As much by coincidence as luck in picking a low-cost solution to try,
I discovered that the D-Link DGL-3420 Wireless 108AG Gaming Adapter, shown in
Figure 20-1, will stretch my LAN.
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136 Project 20
By adding a wireless gaming adapter as a network bridge, you can extend your
network well beyond just a length of wire or the range of wireless to include other
wired PCs distant from the main connection point, similar to the network schematic
shown in Figure 20-2. This too can be expanded on with additional bridges, as described
in Project 21.
Figure 20-1
The D-Link Gaming
Adapter is a small but
powerful addition to
your home network.
DSL Modem Wireless Router
Ethernet-connected PC
Ethernet-connected Mac
192.168.1.25
192.168.1.23
192.168.1.24
Ethernet-connected PC
Wi-Fi Bridge
Wi-Fi-connected laptop
Wi-Fi-connected laptop
192.168.1.21
192.168.1.22
192.168.1.25
Figure 20-2
Schematic of your
expanded, bridged,
network
Bridging a Gap, Wirelessly 137
Step 1: Configure a Wireless Gaming Adapter
to Become Your Network Bridge
The configuration of your gaming adapter involves first, a connection to your network,
or at least directs to a computer to access the web pages built into the adapter.
These pages allow you to configure the wireless network system and security settings
so the adapter acts just like any other Wi-Fi client device on your network. Once the
adapter can connect to your Wi-Fi network, it passes that connection information to
whichever device is attached to the Ethernet connection on the adapter.
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