What type of networking device do I need?

[allanlange]

Hi guys, I have recently build an HTPC and need a way to connect it to the Internet. The router from my Internet provider is positioned in another room and I dont want to run an ethernet cable.

I have thought about using a router like the WD My Net N600, to pick up the Wi-Fi signal and then act as a switch, to split out the signal to different devices - HTPC, AV-Receiver and laptop - via ethernet cables. Is this possible?

[TechBlitZ]

You could try a powerline ethernet adaptor, something like http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/tp-link-tl-pa411kit-av500-500-mbps-powerline-adapter-starter-kit-16842033-pdt.html

I use a few of them for a few different devices. You plug 1 in near the HTPC server, and another one in the other room connected to the router. I think they are faster than wireless, but don't quote me on that.

[KingLinkTiger]

I have thought about using a router like the WD My Net N600' date=' to pick up the Wi-Fi signal and then act as a switch, to split out the signal to different devices - HTPC, AV-Receiver and laptop - via ethernet cables. Is this possible? [/quote']

If I understand what you are asking here is you want a device that takes your WiFi and converts it into ethernet? This device is called a Bridge, I purchased this one (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YK1B8Y) but there are others that have multiple ports so that you can connect multiple devices.

[Broxigar]

You have two options as mentioned above,

1- Power line kit (http://www.netgear.com.au/home/products/powerline/high-performance/default.aspx)

2- Range Extender (http://www.netgear.com.au/home/products/wireless-range-extenders/)

I've used both, currently using power line kit from router to PC and range extender from router to HTPC+TV+XBOX

[allanlange]

Thanks guys.

The problem with powerline is, that I live in an older apartment where there isn't a lot of power outlets. So I'm forced to use power strips to get the power outlets that I need. And for what I have heard Linus say, then powerline and power strips don't go together, at least not very well. So unless that has changed, then I think I'm limited to wireless.

So do anyone know if the WD My Net N600 would be able to perform as a bridge and do what I want it to do?

[KingLinkTiger]

Thanks guys. The problem with powerline is' date=' that I live in an older apartment where there isn't a lot of power outlets. So I'm forced to use power strips to get the power outlets that I need. And for what I have heard Linus say, then powerline and power strips don't go together, at least not very well. So unless that has changed, then I think I'm limited to wireless. So do anyone know if the WD My Net N600 would be able to perform as a bridge and do what I want it to do? [/quote']

I skimmed throught he manual (http://www.wdc.com/wdproducts/library/UM/ENG/4779-705072.pdf) and I could not find any option for running your WD MyNet as a bridge. I don't have any experience with WD MyNets, but I would open up the configuration and see what are available.

[LargeGeek]

Yeah a Client Bridge or Ethernet Bridge would solve your problem. While most routers can usually act as an access point (feed WiFi to devices from a wired connection), the default firmware of lower end ones usually don't come with ability to act as a bridge. One of those things to get people to shell out for the more expensive ones, or really shell out the dough for dedicated hardware (which is usually the same device with a different firmware and sans a few ports). For example WD sells the MyNet AC Bridge so you don't have to mess with configuring that old N600. My limited Googleing and seach of WD's knowledgebase yielded no more info on whether the N600 is capable of being used as a bridge.

I solved a similar issue by installing DD-WRT on an unused Linksys and successfully got my cousins gameroom online from a WiFi router that was on the other side of the house.

Before I posted this I looked into whether the WDn600 was even compatible with DD-WRT...it is not.