Newbie Linksys - Wireless Network

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louisp

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Howdi folks,

Can I use my brand, spanking new WRT54G linksys router to scan for wireless networks in my area?

What utilities do you suggest I use?

:)
 
You usually wouldn't use your AP to search for wireless networks... you would use your PC / Laptop with your wireless cards / windows built in software.
 
Your wireless NIC will scan for available networks - and then list them.
If you have a notebook, use a wireless adaptor on that (I have the Belkin USB one, and that lists APs). Now take your notebook and walk around your house and garden first - be patient! See what you find. Also, look out for when you router is no longer avaialble (mine stops at around 20m outside). If you cannot see your router from that distance, chances are you will not see anyother AP from that distance!

Also, you can drive around, walk around a mall etc and check out for some. My success rate? close to 0, but I am by nature impatient.

Obviously, the more concentrated your area the better (block of flats near a major business area -10 points, house on a farm 0 points etc)
 
The Best linksys router is a WRT54GL, you can flash it with DD-WRT firmware which I have found works the best!

Great tools such as scanning for devices, your able to increase your power output to 250 (legal is 100)
WDS - for connecting multiple Routers
Also has features to change your standered Access Point into a AP-client or bridge modes
And tons of other features,

http://www.dd-wrt.com

What version WRT54G do you have if its V.5... Give it back or use it as a cute door stop!
 
I read about v5 before I bought my Linksys. Luckily I got v4!!!

I'm totally new to Linux, so I'm really scared that I will brick my precious router!!

So for now... I'm still gathering up some courage

:)
 
louisp said:
I read about v5 before I bought my Linksys. Luckily I got v4!!!

I'm totally new to Linux, so I'm really scared that I will brick my precious router!!

So for now... I'm still gathering up some courage

:)
Click to expand...

I was still am a total newbie so create this step by step guide

http://www.dwc.za.net/FreiFunk

I might be wrong in some of the steps or not clear.
In that case edit it and change it.
I have followed it I couple of times and it works. YOu don't have to flash with freifunk but it will give you the steps to get any firmware on it

let me know if it works
 
Cool thx!!

Any1 know where I could find a weatherproof enclosure for my WRT54G?

Or should I try and build my own?

:)
 
There is a supplier in JHB that specialises in wireless equipment, I know they stock weatherproof housings.

Will see if I can find them and post a link.
 
louisp said:
Cool thx!!

Any1 know where I could find a weatherproof enclosure for my WRT54G?

Or should I try and build my own?

:)
Click to expand...
Speak to Daffy from JAWUG (R280) http://www.jawug.za.net/ShoppingList

DIY contact your local electrical shop as they supply the ABB boxes (> R66), take your WRT54GL with as
some boxes it is a tight fit, need 2 x U Bolts, silcone sealer etc etc
Get some weather proof glands to put your CAT5 cable thru

The BridgePoynt Enclosure Only boxes are nice from Poynting (about R400 with pole mount brackets) http://www.poynting.co.za/antennas/images/wlan-a0001.jpg
 
Last edited:
Thx,

Good idea...
I'll start with builder's warehouse, maybe they would have some...

:)
 
Wiviz

Found an aesome tool for the WRT54G on the web at http://students.washington.edu/natetrue/wiviz/

Does a bit more than you have asked for but I am sure some of the techies will find it facinating! Runs on OpenWRT and gives you a visible representation of the current wifi networks running locally as well as the clients attached (as well as MAC addresses)

JohnB
 
Just need to share, that I am now liberated!!!!

Managed to install my very first linus distribution!!

It took a damn lot of research!!

It took a damn whole lot of guts

it took... only a 50mb bootable cd-rom!!!!

Thanks to Damn Small Linux (DSL), i'm now officially doing my first ever forum post from a Linux PC!!

Woot...

Now to get SQL and radius on this pc.....

:)
 
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