Dan,
I think what you are looking for is referred to as an "Access Point
Client". That is, an access point which can be configured into "client
mode". Not all APs are capable of client mode, and some which do can *only*
do so with the same brand and often a very limited subset of models to the
broadcasting AP.
Recommendations for consumer-grade that won't break the bank? Can I presume
that the router and bridge do NOT need to be the same brand?
If you know the brand and model of the broadcasting Access Point, then that
vendor may have an AP which works in client mode. Check their website.
If you don't know, then I'd highly recommend getting the SMC Web-N device.
It is a 802.11 pre-N device, and has the best AP client mode support of any
device I have used. It even has a physical switch on the back to control
whether it boots up in regular AP mode or AP client mode. It runs about $100
street price. The broadcasting AP does not have to be pre-N; it can be
802.11b or g (unless you configure it to require a specific speed).
Are "bridge" and "repeater" synonymous?
No. A bridge is used in lieu of a cable. For example, between two switches
where running a cable would be impractical. Typical configuration:
switch <--> Bridge <--------wireless-----> Bridge <--> switch
In bridge mode, no other wirless devices can attach to the bridged
connection. You still should use encryption because the traffic is still
capable of being sniffed by radio equipment.
A repeater is used to increase the coverage area of a wireless network. It
receives the wireless signal sent by an AP, and simply repeats it. It
increases range at the expense of increased latency. The repeaters I have
used have all been vendor specific, and only work in conjunction with select
APs by the same vendor. There may be generic ones on the market though.
I am avoiding a card for the Ubuntu box because I need this to be plug &
play (hence use the onboard ethernet which I know already works).
Even an access point client like the SMC Web-N will need some configuration,
so it is not totally plug n pray. You'll want to plug it into a device and
open a browser window to its default admin address, then input the SSID and
encryption settings of the network you want to attach to. If you don't, I
think it just attempts to connect to the wireless network with the strongest
signal, and it would have to be an open (unsecured) network.
When you configure which network it should attach to, then it will do that
even in the presence of other networks.
Doug
midrange.com
