Wireless Printing Using Linksys Access Point
Published February 24th, 2008 in Hardwares Zones, Networking, Tips & Tricks.Recently i’ve setup a Multi Functional Printer ( MFP ) at customer place where customer using wireless networking through a Linksys WAP54G access point connected to ADSL modem in order for internet access.
I had been order to create wireless bridging to their wireless network using an AT-WA7400 enterprise class dual radio WLAN access point that can operate within both 2.4GHz ( 802.11b/g mode ) and 5GHz ( 802.11a mode ) frequency bands.. ( * MFP is network ready )
The concept from HQ is to wired access point to MFP, 1 radio wireless bridge with Linksys access point, the 2nd radio become AP. What the heck? How can it be done?
For my understanding, 802.11a is not compatible with 802.11b/g… When i wireless bridge the 802.11b/g radio with linksys, no wireless network available due to laptop and desktop wireless adapter is in 802.11b/g mode… For 802.11a radio, i cant wireless bridge it, both linksys and my AT-WA7400 ( 802.11b/g ) available on the wireless network. Once connected to linksys, able to access internet but cant print. On the other hand, connected to my AT-WA7400, able to wireless printing but cant access internet… God sake… I spent 4 hours plus at customer place and this is what i got…Customer requirement is able to print and access internet at the same time…
No choice, i brought back customer linksys WAP54G access point and try configure it at home. Finally, i found out that linksys is not compatible with other brand. Linksys can only be linked back to Linksys only for client mode, repeater mode or wireless bridge mode…
That’s the problem… Then i went to linksys forum and discuss with some expert…The best way i can do is to purchase another Linksys WAP54G access point, and set it as AP client. Then, i got another WAP54G, set it as AP client, filled in customer original WAP54G MAC address, and used site survey to locate customer WAP54G, filled in WEP code and is done. The wireless network is still the same WAP54G from customer access point. Now, users are able to access internet and wireless printing at the same time.
Now only i know that for wireless networking, is better stick to the same brand if u want to extend your wireless network in future.
i like linksys, cos from cisco. More reliable and better signal too… i am using linksys too
Personally, im using Dlink Wireless router at home. Normally, compare to others, Linksys devices will be a bit expensive. Anyway, different individual has their own consideration. For me, i will look for price and features.