Best Method to Deploy Wireless on Existing Windows Network

[chipowaz]

I'd like to deploy a wireless solution that allows clients to access Windows Server 2003 as they would on a wired-connection.

Here's the current setup:

(DSL) -> (Linksys Router) -> [Windows Server 2003] -> (10/100/1000 Switch)-> (Workstation Clients)

How do I do this? Would I just buy an access point and plug it into the Switch? My Windows Server 2003 is setup for static IPs (no DHCP).

Default Gateway & DNS Server: 192.168.2.2

I would like wireless clients to be able login to the Server just as they would if they were to be wired.

Any thoughts or proposed solutions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks.

 

[ronnyjljr]

The easiest way is to connect a wireless router to the switch and set it up with a static ip. Be careful though, make sure to secure the wireless with some sort of filtering, WEP, WPA, or MAC Address.

-Ron

cout << "If you don't know where you want to go, we'll make sure you get taken";

 

[chipowaz]

I actually purchased a Linksys WAP54G Access Point. Hooked it up to the switch, setup up the default gateway, gave it a static ip and now it works perfectly. Access Point just acts as a bridge and works transparently.

 

[vipergg]

If that's all you did then you left it wide open and anyone can hop onto your network . You should use WEP or WPA , change the ssid on the AP and use mac address filtering .

 

[chipowaz]

vipergg,

Thanks for requesting clarification. I had also enabled 128bit WEP, changed the SSID, and turned off SSID broadcasting.

Works like a charm.

 

[abuseif]

You can use the small DHCP in the Access Points and put the range that you want the wireless cards to use.

Abu

 

[bcastner]

abuseif,

Do not add a DHCP server of any kind to a Windows 2003 Domain.