Small Wireless APs

[itlnstln]

Short Version:

I need a small (like pocket-sized) AP for work. Preferably, one that supports PoE.

Long Version:

Because I can't stand all the corporate garbage on the company-issued laptop I have, I replaced the hard drive and installed Win 7 Pro x64. I can access everything I need over Ethernet, but I cannot get on the company's WiFi network. I have tried using key exposers and what not, but on the newer issuances of laptops, the company is not setting up some of the WEP and WPA networks. The only network I can find settings for is one protected by EAP. I installed the certificates, got everything setup, but I can't log on to the network. I put in my username and password (which seems to authenticate correctly because it'll let me know if I put in the wrong password), but Windows says it can't connect, but doesn't give me any details on why. I currently carry a wireless router in my bag, but it's kind of a hassle to setup and it's not very discrete. Any help you guys might have here would be greatly appreciated.

[keyboardlover]

They don't have VPN??

[itlnstln]

Sure, but I would need to connect to some kind of network first; that's the part I need to work around.  I can tether my phone, but it's kinda slow for what I need.

[woody]

I had a pocket-size D-Link that crapped out due to overheating. For about a year (or more) I'm using Asus WL-330gE and so far it works great. I'm using it only in bridge mode, so you'd want to check the specs whether it suits you.

EDIT: PoE, i.e. power over ethernet - don't think so. But it has an AC adapter or USB power option.

[TexasFlood]

I have a Linksys WTR54GS although I think Linksys quit making them.

[TexasFlood]

I have a Linksys WTR54GS although I think Linksys quit making them.
FYI, mine is a v2 with less memory (2MB flash, 8MB RAM) and I run DD-WRT Micro on it installed per the directions in this thread.

[TexasFlood]

If they're using an enterprise level wireless authentication system, they may also be scanning for "rogue" wireless APs.  Just an FYI warning.

[RoboKrikit]

If you have a desktop machine, proxy your WAP off of that, and turn the WAP off when you aren't using it.  If you plug it into a wall port it will not be difficult for your network admins to find, assuming they look for that kind of thing.  Don't broadcast your SSID, and change both it and your key frequently if you're worried about them searching for rogue wifi users.

[didjamatic]

Haha.

The reason your Win7 doesn't work with your existing EAP/certificate policies is because the same Group Policy settings don't work on Win7.  It worked great on XP, but now in group policy there are separate settings for XP and 7/Vista.  I'm in the process of updating our Enterprise wireless policies now for this very reason.

If your IT guys care about wireless security or network security in general they will pwn your AP pretty quickly.  And the fact that they're using the type of wireless configuration you mentioned is a good indicator they are on the ball and scanning for rogue AP's like Texas mentioned.  

There is also a good chance they have a policy created already for Win7/Vista computers but you aren't getting it because your computer account is in the wrong OU.

Chum up to the guys in IT and ask them if you could pretty please with sugar on top have access via another SSID using WPA/WPA2 PSK, or if they have another policy that will work for you.  Otherwise you can try to fly under the radar but if they have taken precautions you won't get far.  One thing for sure, if you bring your own AP in and they bust you, it will be harder to get any favors from them.

[didjamatic]

I was just thinking, you might be able to find a bluetooth to ethernet bridge type of device if you don't have to roam very far.

[itlnstln]

I don't use my AP often (I don't broadcast the SSID), just when I'm in meetings in another area.  Most of our conference rooms have hot ethernet jacks, so I just use that, but there are a couple that we use a lot that do not.  I don't leave it up long enough that they would find it anyway.  Hell, I am on their network all day, every day with a "rogue" computer, and they don't really seem to care, probably because we always have consultants in, and they bring they're own laptops.

That Linksys WTR54GS would be perfect; I would just need to see if I could find one.

Thanks for all your help.  If y'all have any more suggestions, that would be awesome.

[itlnstln]

How about an Apple AirPort Express?  It looks perfect for the job.

[itlnstln]

How's this for random-ass ****?  I stumbled on this looking at the EnGenius ETR-9330: http://tipstir.the-talk.net/hardware-reviews-f1/engenius-etr-9330-t63.htm  Check out who the second poster is.

BTW, the ETR-9330 looks like a winner.  Similar form factor to the AirPort Express, cheaper, and more flexible.

[itlnstln]

Quadruple post time... I bought this  (from B&H for, like, $25 cheaper).  If this thing can do what it says it can, it should be a little mini-beast.  We'll see when it gets here.  Not mentioned on the Amazon page, but it also has NAS functionality, a web-cam server, print server and Samba server.

[TexasFlood]

I don't use my AP often (I don't broadcast the SSID), just when I'm in meetings in another area.  Most of our conference rooms have hot ethernet jacks, so I just use that, but there are a couple that we use a lot that do not.  I don't leave it up long enough that they would find it anyway.  Hell, I am on their network all day, every day with a "rogue" computer, and they don't really seem to care, probably because we always have consultants in, and they bring they're own laptops.

That Linksys WTR54GS would be perfect; I would just need to see if I could find one.

Quadruple post time... I bought this (from B&H for, like, $25 cheaper). If this thing can do what it says it can, it should be a little mini-beast. We'll see when it gets here. Not mentioned on the Amazon page, but it also has NAS functionality, a web-cam server, print server and Samba server.

Hiding the SSID is a step I also take, but any techie worth his salt should be able to find it anyway.

As for the WTR54GS, I saw some on ebay.  Be aware that there were 3 versions of it made, v1.0, v2.0 and v2.1.  As described in the DD-WRT forum link above, to identify a v1, the serial starts with SJH0 and there is no version printed.  v2.0 & 2.1, in general, the serial number is supposed to start with SJH1 or SJH2 although I've seen reports of some  V2.0 starting with SJH0.  Note that there is also a model ending in -UK which apparently is a USA version but having an external power brick rather than the normal internal.

The only reason I mention this is that the v1.0 version has double the NVRAM (4MB vs 2MB for v2/2.1) and RAM (16MB vs 8MB for v2/2.1).  This makes it more desirable if you can find one, both for performance reasons and that it allows you to load a more functional version of DD-WRT should you chose to go that route.

I have no experience with the ETR-9330 or AirPort Express but will take a look at the ETR-9330.

I saw the Sapido RB-1132 on ebay when checking for WTR54GSs, described as "Mini Travel Wireless Router WTR54GS-like" here.  It sounds like the best thing since sliced bread.  It sounds so good that I'm a bit scared to believe it, especially since I haven't found any reviews as of yet.  I'm quite anxious to hear your experience with it.

[itlnstln]

Yeah, I'm taking a little chance on the Sapido, but I don't need a whole lot of functionality, I just wanted something that I could plug straight into the wall w/o a power cord and could spit out a signal.  I'm not trying to game on it or run a website or whatever.  As soon as I come back from vacation in a week or so, I'll give it a little mini-review.  Just looking at the online manual, it doesn't look like the easiest thing to set up, but we'll see.

Here is an overview, but it doesn't really say anything about functionality: http://byfai.com/content/sapido-rb-1132-compact-wireless-router

[itlnstln]

OK.  Got the Sapido RB-1132 while I was on vacation and finally got around to setting it up yesterday.

Verdict:  Buy 14 of these right now, they are the ****.

Long Version:  Physically, it is a bit larger than a deck of cards which makes it very easy to tote around.  They put out a very strong signal for their size; it almost covers as much distance as a full size router.  While I don't have any real numbers to put behind it, it seems that the throughput is as fast as any other decent router I have used, and the N+ implementation is great.  Setup was easy enough for what I was trying to accomplish, but real geeks will love all the available settings, so you can tweak to your heart's content.  On the downside, though, the interface was a little clunky both in L&F and translation (from Chinese).  If there was anything I would have to say that kinda sucks about it, it would be that it takes about 30 seconds, or so, to start sending a wireless signal.  Most routers I have used are ready almost immediately after plugging them in.  In real-world use, though, it's not a big deal.

Seriously, if you need something portable, this is your router.  You will not be disappointed.

[murdock57]

itlnstln,

I have been looking at this router and doing as much research as I can myself but had a few questions...

The power plug:  There are various pictures that show either a fixed or foldable plug (like apple's).  I have also read various things that seem to indicate they are interchangeable.  Is it fixed, foldable, interchangeable and does it come packaged with this different adapters?

I can't seem to find any other router with as many features as this one sports (not to mention the cheap price) but I am a little put off that it is basically a foreign device.  The browser interface, from what I've seen, looks kinda clunky but seems to be able to get the job done (this is all from net research only).  Any more thoughts on the setup?  I read one person say it heats up quite a bit when in use.  Any word on that?

Also, you compared it to roughly the size of a deck of cards or a bit larger.  Any other comparisons?  Could you actually put it in your pocket if you were wearing blue jeans?

How about support?  Any firmware updates since you bought it?

This thing seems so awesome it is almost too good to be true and I would love to get any more details or even a more extensive review if you were so inclined.  

I am considering an Engenius router that lacks a bunch of the Sapido's features but it seems to have pretty solid reviews.  Buying the Sapido definitely seems like taking a chance but looks like it payed off.

Any other thoughts or info would be most appreciated!