Question : Wireless Access Point with or without Router

Hi,

I want to go wireless , and I have been looking at Netgear WGR614(Cable/DSL Wireless Router 54 Mbps/2.4 GHz )
and WG602(54 Mbps Wireless Access Point )

The price difference is not that much and in order to be able to replace my current Internet setup (Linux Firewall/Router Masquerade) I am considering the WGR614.

However, at the moment I just want to integrate a Wireless Access Point in order to allow notebooks/PDAs to go wireless. But for future use I might want to have a router with DSL Dial in support.

So my question is, can I use the WGR614 working only as the WG602 => disable Routing and connect one of the 4 LAN ports 10/100 Mbps (auto-sensing) Ethernet RJ-45  to my switch ?

My Configuration:   Internet <=> Linux FW/Router <=> 8 Port 100bps Switch <=> here 8 PCs/Servers  
Wireless LAN should allow Notebooks and PDAs to utilize the Internet Connection and to Log on to some of the 8 PCs above.

Any comment would be appreciated.

Regards,
Peter

Answer : Wireless Access Point with or without Router

"So my question is, can I use the WGR614 working only as the WG602 => disable Routing and connect one of the 4 LAN ports 10/100 Mbps (auto-sensing) Ethernet RJ-45  to my switch ? "

Yeas, you should be able to use the WAP and switch functionality *only* of the WGR614 model.

http://www.netgear.com/products/details/WGR614.asp?view=

Here's how:

Connect a crossover cable (or a straight through cable if your current 8 Port 100bps Switch has an "uplink" port... If you have problems, try both until you get a link light and ping across devices... Please reply if you have problems, I can help) to your 8 Port 100bps Switch. Power on and youshould be good to go after any necessary WAP config.  If your 8 Port 100bps Switch is full, you can move a device over to one of the WGR614's switch ports if necessary.

Also be sure to disable DHCP functionality on the WGR614 as I am sure it will conflict with your current setup.

When you are ready to transition, you may simply plug the Internet connection into the WAN port on your WGR614, config for proper connection/DHCP and you should be good to go.

You should have no problems. I hope this helps.