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With the simplified setup of current wireless network appliances, and the vast array of interfaces available between different brands of these appliances, I have decided that maintaining a page containing configuration info for various devices, on a wide range of networks, is probably no longer feasible, or necessary.
Generally, the main things to understand when setting up a wireless access point on an existing network are listed below ......
- Consider the access point as a "relay" from your wired network to the computers on your network that connect wirelessly;
- You can configure most access points through a web browser. In the case of Apple'e Airport devices, use the Apple Airport Utility, in Applications > Utilities. (There is a Windows version of this utility available too - v5.3.2 here.)
- The manual that accompanies the access point will tell you the default admin IP address, username and password;
- If you can't access the device using that information, because the device has been configured by someone else previously, use the reset button to return the device to it's default settings;
- You may need to temporarily reset your computer's IP address to be in the same IP range as the default IP address of the access point, and connect to the access point directly using an ethernet cable, to initially configure the access point. (Once the access point is configured with a new IP address, you will need re-configure your computer to back it's original IP address settings);
- Make sure that DHCP is disabled on the access point, if DHCP is already being provided to your network by another device;
- Provide the access point with a unique, fixed IP address (and other relevant IP and DNS information) on your network. This address must be outside the DHCP range of your network, and preferably in a similar range as other network equipment such as network switches, etc;
- A wireless network will not provide the same bandwidth and speed as a wireless network for tasks like copying large files, or logging in to a network using roaming home folders. A wireless network, when setup correctly, will serve a small number of clients with reliable internet access and basic file sharing facilities. Horses for courses...;
- A wireless network between buildings will be affected by weather conditions, particularly rain.
- If you are unsure about the info above, it is probably best to ask someone with network expertise and experience who knows about this stuff. :)
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