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or: How To Set Up a TWCN Node
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This set up is aimed at people with an existing network, including wired Ethernet hosts, optional firewall, etc. If you haven't already done so, please read the Components and Definitions page and familiarize yourself with those terms. Furthermore, you may wish to consult the Type I WNAP page which explains certain procedures in greater detail.
In the center of the diagram above, there is an icon that represents the server currently providing your network with firewalling, routing, and whatever other functionality and services might exist. Connected to the left side of the server icon is a cloud that represents your Internet connection (modem, DSL equipment, cable company equipment, etc). To the right of the server icon is a connecting line with multiple offshoots (the typical Ethernet representation) that represents the network cables and Ethernet ports that exist on your network. The Ethernet representation also connects the Server to your wireless device/bridge, which is represented by a square. Finally, the wireless device connects with the icon of an antenna, representing the physical antennas, etc. of the wireless LAN
Set up is pretty simple. You're basically adding wireless functionality to your existing infrastructure. To do this, all you have to do is place the device on your network, and configure it with some basic settings.
Interface with the device as per the vendor's instructions - some use telnet, some use a web interface. Populate the required information (@Home users need a hostname, and DSL users need a PPPoE username and password). Enter a unique ESS ID (or BSS ID), choosing something descriptive where possible. When choosing a channel, be aware that wireless devices can run into interference issues, and be prepared to try out different channels to eliminate such problems.
Assuming you want your new WNAP to be publicly available, you must not enable WEP, or use keys, logins, or passwords. Otherwise you can enable such security measures, but understand that most are known to have publicly available exploits that can easily overcome the 802.11b security measures you put in place. For more information, we recommend you read "It Came Out of the Sky -- WEP2, Credibility Zero" by Thom Stark (http://www.starkrealities.com/wireless003.html).
If you do not have an existing network, this type of set up is more difficult then the above suggests. Before starting, you'll either need to set up a network as described at the start of this page, or try a Type III setup instead.
Otherwise, you can connect your physical access device (modem) directly into your wireless device, and use exclusively wireless hosts. It's basically no different than using your modem with a regular Ethernet card and wired connections, only you are using a wireless medium to access it full-time. The drawbacks of this are fairly simple: typically, residential ISP's only allow one DHCP host to connect at one time. Switching between hosts requires you to "release" your IP address before hand. This can be a hassle, and doesn't allow for ease of sharing. Of course, some ISP's will allow you to pay extra for each additional IP address or host you wish to simultaneously connect.
If your network does not currently provide the services listed below, you may need to investigate enabling them:
Bridging a wireless 802.11b network with a wired ethernet network
http://www.homenethelp.com/web/diagram/wireless-bridged.asp
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Title: Wireless Network Access Point (WNAP) Set Up Guide, or: How To Set Up a TWCN Node
Authors: Jason Hammerschmidt (ffff654.noSPAM.at.yahoo.com), and Jason Ramsay-Brown
Contributors: Emir Alikadic, Hugh Reilly
Version: 1.0, April 2nd, 2002.
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