detecting and connecting to wireless networks

falcon · #1 (**permalink**) 09-23-2004, 09:24 AM

I just got a linksys wrt54g access point.

is there a way i can detect and connect to ther wireless networks?

i dont know of any around here but just wondering if its posible to scan for availible networks connect to them and access them via my LAN computers ... ?

Skink · #2 (**permalink**) 09-23-2004, 10:27 AM

I can do it with my DWL-900AP+ based node (which has just been temporarily shut down; I need to save for a w/g)

I dunno how to do it with WRT54G(S) on normal firmware, but under some linux firmware the wireless tools can be used.

falcon · #3 (**permalink**) 09-23-2004, 10:59 PM

hmmm
sounds interesting

you wouldnt happen to know were i can find some 3rd party firmware ?

Skink · #4 (**permalink**) 09-24-2004, 04:57 AM

search the forums, theres plenty on it there...

Dazaa · #5 (**permalink**) 10-13-2004, 09:16 AM

Your lucky falcon because!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You bought the WRT54G
which is a wireless router (a layer 3 device with VPN passthrough)
This will allow you to connect to wireless devices PCI cards PCMCIA , printers and all the other wireless stuff.... BUT it wont let you connect to another wireless access point so you cant connect your wireless network to another network unless you create a bridge. to create a bridge you need the WAP54G but because you got the WRT54G you are in luck.,

I got the Satori firmware and tested it on the WRT54G and this allows you to create bridging. You are not actually supposed to bridge with this device but it will work. Also the other access point that you want to connect to the WRT54G has to support bridging, (so data can go both ways).

I originally installed Satori firmware to crank up the power of the signal on my WRT54G. Which is a real cool thing about that router. Linksys are a good brand for your $.

Anyways if you want a copy of the firmware I will email it to you,
send me a mail and i will send it to you. heres my address. darylblake@orcon.net.nz

If you are running a wireless network in a residential area i strongly advise you do the following to stop other people from breaking in (especially from stealing your internet bandwidth if you are on jetstream)

Turn off Broadcasting of the SSID
use a wireless encryption protocon WEP or WPA, (WPA is more secure)
and set up your MAC address filtering so only your devices can connect to your wireless network.

Have fun.
Daz

Skink · #6 (**permalink**) 10-14-2004, 07:56 AM

You dont need to bridge. you can set the AP to client mode most likely. if it is set up in the linux-firmwares to use wireless extentions, you are in luck

'

Code:

iwconfig {card} mode managed

iwconfig {card} essid ""

'

and your away.