Pimp the Barn, with WiFi-bling (Split from : Help with 1 mile network setup!) - Page 7

Sleeping Dog · 03-17-2006

I found a good comparison chart per the features of HyperWRT, Alchemy, DDWRT and Talisman at the following:
http://www.linksysinfo.org/modules.p...howpage&pid=31
I am now leaning toward DDWRT.

In my old age, I have learned not to jump too quickly onto one "bandwagon" or another before I know as much as possible. The following little story well demonstrates this principle of not arriving too hastily at conclusions before having all the information. (please pardon the lengthyness):

The Ranch Hand

A successful rancher died and left everything to his devoted wife. She was a very good-looking woman and determined to keep the ranch, but knew very little about ranching, so she decided to place an ad in the newspaper for a ranch hand. Two cowboys applied for the job. One was gay and the other a drunk. She thought long and hard about it, and when no one else applied she decided to hire the gay guy, figuring it would be safer to have him around the house than the drunk. He proved to be a hard worker who put in long hours every day and knew a lot about ranching. For weeks, the two of them worked, and the ranch was doing very well.Then one day, the rancher's widow said to the hired hand,
"You have done a really good job, and the ranch looks great. You should go into town and kick up your heels."
The hired hand readily agreed and went into town one Saturday night. One o'clock came, however, and he didn't return. Two o'clock, and no hired hand. He returned around two-thirty, and upon entering the room, he found the rancher's widow sitting by the fireplace with a glass of wine, waiting for him. She quietly called him over to her.
"Unbutton my blouse and take it off," she said.
Trembling, he did as she directed.
"Now take off my boots."
He did as she asked, ever so slowly.
"Now take off my socks."
He removed each gently and placed them neatly by her boots.
"Now take off my skirt."
He slowly unbuttoned it, constantly watching her eyes in the fire light.
"Now take off my bra."
Again, with trembling hands, he did as he was told and dropped it to the floor.
"Now," she said, "take off my panties."
By the light of the fire, he slowly pulled them down and off.
Then she stared into his eyes and said,

"If you ever wear my clothes into town again, you're fired."

Sleeping Dog · 03-18-2006

Well, today is the big day. I FINALLY have enough free hours in a row to start initial setup and testing.

I have downloaded the DD-WRT firmware and am currently reading through the documentation. I have also been checking every thread that I can find that is specific to using their v23 on the WRT54GS ver. 4. As with any setup, there are always caveats... (some well documented and some more discrete).

This is my "Battle Plan".

1. Read, read and read some more.
2. Copy anything pertaining to my specific project from reliable threads and paste it into a text document in outline form, notating EXACT step by step procedures for firmware load and configuration.
3. Run the OEM Linksys firmware on both WRT54GS's and do a simple wireless test to make sure that both are working properly.
4. Load the DD-WRT firmware on both boxes (carefully).
5. Configure each box (carefully) and test with both WRT's here in the house.
6. Install hi-gain antennae.
7. Test again with new antenna hardware.
8. Install antennae on house and barn. Test and tweak.

Needless to say, I won't be able to accomplish ALL of this today.

I would welcome ANY constructive input from anyone who has something to add to this "Battle Plan" that I might have forgotten or missed.

Just a note: After reading through countless threads about firmware upgrades, I decided on DD-WRT instead of the Sveasoft products mainly due to all of the negative feedback about Sveasoft. The feedback was not just about their attitude toward the GPL, but included issues of questionable business practices and even personal threats made by their ownership. My conclusion was to just "steer clear" of all that.

Cheers, and again, my thanks to all of you.

Thorn · 03-18-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleeping Dog

Well, today is the big day. I FINALLY have enough free hours in a row to start initial setup and testing.

I have downloaded the DD-WRT firmware and am currently reading through the documentation. I have also been checking every thread that I can find that is specific to using their v23 on the WRT54GS ver. 4. As with any setup, there are always caveats... (some well documented and some more discrete).

This is my "Battle Plan".

1. Read, read and read some more.
2. Copy anything pertaining to my specific project from reliable threads and paste it into a text document in outline form, notating EXACT step by step procedures for firmware load and configuration.
3. Run the OEM Linksys firmware on both WRT54GS's and do a simple wireless test to make sure that both are working properly.
4. Load the DD-WRT firmware on both boxes (carefully).
5. Configure each box (carefully) and test with both WRT's here in the house.
6. Install hi-gain antennae.
7. Test again with new antenna hardware.
8. Install antennae on house and barn. Test and tweak.

Needless to say, I won't be able to accomplish ALL of this today.

I would welcome ANY constructive input from anyone who has something to add to this "Battle Plan" that I might have forgotten or missed.

Just a note: After reading through countless threads about firmware upgrades, I decided on DD-WRT instead of the Sveasoft products mainly due to all of the negative feedback about Sveasoft. The feedback was not just about their attitude toward the GPL, but included issues of questionable business practices and even personal threats made by their ownership. My conclusion was to just "steer clear" of all that.

Cheers, and again, my thanks to all of you.

Regarding step 3: Move the devices apart when testing. At a minimum, they should be 10 feet apart. Otherwise, you might have too much RF power localized in one area. The transmitter of one AP may overload the receiver of the other. It might not happen, but if it does, you'll be scratching your head trying to figure out why they're acting funny.

You forgot a couple of sub-steps on step 5:

5a. Configure without any encryption.
5b. When it doesn't work, double check for forehead-smacking, "boy, that was stupid" typos (or wrong selection) in the SSID, different channels, MAC bridging, MAC ACL, &c., &c.
5c.When it works without encryption, then turn encryption on.
5d. When that doesn't work, double check for forehead-smacking, "boy, that was stupid" typos in the keys, different keys selected, wrong encrytion settings, &c., &c.

Regarding step 7: Move the devices several rooms apart once the high gain antennae are attached. This is similar to what I mentioned for step 3, but it's the "high-gain" version.

Step 8a: Don't fall off the ladder.

Good luck with it.

Dutch · 03-18-2006

You forgot the all important step 9 and step 10:

9.) have a cold brew ready for consumption after previous steps has been completed.
10.) While enjoying step 9, donate to either stumbler.net, renderlabs.org, personalwireless.org, NS forums Moderators StumblerCon Beerfund, or all of them.

Dutch

Sleeping Dog · 03-18-2006

Thanks, Thorn.
I am one of those guys with a now-permanent flat spot on my brow from having smacked myself on the forehead so many times in the past. I will reserve comment on the results of having kicked myself in the ass.
...and Dutch,
If all of this works as planned, more than just one cold brew will be the order of the day... (well maybe just ONE keg). I also believe in rewarding people for their hard work. Therefore, appropriate donations are definately in the plan as well.

Sleeping Dog · 03-18-2006

PS ..to Thorn

I have a piece of CAT-5 that I fabricated for use as a test cable that is 150 feet long. That, in combination with the extension cord for my weedeater will let me put the `repeater' box at least that far away from where my two `testing' computers are set up. Again, I (and my forehead) thank you for the reminder.

Sleeping Dog · 03-18-2006

I have been considering anarchy too... only if I win.

Sleeping Dog · 03-24-2006

Sorry I haven't been in the thread for the last few days. One of my clients has been out of town on vacation and I have been running their business for them this week (12-14 hour days all week!)

I will be back onto the "barn pimping project" tomorrow (Saturday March 25)and will post a progress report.

Cheers to all...

Sleeping Dog · 03-30-2006

PROGRESS REPORT:

Here is my progress so far. Due to work related issues, I have not had the time to apply to this project that I would have wished. However, I did decide on DD-WRT as my flash upgrade and have reflashed the WRT54GS boxes. I found excellent instructions for this at:
http://wrt-wiki.bsr-clan.de/index.ph..._Docu_%28EN%29
It is so well written that even an inexperienced novice should have no trouble at all IF they read the instructions and follow them to the letter. They also explain the caveats involved with each model of the the WRT54G's and GS's as well as a couple of other brands. Being that I am using the GS ver.4, I welcomed having the detailed explanations. I compliment the author again on using plain language to provide detailed and very understandable explanations.

Because I have the GS ver.4, I first flashed with the Mini-Generic for my model then flashed with the STANDARD for my V4's. It contains all of the feature upgrades except VOIP which in my case I have no need for. For the V4's, they say to go with the Generic Mini first. Some people reported success with flashing directly from the Linksys OEM firmware to the higher level versions of DD-WRT, but other folks had problems (V4's only). I took no chances on bricking these units, so I "Mini'ed" first.

My next step is to get these boxes talking to each other.
Following step: Security configuration (MAC and WPA setups)
After that: Antenna upgrades and testing over distance.
And finally: Fixed installation.

I would welcome any input from anyone who has experience setting up two WRT54g or g/s units under DD-WRT where one is the base unit (having the direct broadband connection) and the other is the remote unit that shares that connection via wireless.

As with many other network related setups, one small typo or mis-set can cark a hairball into the whole rig. I would like to avoid such hairballs if at all possible.

Cheers and Many Thanks Again.

Barry · 03-30-2006

Dude, where are the pictures!!

Sleeping Dog · 03-30-2006

Well Barry,
Actually there are "pictures" specific to the WRT54g/gs ver.4 DD-WRT installation at:
http://wrt-wiki.bsr-clan.de/index.ph...ation_Tutorial

The dude did some real nice screen caps to go along with the step-by-step process.

I probably should note that I used the direct connect method to flash those bad boys (a CAT-5 plugged into the NIC card of the setup computer and into one of the router ports of the WRT54GS.) The router WAS NOT connected to anything else. I had another machine connected to the internet that I used to look up info., etc.

I flashed them using the Netscape browser. IE would have worked just as well. One of the "caveats" that I came across in my research was that some folks had major problems reflashing if they used Mozilla Firefox.

A couple Of Other Notes:
I labeled the routers #1 and #2 for quick reference. This may seem sorta' stupid, but they are identical boxes that will have major differences in configuration. Fot that and the MAC address security setup reasons, I figured that having the number written on the top of each router would help keep a numb-nuts like me from getting them mixed up.

One of the easiest mistakes to make before flashing with 3rd party firmware is FORGETTING TO TURN OFF FIREWALLS AND ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE. Even though I had read several threads about people bricking their units because of this, I still almost forgot to do this step (and nearly wound up increasing the size of the "flat spot" that Thorn referred to a few posts back.)

When I get to the stage where I actually install the hardware, I will post a couple of digital photos. I will also attach a document with all of my setup info (sans passwords, of course) and notes about any problems that I encounter.

Cheers, Amigos.

Sleeping Dog · 03-30-2006

I have one other suggestion for those of you who are as forgetful as I am.

I have a loose leaf binder that I put the following things into:

1. All documentation, receipts and copies of rebate forms that came with the routers and antennae.
2. Hard copy printout of the setup information for DD-WRT.
3. Hard copies of the Word documents where I wrote down passwords, MAC addresses and all other setup and configuration information.
4. Hard copy of the drawing showing the hardware layout.
5. Hard copies of any photos that I take of the project.
6. Copies burned to CD of any software (firmware upgrades) used in the project.

I do this for all of my clients when I configure either a computer or a network.
It keeps everything pertaining to the job in something of a "Bible" that is specific to the project. It not only keeps all of the "stuff" from getting lost or misplaced, but it lets me know everything that I did if I have to go back and admin. the system at a later date. Besides, If I got run over by a gravel truck tomorrow, the next person in line can open "The Book" and it's all right there.

Regards.

Sleeping Dog · 03-31-2006

We all know that it is not uncommon for some people to post fantacy instead of reality in some forums. Barry asked for pictures. Well here is the first batch regarding this project. I apologize for the poor quality, but they were made with a very cheap JamCam.

Photos are of the corner of my office that I use for setting up equipment for my clients.
NOTES:
1. Far left computer (dual monitor) connected to WRT54GS #2 only which will become the client/bridge unit. Yellow CAT-5 on floor (barely visible lower left) goes to GS#2 150 ft. away.
2. Left monitor has Word open for keeping notes. Right monitor has
DD-WRT Administration running.
3. Third monitor connected to second computer. DD-WRT Administration running. This WRT54GS #1 will be the host unit. As this system configuration for the final installation will require that the GS be plugged into the primary DSL modem/router on the `house’ side, I am simulating the configuration by plugging this unit into my office hub/switch instead of using it as the primary router for my cable modem connection. GS#1 and the binder for storing all documentation are sitting on top of the computer.
4. Dual monitor computer to the far right has an active Internet connection. The instructions for properly configuring the routers are kept up on these screens. This info came from the website I gave in an earlier post.

This setup may seem like overkill to some of you, but it works for me. I only have to turn a little in my chair to see what I am working on and with. It also minimizes confusion for a guy like me who is prone to an abundance of “Senior Moments”.

I will attach more photos when I post info about the antennae setups.

Cheers All

Sleeping Dog · 04-02-2006

OK guys. It is now making me crazy. I have tried several different ways of setting this rig up and I just can't get it to work. I feel like a lost ball in the high weeds. Any help from anyone who is DD-WRT 2.3 knowledgable would be most definately appreciated. I am probably missing or mis-configuring something elementary, but the flat spot on my forehead that Thorn described is getting bigger by the minute. I'm sorry to have to confess it, but I really need some help walking through this one.

I have attached a *.jpg that gives a fair graphical representation of how the system will need to be set up. It represents my testing configuration. The only difference when it gets installed in her house and barn will be that the WRT54GS #1 will be behind her DSL modem/router and the high gain antennae will be attached.

Again, your help is greatly appreciated.

Thorn · 04-02-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleeping Dog

OK guys. It is now making me crazy. I have tried several different ways of setting this rig up and I just can't get it to work. I feel like a lost ball in the high weeds. Any help from anyone who is DD-WRT 2.3 knowledgable would be most definately appreciated. I am probably missing or mis-configuring something elementary, but the flat spot on my forehead that Thorn described is getting bigger by the minute. I'm sorry to have to confess it, but I really need some help walking through this one.

I have attached a *.jpg that gives a fair graphical representation of how the system will need to be set up. It represents my testing configuration. The only difference when it gets installed in her house and barn will be that the WRT54GS #1 will be behind her DSL modem/router and the high gain antennae will be attached.

Again, your help is greatly appreciated.

What's not working exactly?

Just based on what I'm seeing in that diagram (and keep in mind I'm not a user of DD-WRT), my first reaction is that that having a "routing computer" in the mix means that you have a routing/subnet issue.

Second thing I see is that the WRTs should be set up for bridging.

03-17-2006	#91 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	I found a good comparison chart per the features of HyperWRT, Alchemy, DDWRT and Talisman at the following: http://www.linksysinfo.org/modules.p...howpage&pid=31 I am now leaning toward DDWRT. In my old age, I have learned not to jump too quickly onto one "bandwagon" or another before I know as much as possible. The following little story well demonstrates this principle of not arriving too hastily at conclusions before having all the information. (please pardon the lengthyness): The Ranch Hand A successful rancher died and left everything to his devoted wife. She was a very good-looking woman and determined to keep the ranch, but knew very little about ranching, so she decided to place an ad in the newspaper for a ranch hand. Two cowboys applied for the job. One was gay and the other a drunk. She thought long and hard about it, and when no one else applied she decided to hire the gay guy, figuring it would be safer to have him around the house than the drunk. He proved to be a hard worker who put in long hours every day and knew a lot about ranching. For weeks, the two of them worked, and the ranch was doing very well.Then one day, the rancher's widow said to the hired hand, "You have done a really good job, and the ranch looks great. You should go into town and kick up your heels." The hired hand readily agreed and went into town one Saturday night. One o'clock came, however, and he didn't return. Two o'clock, and no hired hand. He returned around two-thirty, and upon entering the room, he found the rancher's widow sitting by the fireplace with a glass of wine, waiting for him. She quietly called him over to her. "Unbutton my blouse and take it off," she said. Trembling, he did as she directed. "Now take off my boots." He did as she asked, ever so slowly. "Now take off my socks." He removed each gently and placed them neatly by her boots. "Now take off my skirt." He slowly unbuttoned it, constantly watching her eyes in the fire light. "Now take off my bra." Again, with trembling hands, he did as he was told and dropped it to the floor. "Now," she said, "take off my panties." By the light of the fire, he slowly pulled them down and off. Then she stared into his eyes and said, "If you ever wear my clothes into town again, you're fired." __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________ Thinking "Outside Of The Bachs" can also keep you from going totally Baroque. __________________________________________________ ___________________ Sleeping Dog Last edited by Sleeping Dog : 03-18-2006 at 06:35 AM.

03-18-2006	#92 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	Well, today is the big day. I FINALLY have enough free hours in a row to start initial setup and testing. I have downloaded the DD-WRT firmware and am currently reading through the documentation. I have also been checking every thread that I can find that is specific to using their v23 on the WRT54GS ver. 4. As with any setup, there are always caveats... (some well documented and some more discrete). This is my "Battle Plan". 1. Read, read and read some more. 2. Copy anything pertaining to my specific project from reliable threads and paste it into a text document in outline form, notating EXACT step by step procedures for firmware load and configuration. 3. Run the OEM Linksys firmware on both WRT54GS's and do a simple wireless test to make sure that both are working properly. 4. Load the DD-WRT firmware on both boxes (carefully). 5. Configure each box (carefully) and test with both WRT's here in the house. 6. Install hi-gain antennae. 7. Test again with new antenna hardware. 8. Install antennae on house and barn. Test and tweak. Needless to say, I won't be able to accomplish ALL of this today. I would welcome ANY constructive input from anyone who has something to add to this "Battle Plan" that I might have forgotten or missed. Just a note: After reading through countless threads about firmware upgrades, I decided on DD-WRT instead of the Sveasoft products mainly due to all of the negative feedback about Sveasoft. The feedback was not just about their attitude toward the GPL, but included issues of questionable business practices and even personal threats made by their ownership. My conclusion was to just "steer clear" of all that. Cheers, and again, my thanks to all of you. __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________ Thinking "Outside Of The Bachs" can also keep you from going totally Baroque. __________________________________________________ ___________________ Sleeping Dog

03-18-2006	#94 (permalink)
Dutch Humourless EuroMod. Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: City of Mermaids, Denmark Posts: 6,813	You forgot the all important step 9 and step 10: 9.) have a cold brew ready for consumption after previous steps has been completed. 10.) While enjoying step 9, donate to either stumbler.net, renderlabs.org, personalwireless.org, NS forums Moderators StumblerCon Beerfund, or all of them. Dutch __________________ All your answers are belong to Google. SEARCH DAMMIT! Warning. Warning. Low C8H10N4O2 level detected. Operator halted....

03-18-2006	#95 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	Thanks, Thorn. I am one of those guys with a now-permanent flat spot on my brow from having smacked myself on the forehead so many times in the past. I will reserve comment on the results of having kicked myself in the ass. ...and Dutch, If all of this works as planned, more than just one cold brew will be the order of the day... (well maybe just ONE keg). I also believe in rewarding people for their hard work. Therefore, appropriate donations are definately in the plan as well. __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________ Thinking "Outside Of The Bachs" can also keep you from going totally Baroque. __________________________________________________ ___________________ Sleeping Dog

03-18-2006	#96 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	PS ..to Thorn I have a piece of CAT-5 that I fabricated for use as a test cable that is 150 feet long. That, in combination with the extension cord for my weedeater will let me put the `repeater' box at least that far away from where my two `testing' computers are set up. Again, I (and my forehead) thank you for the reminder. __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________ Thinking "Outside Of The Bachs" can also keep you from going totally Baroque. __________________________________________________ ___________________ Sleeping Dog

03-18-2006	#97 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	I have been considering anarchy too... only if I win. __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________ Thinking "Outside Of The Bachs" can also keep you from going totally Baroque. __________________________________________________ ___________________ Sleeping Dog

03-24-2006	#98 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	Sorry I haven't been in the thread for the last few days. One of my clients has been out of town on vacation and I have been running their business for them this week (12-14 hour days all week!) I will be back onto the "barn pimping project" tomorrow (Saturday March 25)and will post a progress report. Cheers to all... __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________ Thinking "Outside Of The Bachs" can also keep you from going totally Baroque. __________________________________________________ ___________________ Sleeping Dog

03-30-2006	#99 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	PROGRESS REPORT: Here is my progress so far. Due to work related issues, I have not had the time to apply to this project that I would have wished. However, I did decide on DD-WRT as my flash upgrade and have reflashed the WRT54GS boxes. I found excellent instructions for this at: http://wrt-wiki.bsr-clan.de/index.ph..._Docu_%28EN%29 It is so well written that even an inexperienced novice should have no trouble at all IF they read the instructions and follow them to the letter. They also explain the caveats involved with each model of the the WRT54G's and GS's as well as a couple of other brands. Being that I am using the GS ver.4, I welcomed having the detailed explanations. I compliment the author again on using plain language to provide detailed and very understandable explanations. Because I have the GS ver.4, I first flashed with the Mini-Generic for my model then flashed with the STANDARD for my V4's. It contains all of the feature upgrades except VOIP which in my case I have no need for. For the V4's, they say to go with the Generic Mini first. Some people reported success with flashing directly from the Linksys OEM firmware to the higher level versions of DD-WRT, but other folks had problems (V4's only). I took no chances on bricking these units, so I "Mini'ed" first. My next step is to get these boxes talking to each other. Following step: Security configuration (MAC and WPA setups) After that: Antenna upgrades and testing over distance. And finally: Fixed installation. I would welcome any input from anyone who has experience setting up two WRT54g or g/s units under DD-WRT where one is the base unit (having the direct broadband connection) and the other is the remote unit that shares that connection via wireless. As with many other network related setups, one small typo or mis-set can cark a hairball into the whole rig. I would like to avoid such hairballs if at all possible. Cheers and Many Thanks Again. __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________ Thinking "Outside Of The Bachs" can also keep you from going totally Baroque. __________________________________________________ ___________________ Sleeping Dog

03-30-2006	#100 (permalink)
Barry Managing the iTards. Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,367	Dude, where are the pictures!! __________________ Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

03-30-2006	#101 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	Well Barry, Actually there are "pictures" specific to the WRT54g/gs ver.4 DD-WRT installation at: http://wrt-wiki.bsr-clan.de/index.ph...ation_Tutorial The dude did some real nice screen caps to go along with the step-by-step process. I probably should note that I used the direct connect method to flash those bad boys (a CAT-5 plugged into the NIC card of the setup computer and into one of the router ports of the WRT54GS.) The router WAS NOT connected to anything else. I had another machine connected to the internet that I used to look up info., etc. I flashed them using the Netscape browser. IE would have worked just as well. One of the "caveats" that I came across in my research was that some folks had major problems reflashing if they used Mozilla Firefox. A couple Of Other Notes: I labeled the routers #1 and #2 for quick reference. This may seem sorta' stupid, but they are identical boxes that will have major differences in configuration. Fot that and the MAC address security setup reasons, I figured that having the number written on the top of each router would help keep a numb-nuts like me from getting them mixed up. One of the easiest mistakes to make before flashing with 3rd party firmware is FORGETTING TO TURN OFF FIREWALLS AND ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE. Even though I had read several threads about people bricking their units because of this, I still almost forgot to do this step (and nearly wound up increasing the size of the "flat spot" that Thorn referred to a few posts back.) When I get to the stage where I actually install the hardware, I will post a couple of digital photos. I will also attach a document with all of my setup info (sans passwords, of course) and notes about any problems that I encounter. Cheers, Amigos. __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________ Thinking "Outside Of The Bachs" can also keep you from going totally Baroque. __________________________________________________ ___________________ Sleeping Dog

03-30-2006	#102 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	I have one other suggestion for those of you who are as forgetful as I am. I have a loose leaf binder that I put the following things into: 1. All documentation, receipts and copies of rebate forms that came with the routers and antennae. 2. Hard copy printout of the setup information for DD-WRT. 3. Hard copies of the Word documents where I wrote down passwords, MAC addresses and all other setup and configuration information. 4. Hard copy of the drawing showing the hardware layout. 5. Hard copies of any photos that I take of the project. 6. Copies burned to CD of any software (firmware upgrades) used in the project. I do this for all of my clients when I configure either a computer or a network. It keeps everything pertaining to the job in something of a "Bible" that is specific to the project. It not only keeps all of the "stuff" from getting lost or misplaced, but it lets me know everything that I did if I have to go back and admin. the system at a later date. Besides, If I got run over by a gravel truck tomorrow, the next person in line can open "The Book" and it's all right there. Regards. __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________ Thinking "Outside Of The Bachs" can also keep you from going totally Baroque. __________________________________________________ ___________________ Sleeping Dog

03-31-2006	#103 (permalink)
Sleeping Dog Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 76	We all know that it is not uncommon for some people to post fantacy instead of reality in some forums. Barry asked for pictures. Well here is the first batch regarding this project. I apologize for the poor quality, but they were made with a very cheap JamCam. Photos are of the corner of my office that I use for setting up equipment for my clients. NOTES: 1. Far left computer (dual monitor) connected to WRT54GS #2 only which will become the client/bridge unit. Yellow CAT-5 on floor (barely visible lower left) goes to GS#2 150 ft. away. 2. Left monitor has Word open for keeping notes. Right monitor has DD-WRT Administration running. 3. Third monitor connected to second computer. DD-WRT Administration running. This WRT54GS #1 will be the host unit. As this system configuration for the final installation will require that the GS be plugged into the primary DSL modem/router on the `house’ side, I am simulating the configuration by plugging this unit into my office hub/switch instead of using it as the primary router for my cable modem connection. GS#1 and the binder for storing all documentation are sitting on top of the computer. 4. Dual monitor computer to the far right has an active Internet connection. The instructions for properly configuring the routers are kept up on these screens. This info came from the website I gave in an earlier post. This setup may seem like overkill to some of you, but it works for me. I only have to turn a little in my chair to see what I am working on and with. It also minimizes confusion for a guy like me who is prone to an abundance of “Senior Moments”. I will attach more photos when I post info about the antennae setups. Cheers All __________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________ Thinking "Outside Of The Bachs" can also keep you from going totally Baroque. __________________________________________________ ___________________ Sleeping Dog Last edited by Dutch : 04-02-2006 at 05:32 PM. Reason: Embedded pictures deleted. Read the rules in the welcome desk section, regarding picturesize limit.

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