Networks Wireless network bridge

Hi guys, ive just bought myself a zyXEL GS-1524 network switch so that i can connect the 3 computers, a printer, xbox 360 and ps3 (i have upstairs) all together. however i now have 2 problems.

1) my laptop is set so that it bridges its wireless card with its ethernet port, this allows my desktop to connect to the internet through the laptop when hardwired together but not when they are connected through the switch.... any reason why?

2) would like a proper solution to connect the network i now have upstairs to my wireless router in the conservatory downstairs. its not that feasible for me to run a massive cable linking the router to the switch, so what should i buy so that the switch can connect wirelessly to the router? im thinking a wireless access point or bridge would work? if so any recommendations?

before i forget, the router downstairs is a linksys wrt54g.

thanks in advance,
Studiorecorder

P.S: i know the switch i bought is complete overkill for what i need it for, but i got it for an incredible bargain!!! and i do mean incredible.

 

My experience with wireless bridges were so unreliable that I gave up and ran a cable, I know you said it was not feasible, it wasn't in my case either, but I found a way. It could be that the hardware has improved from the early 3com stuff I had used. Still if you need a reliable link cable is the only way to go, IMO.

 

Yup, overkill

You'll need to connect the laptop to the uplink port on the router, rather than a normal port.

last time i tried this however it didnt work, and i deleted the bridge on the laptop, and in wireless network preferences enabled network sharing, then on all other computers went into the lan ipv4 settings and set the default gateway to the laptops LAN IP address and manually set the DNS (i used google DNS - 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.0.0 but you can use openDNS or any others.). You'll still need to connect the laptop via the uplink port on the switch.

hope that helps

Edit: for a more permanent solution, a cable would be best, but it might be worth looking into using home plug just to link the two networks.

 

I'd recommend homeplug between the switch and the router.

I use homeplugs to link my wired devices up around the house, faster than wireless, more reliable than bridging.

 

what zoon said, or a better solution, run a nice big long cable upstairs

 

what if he's one of those guys with the short cable

 

RJ45 coupler for extension

wait what...........

 

cheers for all the replies, might just get a homeplug or try and find a mega long cable and pull out the drill

as for the hippoz, i do have a few ratehr long cables, jsut not long enough.. made me laugh though