Setting up multiple Linksys devices

[MWM]

... am trying to set up multiple Linksys devices to create a larger WLAN. All Linksys.

It is a failure except for the simplest setups. Linky tech support says that such-and-such a device model number with such-and-such a version number with such-and-such a firmware version will (or will not) communicate with some other make/model/version/firmware Linky device in such-and-such a mode.

For example, a specific make/model/version/firmware AP will (or will not) communicate with another specific make/model/version/firmware AP/wireless router/bridge/repeater, etc. Apparently, not all APs, for example, have the same functionality.

As someone who spends a good part of their professional life in networking, this is driving me nuts. Not only can one not simply buy what is needed (the boxes are not labelled with that 0h-so-important detail) but I cannot find an overview anywhere of the situation--just a bunch of spotty rules.

If I call Linky tech support again for clarification and I may get new information that simply seems to contradict the previous information.

Anyone know of a source of info on Linky network layout using specific devices?

FYI: O'Reilly's Definitive Guide to 802.11b is great. It is the Linky-specific details that are hard to find.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[bcastner]

This is common to all vendors: the AP-2-AP communications has no standard, and is managed in a proprietary fashion.

If you gave some specific examples of what you want to do you will likely get some advice as to whether it is possible or not, workarounds, or a clear statement that it is not possible.

I know of no matrix as you suggest. Part of the difficulty is that these features are highly firmware dependent.

For routers and APs < $500, the issue is less that the elephant does not dance very well, it is that it dances at all.

 

[bcastner]

Also, do not forget the ability to use the WET11 in creative ways:

1. To create a repeater: wet11 wireless connected to AP #1; AP #2 connected wired to AP #2. A general repeater solution using the WET11 as the connection point, the second AP as the &quot;repeater.&quot;

2. Incompatable one-to-many AP setup. Use the WET11 to bridge compatability issue. WET11 to bridge to the additional incompatible AP.

Standardize all the firmware releases on all devices. Standardize hardware if you can. I have used in the past E-Bay to sell one perfectly good but incompatible device and purchased a perfectly good compatible device, and made $3.00.

Cable APs whenever possible. Add switches/routers to do this.

Also, spend some time searching/reading/looking at the FAQ at the DSLR Linksys forum.

http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/equip,16

 

[MWM]

Well said and much appreciated.

I suggested initially that the client might consider a Cisco 1100/1200 AP, such as I have installed in my office. Nope. The money already quoted by my contact to the client was about $200.

It is, nevertheless, a great relief to have the qualified second opinion of someone to validate my experience. Your key phrase, &quot;... highly firmware dependent,&quot; captures it precisely.

While I have looked at Buffalo products, I grabbed a LinkSys Wireless-B Access Point and a Wireless-B Broadband Router. Now I realize, among other things, that these lack WPA. My Cisco had WPA a year ago. Specifically, the AP will not, I discover, communicate with the router, but this AP requires (another discovery) the newer G router.

The router and AP is being used to extend an existing wired lan into a new office space. The router in the old area would bridge to the AP in the new area. The AP would extend the physical range to a new wired lan. I had hoped, also, that the router will allow a separate subnet via its NAT, helping with security.

BTW, I find that hooking up this Wireless-B router to the existing lan seems to work in the simple case (no AP yet) and my laptop talks to it. In testing for communication through the router, subnet to subnet, I ran a ping sweep (SolarWinds network tools) and can see the existing lan and its nodes. BUT the router immediately dies. Lights on, but nobody home. All communication through the router is gone.

This, I suppose, is just another artifact of limited design, or perhaps it is a security feature???

Thanks again,
Mike

 

[bcastner]

Disable DHCP on the router, place it in Router, not Gateway mode.

Do a wired connection to the first router. Use a static IP for the second (wireless) router outside the DHCP scope of the original router.

I believe the router is working, it is a configuration issue. See if this discussion of alternatives, and approaches helps:

http://www4.tomshardware.com/network/20030716/index.html

Best,
Bill Castner