Question : Bridge WAP54G to WRT54G

Hello, I am wondering if the Linksys WAP54G access point can be used to bridge to my WRT54G router.  I want this basic setup:

Modem --> WRT54G Router -   -   -   -   -   -   -   > WAP54G --> Computer

Basically, I want to be able to let my computer use the internet without having to wire to the distant router.  I was considering this or the WET54G, and I would like to use this less expensive option if possible.  I am thinking that the LAN port in the back of the WAP54G can be used to connect directly to my computer, and the WAP54G will connect to the router which connects to the modem.

Answer : Bridge WAP54G to WRT54G

The AP can only connect to another AP because that's what Linksys programmed it to do.

Your assesment is correct.  What they would have you do is have a wired (not wireless) router, with a WAP in one port.  Then you have another WAP running as a bridge to the first one, and that is plugged into another switch for client connectivity.

Their expectation is that with the WRT54G, either you will connect to it wirelessly from your end node (PS2, computer, etc.) or connect to it by wire.  They had the home user in mind, and decided a home user wouldn't need a wireless bridge.

Well, given that, I'd say you have limited options.  

1.  Computer1 and the PS2 become wireless and connect directly to the WRT54G.  If range is a problem, either get a bigger antenna, or get a WRE54G repeater.

2.  Run a wire from the WRT54G and put a switch at the other end for Comp1 and PS2 to plug into.  You can pick up small 5 port Linksys switches for a song these days.

3.  The device you need is another WRT54G with the NON-LINKSYS (read: they don't support) firmware from www.sveasoft.com, as mentioned earlier.  Their firmware lets these devices run WDS, which slows bandwidth, but will let them bridge.  Then you have a switch built into the other end to plug into.  I admittedly have no experience with Sveasoft's firmware.  They apparently also have firmware for the AP, but I didn't catch if that would let it bridge with a WRT54G.

4.  The device that connects to the router is either Computer1 or another computer.  That computer can connect wirelessly to the WRT54G, and you set it up to route all the wired traffic from its end to the WRT54G.

Sounds like option three will most directly fit into your model.  Everything else I can come up with changes your model.  However, not having used (nor knowing personally anyone who has) the Sveasoft firmware, I would have to relinquish the floor to someone who knows more about it.