Author Topic: Wireless Ethernet Help Needed for MiniCon (Read 286 times)

funkedup · « **on:** July 28, 2003, 07:05:25 PM »

We'd like to get a T-1 in our event room but the hotel wants a ridiculous fee for this. So we are exploring alternatives.
Many hotels offer WiFi connections for a low daily charge.

Our problem is that most of our people don't have wireless NICs. We don't want them to have to spend $40 and hassle with installing and configuring one just for our event.

So I am wondering if it is possible to do the following:
Connect one PC to the hotel's WiFi service.
Then use a router or other device to share that PC's IP (NAT) with all the other PC's via conventional wired ethernet.
If it is possible, what hardware and software would we need?

I bought a wireless router for my parents but it is intended to use an ethernet uplink to a cable modem or DSL modem, and wireless downlink to client PC's in our house. I'm not sure what parts and configuration I would need to do it the other way around.

Sancho · « **Reply #1 on:** July 28, 2003, 09:18:35 PM »

A simple Linux or BSD box with one wireless and one ethernet card ought to do it. Just run NAT with the external interface being the wireless card and the internal the ethernet. Hopefully the hotel's network won't come to a screeching halt under the strain of your LAN party.

funkedup · « **Reply #2 on:** July 28, 2003, 09:32:37 PM »

Thanks Sancho. I think I have guys who can make that happen.
The screeching to a halt part is definitely a concern.

I guess we would want to encourage as many people as possible to buy WiFi adapters so they could connect directly.

Then the stragglers could connect to the Linux/BSD box.

I think the next step is to go down there with a laptop and see what kind of bandwidth I can get out of it.

We might be OK as long as Animal doesn't have streaming porn videos 24/7.

mietla · « **Reply #3 on:** July 28, 2003, 10:24:43 PM »

I used to have a box with two NICS running GNAT (a Linux based firewall), but I think I gave it away.

Let me check my garage.

Animal · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2003, 10:48:09 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by funkedup

We might be OK as long as Animal doesn't have streaming porn videos 24/7.

LIVE porn videos.

funkedup · « **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2003, 11:02:00 PM »

Don't make promises you can't keep.