using Linksys "gaming adapter" w/5 port workgroup switch

Help!

I want to set up internet access for a several computers in a different room
from my wireless gateway (Linksys WAG54G). Linksys support said the only
way to do this was to buy two of their access points (WAP54G was
recommended) and set them both up in wireless bridging mode, with one of
those physically connected to my gateway, and the other connected to a
network switch (where I could then plug in the different computers I want to
get on the network.)

The kids at the "Big Box Computer Store" said I could do this and save a lot
of setup hassle w/a wireless gaming adapter (Linksys WGA54G). Sure enough
the setup was easy enough, but only one of my computers plugged into the
network switch has internet access. Now I'm unsure whether it's a setting
on my second computer that's the problem, or was this doomed to failure from
the start (can the WGA54G only handle one IP address at a time?)

Can someone offer any tricks to try before I take the gaming adapter back
and get an couple access points?

thanks!
Frank

On Tue, 12 Jul 2005 20:31:28 GMT, "Frank Noge"
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>I want to set up internet access for a several computers in a different room
>from my wireless gateway (Linksys WAG54G). Linksys support said the only
>way to do this was to buy two of their access points (WAP54G was
>recommended) and set them both up in wireless bridging mode, with one of
>those physically connected to my gateway, and the other connected to a
>network switch (where I could then plug in the different computers I want to
>get on the network.)

As usual Linksys support is mostly correct. What you're trying to do
is simulatenously play transparent bridge and access point at the same
time. This can be done.

>The kids at the "Big Box Computer Store" said I could do this and save a lot
>of setup hassle w/a wireless gaming adapter (Linksys WGA54G). Sure enough
>the setup was easy enough, but only one of my computers plugged into the
>network switch has internet access. Now I'm unsure whether it's a setting
>on my second computer that's the problem, or was this doomed to failure from
>the start (can the WGA54G only handle one IP address at a time?)

Disaster. I wouldn't expect the minimum wage sales kids to know the
difference between a "workgroup bridge" and a "client bridge". The
names and designations change often enough to be confusing. I wanted
to scribble a document explaining the exact designations, and gave up.
Too messy.

What's happening is that your "game adapter" will only bridge one MAC
address at a time. Other "game adapters" will do more than one. For
example, the WET11 will do more than one. However, it's apparently
beneath the various manufacturers dignity to explain this minor
detail. I should compile a list of client radios that actually do
support more than one MAC address, but don't have the time to verify
rumors and check compatibility.

>Can someone offer any tricks to try before I take the gaming adapter back
>and get an couple access points?

Nope. Won't happen. However, I have a suggestion. Take the WGA54G
back and buy a Linksys WRT54G. Download free Sveasoft Alchemy
software which has a multiple client mode:
http://www.sveasoft.com/content/view/3/1/
The feature list proclaims:
"Client mode (support multiple attached devices)"

Another way is to use WDS (wireless distribution system). If your
existing router supports WDS, that will work. The WGA54G does NOT
support WDS, so it goes back anyway. With WDS, just configure your
two routers to talk to each other and then either connect or directly
plug into the LAN ports or either box.


--
# Jeff Liebermann 150 Felker St #D Santa Cruz CA 95060
# 831.336.2558 voice http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
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