wirelsss bridge/adapter for a non wifi device

[enewmen]

Hi all.

I have a cable TV box that uses a RJ-45 eithernet port to get updates from the Internet.
I also have a good-working Wifi network.

So, is there some adapter that can read the wifi signal and sent it to the TV box? The Box only has RJ-45 - cannot use a USB wifi adapter. The box is also well within range, so I don't think I need some repeater. There is only one connection, so I don't need a hub (maybe some small router/hub is more flexible)

I looked at power-line adapters, but those are bulky, slow, and use more than ~20w just being on.

Any ideas?
ok thanks!
Erric

 

[stevech]

assuming the TV has RJ45 ethernet and lacks WiFi...

A WiFi (client) Bridge is what you want.
Some are marketed as "Game Adapters".

some few WiFi access points and routers have a bridge mode option. Often, it's hidden in the detailed specs or user manual and not clearly indicated as a product capability in the marketing cut sheets.

Some WiFi routers can host the 3rd party firmware called DD-WRT and that brings a bridge mode but is a PITA.

Search newegg.com for "wifi bridge". here's one I've not used. Long ago I used Buffalo's bridge - worked well.
I'd choose a decent brand name in the price range of $40-75 or so.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704048

you can connect an ethernet switch to the bridge to get more wired ports.

 

[enewmen]

Thanks for the post!

I'll look for a WiFi Bridge.

 

[sfx2000]

Steve is absolutely correct...

Here's my particular favorite - have one and recommend to others...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QVN2NE/?tag=snbforums-20

a bit fiddly to set up, but absolutely rock solid once done...

One other thought...

Apple's Airport Express supports WiFi client mode - is this mode, the etherport is hot, and can be used as a bridge - and you get the bonus of airplay via iTunes...

 

[stevech]

Another way to do what the OP wanted...
Don't use WiFi: instead, buy a pair of HomePlug devices. One goes near your WiFi router and the other, near your TV.
Essentially, this pair uses your house AC power wiring to replace cat5 ethernet cable. The TV connects to the router via this medium and the pair of HomePlug devices.

Slightly less hassle with HomePlug than WiFi, in terms of interference.
This forum has a section on HomePlug and MoCA.
If there's a TV coax outlet somewhat near your Router, MoCA is another alternative, and is the best choice.

 

[DaveMcLain]

I personally have had very good results using DD-WRT to create wireless client bridges using an old router bought very inexpensively via E-Bay it's easy if you follow the instructions exactly when flashing. Linksys WRT320N works great in this application. I've used other models but all of the ones I have use the Broadcom chipset.

One serious problem with DD-WRT is figuring out what build to use. For the last several years I've been using 14929 which seems to be stable and works well when running in client bridge mode.

 

[stevech]

DD-WRT is not for the casual user!

 

[clintb]

Steve is absolutely correct...

Here's my particular favorite - have one and recommend to others...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QVN2NE/?tag=snbforums-20

a bit fiddly to set up, but absolutely rock solid once done...

One other thought...

Apple's Airport Express supports WiFi client mode - is this mode, the etherport is hot, and can be used as a bridge - and you get the bonus of airplay via iTunes...

I can certainly vouch for the Buffalo products. They may not always be the fastest, but they sure seem to be stable. I currently have the Asus AC66U router and the Buffalo AC1300 bridge, which I snagged for $99 from Fry's after a price match to Newegg...I think it was on sale at the time.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833162066

 

[sfx2000]

DD-WRT is not for the casual user!

DD-Wrt is not for most users

OpenWRT is better in many regards

 

[sfx2000]

I can certainly vouch for the Buffalo products. They may not always be the fastest, but they sure seem to be stable. I currently have the Asus AC66U router and the Buffalo AC1300 bridge, which I snagged for $99 from Fry's after a price match to Newegg...I think it was on sale at the time.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833162066

Most here know that I'm particular to Apple WiFi gear (just works) - from a quality and stability perspective, Buffalo/Melco gear is similar - a bit more work to find at the store, but great stuff.

Buffalo is vertically integrated - they do the HW/SW/Manf in-house, rather than outsource it to the lowest bidding ODM (yes, Linksys, D-Link, and Netgear).