See "AP Access Hardware" Jan 18 posting thread for background if interesting, but...
It appears I may have to abandon a wireless solution to a repeater function. That is, I want to be able to see and select, as my (and any current-generation) laptop can now do, from different APs. However, I can't see those APs from my current location.
All attempts at resolving that with some remotely-located set of equipment have failed. Repeaters talk only to their own kind, which isn't assured among the available APs. Crossover-connected pairs of AP and Bridge fail in one or more ways to accomplish what I need (see thread for expansion on both points).
However, if I am willing to be tied (challenging - very, in my case - but perhaps could be done) to the Bridge via Crossover cat5 (which might also power it via POE), the bridge can select from available APs as directed from the computer. That configuration, at least, I've been able to verify as workable - but it's got this wire (cat5), not wireless.
So, in for a dime, in for a dollar: Is it possible to use some cheapo computer (current generation, to assure reliability as much as possible) connected thus (ethernet NIC to Bridge) and to a router or AP via USB, to accomplish my end?
That is, to be able to see and select from more than one AP via laptop wifi lan?
The route would be laptop-wifi>router/AP>USB cable>server/desktop unit>crossover/cat5(long! - but not enough to require amplification)>Bridge>selected AP (and back, of course, for download).
Or, is the answer, simply, "It can't be done. You can't select from APs with any form of *wireless* connectivity without it being proprietary gear (same equipment maker and/or specified-in-advance configurations)."?
Thanks.
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