WAP Help

[rubisco43]

So we just got Dish network set up with 2 boxes, 1 downstairs and 1 upstairs. Apparently, we have to hook up the boxes to either a phone line or broadband. Since we don't have a land line, we have to go with the broadband route. So my question is this.

The box downstairs can easily be connected with an ethernet cable as it's close enough to the Fios router. The one upstairs however, will need something else. Doing some research, there's something called a Wireless Access Point where we can put that upstairs next to the Dish box and hook the box up to the WAP with an ethernet cord, and the WAP will connect wirelessly to the router downstairs. Does this sound right? am I making any sense?

If I'm wrong, please correct me. If I'm right, please point me to a good WAP to purchase. Thanks!

edit: Will buying a wireless router instead of a WAP also work?

[fishepa]

Re: WAP Help

To get the Dish box on the network, you'll first need wireless in your house to begin with. Do you already have a wireless router hooked up to your FIOS setup? If not, you will need a wireless router first, such as Linksys, Belkin, DLInk, etc. Once you get the wireless set up, you'll need a wireless ethernet bridge for the actual Dish box which will connect it to the wireless. It's kind of a complicated set up actually. It's much easier to plug them directly in if that's possible.

[rubisco43]

Re: WAP Help

yeah, the cable modem that comes with Fios has a built-in wireless functionality.

[fishepa]

Re: WAP Help

yeah, the cable modem that comes with Fios has a built-in wireless functionality.

Ok, then all you need is the wireless ethernet bridge. Or does the Dish box have a USB port that allows for wireless devices? You could use a wireless USB device in that case.

[rubisco43]

Re: WAP Help

Ok, then all you need is the wireless ethernet bridge. Or does the Dish box have a USB port that allows for wireless devices? You could use a wireless USB device in that case.

we tried that. the verizon guy had a wireless usb device that we put in the back of the box, but it wouldn't configure it properly.

[Burns11]

Re: WAP Help

Your answer lies in DD-WRT and a capable router. I'd suggest an Asus router, they are easily flashed, cheap and are actually pretty solid. The DD-WRT wiki has installation instructions, lists of compatible routers and instructions to set up the bridge.

[rubisco43]

Re: WAP Help

Thanks for the reply Burns11. I read about DD-WRT and it seems like it adds tons of functionality that I don't need. I just need a router/WAP that will be stably connected to the wireless signal from the Fios router... not all the other funcionalities that DD-WRT provides. Basically, once I set it up, I don't want to think about it forever. Someone pointed this out to me

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=25485&t=1504803

so I think I'm gonna go with that.

[p_rushing]

Re: WAP Help

go check at www.dbstalk.com they will be able to tell you what works with what receivers

[rubisco43]

Re: WAP Help

go check at www.dbstalk.com they will be able to tell you what works with what receivers

awesome! thanks!