Networking the ETC iRFR into the system

[Smiffy]

Hi Guys:

 

I'm having a brain fart, and struggling to work out what to purchase.

 

I'm in need of being able to add some WiFi to an ETC Eos setup, so that I can run my iRFR app on my iPad and walk around looking cool :** laughs out loud **: :) . I would also like, in the future, to be able to run the MA Remote, or possibly just use a remote desktop App to run MA2 On PC etc, so there's a couple of usage requirements here.

 

Now... I've been Googling, Here's where my head starts hurting;

 

Has anyone got any recommendations on a Wireless Access point that I can use that will boost ad-hoc networks created on my Windows Laptop, slot neatly into a wired ethernet system to give me general wireless access, work in hotel rooms around the world so that I'm not tied to the 3 inches of Cat5 that every hotel seems to force upon us, and it has to fit comfortably inside the briefcase along with the Laptop, Camera, iPad, iPod, and the 17Km of cabling and other ###### that goes with all of that.

 

Edit: If it could also act as a tiny little switch/hub that would be great too... say, a couple of RJ45's in/out.... (or is that a pipe dream?)

 

I've had a look at the Apple AirPort, and AirPort express, as I am considering moving to a Mac Book when the time comes for my next Laptop replacement. But its late, and I'm struggling to make any sense of the iStore.. :** laughs out loud **:

 

Answers on a postcard please :)

 

Cheers

 

Smiffy

 

A concurrent post has been automatically merged from this point on.

 

I think I've answered my own question. The Airport Extreme looks like it is just the sort of thing I might be looking for. Anyone have any experience of it?

[Nick LX]

A while ago we hired in an Ion and used the iPhone app as a rigger's remote (the iRFR). The wireless router we used happened to the an AirPort Extreme. All I can say, is once you've enabled networking in the main settings everything seemed to be plug and play.

 

HOWEVER: In most hotel rooms, the way the networks are set up, you usually won't be able to plug your wireless router into their network and use it. Although it may be different where ever you're staying :)

 

Lastly, the Airport Extreme works with all Wi-Fi Certified devices (or should do).

 

HTH (at least until a pro comes along in the morning).

[Matthew Robinson]

In most hotel rooms, the way the networks are set up, you usually won't be able to plug your wireless router into their network and use it.

:** laughs out loud **: but one of my flatmates has been trying to do this in our halls and is currently failing abysmally. :) I'd try and help him, but he's with a couple of other flatmates (and some really annoying, really drunk people from other flats) in our kitchen making loads of noise ATM, so no. I'm also worried that they've attacked my food in the fridge :** laughs out loud **:

 

E2A: and/or freezer (which is worse IMO - I have quite a lot of nice food in there)

[back_ache]

1. I'm in need of being able to add some WiFi to an ETC Eos setup, so that I can run my iRFR app on my iPad and walk around looking cool :)

2. give me general wireless access, work in hotel rooms around the world so that I'm not tied to the 3 inches of Cat5

 

It seems you are looking for two separate things

 

1. A device that will act as the central point of a little show network and will handle wifi, ethernet ports and network addressing all in one box

2. A device that will passively repeat any wired network you plug into out onto wifi

 

A decent wifi router should be able to do this for you, but it will take some time fiddling with its settings to switch it back and forth from one task to the other.

 

I would instead get two devices and leave each setup for their particular task, I would also consider press ganging a friendly IT person to configure them for you as routers can be a minefield of jargon and acronyms

[danburns]

I have a little CNet (cheapy but worked for years!) CWR-854 - not sure if that model's still made now though.

 

It's a WiFi router for Cable ADSL (so has a WAN port and 4 local lan ports)

 

For use on an existing network for data use (like mr7526's flatmate is trying to do) I plug the network connection into the WAN port - all 4 LAN ports are then on a separate segment of the network as the box handles NAT quite happily - I can connect upstream of the router, but all the outside world sees is one IP address.

 

For things such as connecting desks to remotes etc, I just use the 4 LAN ports and the wireless. There's a DHCP server built in, and I have the WAN side of things set up to accept an address from another server.

 

It can also act as a wireless to wired converter (ie the router receives the WiFi network, and the 5 ports on the back are all bridged to it so I can use non wireless kit on a wireless network)

 

All in all, only cost me about £20. Job done! The unit itself is quite small, only problem is a wall wort PSU for it.

 

Dan

 

PS - mr7526, if your halls network is anything like mine was...MAC Address clone can be your friend! Same goes for certain hotel connections that log your MAC address so they know you've purchased a connection - change the computer and the system thinks you're another customer.