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Why not keep some wireless AP's and / or Routers in
stock and bring one with you to every install?? I do this and make a few
bucks on the SOHO gear as well as being able to charge an additional
fee.
I think a lot of the wireless routers will also let
you switch to bridge mode, which should accomplish what you
want and give you flexibility in the future.
We try to keep customers away from any other
competitor for any reason, whether it be for network hardware, a new
computer, etc etc. Not much margin in new computers or hardware, but
if it keeps a customer paying me $30+ / mth for Internet then I'm
willing to make a few more dollars by selling them a cheap router, AP, or
new computer.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2006 1:29
PM
Subject: Re: [WISPA] Wireless AP w/o
router
Most of my clients want wireless in their houses.
Part
of my install is to configure their inside wireless for them if they have the
device there while I am there for a moderate fee.
I tell them to just
go down to Staples or Radio Shack ("You got questions, we got blank stares")
and tell the guy at the counter that they are getting a DSL or Cable modem
connection (I find that the Staples or RS guys get confused when my customers
tell them they are getting a wireless connection)
The guy at the
counter usually just sells them a 4 port linksys wireless router with a WAN or
Internet port on it.
When I do my setup, I setup my TranzeoCPQ to
perform NAT and "QOS". The CPQ also does _limited_ DHCP serving so I set that
up to serve a 10.0.1.X network with the DHCP addresses of
10.0.1.50-58.
I assign the LinkSys router a LAN ip of
10.0.1.2.
I change the password to something random.
I note
this on a piece of masking tape and put it on the bottom of the router for
future reference.
I turn off the DHCP server on the LinkSys.
I
tell the customer to NEVER use the WAN port or "bad things will
happen."
I setup the SSID of the Linksys to something the customer
wants (usually a favorite dog or horse's name). I advise the customer that I
have not encrypted the signal and it is up to them to do so. In these parts
though, by the time some war-driver gets close enough to the property to steal
signal or data, the customer will have shot the trespasser or the customers
dog will have eaten the trespasser.
Some customers have their spouses
run to Staples while I am on the roof so I can configure things for them while
I am there. Others buy the gear after the fact and have to call me after they
plug it in "according to the directions" and mess up the network in their
home. (ding! $ervice call over the phone!)
For some reason the APs are
more expensive than the routers. They are the same thing the router is just a
more complicated piece of gadgetry. I think the producers of this equipment
are taking a moderate loss on some of this gear, or the volume of router sales
is staggering compared to AP sales.
I hope this
helps!
ryan
Scott Reed wrote:
I am
looking for suggestions for customer AP that is not a router. Need
equivalent or lower cost than SOHO router. AP and a 4 port switch
would be great.
I am looking to use routing on the CPE, thus the
customer does not need to purchase a router. But, if they want
wireless inside, need an inexpensive way to get it to them.
Scott Reed
Owner
NewWays
Wireless Networking
Network Design, Installation and Administration
www.nwwnet.net
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