WiFi Access with WRT54xxxx - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Quarlo Klobrigney
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2015, 06:54:17 am
content: So I don't know everything. I have a question regarding WiFi access to a computer that does not have wireless access. I want to use a WRT54 flavour box (3 to choose from 1 with DDWRT) to do the same as a laptop would do i.e. access a free wireless point (nothing illegal) say from a big box store or burger joint (pick your poison) that has free WiFi.A friend has free access in his neighborhood through the HOA. Located in an outbuilding where running a cable or setting up a network which he can not support, would be discouraged. A simple configuration of the router to access the network. No local computing (home networking). Everywhere I look does not describe this method. Can it be done?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2015, 07:09:23 am
content: So you want to connect a PC to a WiFi network and the PC has no WiFi adapter?http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Linking_Routers

author: Quarlo Klobrigney
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2015, 07:24:04 am
content: Yes, that would be correct.In the link provided, I do not see that information.Quote from: Psi on September 06, 2015, 07:09:23 am

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2015, 07:51:02 am
content: Put the box into bridge mode and connect to the existing network, it will just work. Done that with a plain ADSL modem, though it did complain there was no signal, but the wireless side was fine, just gave the LAN side a fixed IP to avoid conflict with the main ADSL router which did the DHCP.Was a good use for a box that had suffered a failed POTS interface from lightning but otherwise was working. I did not want to run a trailing cable across the open office to give wired networking, though the PC did have a power point it could use.

author: Quarlo Klobrigney
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2015, 08:04:42 am
content: Hook the thingamabob to the hiccup and Whaaaa?All I want to do is access a free point. I do not want to access his other computer or link in to its peripherals.I no nothing about networking so the info you gave me goes over my head, Other than that, Electronics is my real profession.Quote from: SeanB on September 06, 2015, 07:51:02 am

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2015, 08:56:24 am
content: Aren't you complicating things wanting to use a WRT54? If I understand your question correctly any WiFi Dongle (google it) will do what you want.

author: rollatorwieltje
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 06, 2015, 09:13:38 am
content: It's called "client mode". DD-WRT can do it for sure, I'm using it to connect a TV without wifi to my wireless network.http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Client_Mode

author: dfmischler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2015, 10:33:14 am
content: I've used DD-WRT client mode to connect an Internet-capable credit card machine with an ethernet port to a WiFi network at a trade show. Worked great.

author: Quarlo Klobrigney
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2015, 09:11:35 pm
content: To quote Orson Welles "In the depths of my ignorance" I will tryas the link instructs to connect in client mode. An update will follow. Thanks so far.