Linux AP´s

Roy_M · 06-25-2005

Hi

I´m thinking of building a linux AP over going to the local store and buying a linksys that will only probably work at 60mW. Comparatively, if i build a linux based one I can throw in a high powered 200mW Senao. Additionally as new 802.11 features are standardised i can simply replace the software on the AP.

I have googled linux access points and found a few links but I´m just wondering if anyone here has done this before? What guides/software did you use? have you found it stable and worthwhile over buying a linksys etc?

Cheers

sparafina · 06-26-2005

I've built a couple for grins of the redhat, hostap, nocat variety. However, you can pick up an 802.11b AP for $30 bucks, so I would say that it really isn't worth it for just for surfing.

If you want it just to play with and use it as a learning environment, then its worth it. You might also want to try a live distro first, such as:

http://www.lessnetworks.com/static/download.html

Roy_M · 06-26-2005

Thanks for the link i´ll check it out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparafina

I've built a couple for grins of the redhat, hostap, nocat variety. However, you can pick up an 802.11b AP for $30 bucks, so I would say that it really isn't worth it for just for surfing.

Thats what I thought initially however a cheap AP will probably be:

30 - 60 mW.

only support WEP

probably only support 802.11b

with a linux AP you could:

have much more power (200mW)

support WPA2, VPN or whatever you need

have 802.11a/b/g and even n when it comes out

general flexibility

Additionally my plans were to intall AP software on a IPcop type system and segment my wireless network:

Outside
|
|
IPcop--------- Wireless network
|
|
Internal network

Not so sure if this is possible though. Iam thiking that i will not be able to turn the DMZ interface into a AP as well.

06-25-2005	#1 (permalink)
Roy_M Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 72	Linux AP´s Hi I´m thinking of building a linux AP over going to the local store and buying a linksys that will only probably work at 60mW. Comparatively, if i build a linux based one I can throw in a high powered 200mW Senao. Additionally as new 802.11 features are standardised i can simply replace the software on the AP. I have googled linux access points and found a few links but I´m just wondering if anyone here has done this before? What guides/software did you use? have you found it stable and worthwhile over buying a linksys etc? Cheers

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06-26-2005	#2 (permalink)
sparafina Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: TX,MD,NY Posts: 1,430	I've built a couple for grins of the redhat, hostap, nocat variety. However, you can pick up an 802.11b AP for $30 bucks, so I would say that it really isn't worth it for just for surfing. If you want it just to play with and use it as a learning environment, then its worth it. You might also want to try a live distro first, such as: http://www.lessnetworks.com/static/download.html