTL BB for the moment until I can find my RJ45 crimp
tool. Murphy's Law just when you need a tool it walks *damn*

Thanks

John Navas wrote:
><snip>
>> PS What should I use? I've selected WPA-PSK (BT Hub) then have options
>> WPA, WPA2 and WPA+WPA2 (Selected WPA) ... read the Wiki but *damn* WiFi
>> is getting confusing. Max security is my goal. Thanks again.
>
> WPA2 is max security as compared to WPA (and WEP).
> RADIUS is max security when compared to PSK.
> If the BT box doesn't support those things, then use just the WRT54G for
> wireless.

It does support WPA2. I'll check my clients as advised previously.
I'd rather use the Hub for WiFi as it comes with a WiFi Handset for
cheap calls

>> PPS I assume BT Hub LAN <> WRT54G LAN (i.e. no longer need WAN). I've
>> used 2 separate channels and 2 SSID's BTW I assume they must be on the
>> same subnet (i.e. both BT Hub & WRT54G).
>
> If the WRT54G is an access point (not a router), then the BT box
> controls all that.

So you're saying the BT Hub will control pool addressing for both
devices, IP's be they Static that I define or DHCP (I assume when the
WRT54G is set as an AP these functions are disabled)?

Are you also saying it will control SSID and channels (I don't think you
are as I'm pretty sure that's not possible)?

Thanks

On Sun, 15 Apr 2007 23:17:18 GMT, Mr User <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in
<2oyUh.6053$(E-Mail Removed)>:

>John Navas wrote:

>> If the WRT54G is an access point (not a router), then the BT box
>> controls all that.
>
>So you're saying the BT Hub will control pool addressing for both
>devices,

Yes.

>IP's be they Static that I define or DHCP (I assume when the
>WRT54G is set as an AP these functions are disabled)?

DHCP would be done by the BT Hub.

>Are you also saying it will control SSID and channels (I don't think you
>are as I'm pretty sure that's not possible)?

No.

--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_HowTo>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>