I have finally joined the world of Wireless and bought a Linksys WRT54G Router (to go with a cheapie laptop and laptop card). My PC and Cable Braodband Connection are in the Dining/General Room and the consles are in another room (living Room & Bedroom etc). How would i go about connecting the Xbox/PS2 etc (+ say 360/PS3 if and when i finally get them) to the Router? I already have a network adaptor for my PS2 as its a FAT model and the Xbox has the Ethernet port already in it... my main issue is, can i buy one wireless adaptor and just link them or do i need another router at the back of the TV or do i buy indiviual wireless attachments for each and every online console i have? :crying: Sorry for the confusing post but i am trying to do this on as little a budget as possible! :nod: :thumbsup:
easiest way, go wireless, but this is also the most expensive, as youll have to buy wireless adaptors for the xbox, and 360, wii is ok as its wireless anyways, and you would have to buy the nintendo ethernet atapter then, also this is dependant on signal strength, so you may need an additonal wireless range extender depending on how thick your walls are etc cheapest way is running cables, specially for the xbox / 360 and ps2, just buy some long length network cables (www.svp.co.uk are very cheap) and if needed an extra network switch to split the signal to give you a idea heres my layout my main cable input is in my office in a converted garage, problem here is a cant have wireless due to the signal as it has to pass through a outside wall, so i have a 4 port dhcp barracade router in there, 1 port to my main pc. 1 port running upstairs to my sons room to his xbox, and he has a wireless pci card in his computer, and 1 port runnin into my living room in the main front room i have a dlink wireless router, which i have basially set as a wireless access point / ethernet switch, which then connects to my xbox, 360, ps2 and wii + laptop (via the wireless), also have another cable from there running upstairs into the main bedroom, which has a further network switch to connect to another xbox, and secondary server pc in my wardrobe!, now all this may seem a bit fiddly and calbles everywhere, but fortunatly i fed everything through the central heating pipe enclosures and under skirting boards my advice, get a as you already have a router, run 1 cable from that to another network switch (pm me about that) in your main room where all your consoles are, set everything to dhcp and your good to go!
If your consoles are located fairly close together, then you might want to consider using one of Buffalo's WLITX4G54HP ethernet converters - these have 4 LAN ports at the back (to go to the individual consoles) & act as a bridge to your wireless network. This should work happily with the WRT54G at basic wireless-G speeds, which should be fine for gaming purposes. You can get these for under 40 quid on Amazon.co.uk BTW - if you get a 60Gb PS3, this has wireless built in, so you may not need to use the adapter to hook it up. Same with the Wii, as diddydonn said.
I have the S-Speedbooster version of this router and if all the consoles are quite close it has 4 ports n the back. I have my cable modem plugged into it then my pc and 360 run from the router, Wii`s , DS`s, PSP`s etc all run wirelessly
cheers for the info. I think that Buffalo Unit that Limey suggested might be my best bet,, also allows for future items to be plugged in a later date(like a shuttle entertainment PC etc) if i ever get any! Cheers
Hmm, having jsut re-read this. If i was to get anohter WRT54G (likethe one i already use as a main Broadband Wireless Router etc) and use that purely as an access point behind the TV? (with the consoles hard wire connected to it) Failing that, i might have to run a cable around the outside of the house (cant go through as we rent) and get a small router to split the signals
so if was able to pick up a cheapie WRT54G again (liketh eone i have), could i use that as a wireless Bridge? It could then also serve as a backup unit for it my main WRT54G ever goes down as im running the webserver and stuff.
You can... but it is complicated, and will limit some of the functionality of both routers. The manufacturers cripple those kind of features to prevent consumer stuff being used for businesses and so forth. Check here: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=36&threadid=1513386&frmKeyw%20ord=&STARTPAGE=1&FTVAR_FORUMVIEWTMP=Linear There is also the option of reflashing the WRT54G with custom firmware, but AFAIK that will only work on older models. Linksys have changed the configuration and streamlined it in recent years. Unless money is a real issue then I'd just go with a Wireless Bridge/repeater.
cool, bridge it is then.. failing that, i might just get a router, run a wire around the outside of the house and do it the real cheapie route!!! Does anyone know if i need to do anything special to run Cat5 cable outside (along the side of a building etc)
as long as you get some decent thickness wire youll be fine, i have 2 cable running outside like that and haven't had a problem in the 2 years they've been fitted, just make sure they are tacked down well, id recommend svp for the cables as well, cheap and good lengths, if you need a hand setting everything up give me a shout (configuration wise anyways!)
sorry to bump an old thread. I have here a Linksys WRT54GS ADSL Gateway and wondered how hard it would be to use this as a wireless brige? (im being tight and trying to save money! lol) Cheers Lee
