Create my own network on Condo block network

[BuffaloRescue]

Hi

I live in a condo block that has free wifi. Each resident can login 3 computers at the same time using the login and password we were given.

What i want to do is to connect 4 desktops, 2 phones and a laptop to the condos wifi and i want to share files between them so i set up a fileserver locally

I dont want to have to keep a computer on all the time to act as a bridge.

So is there some kind of gadget i can put the condo wifi password in and then create my own "private network" where its safe to share files between computers and I can connect as many devices as i like (lan and wifi)

Thanks

[RichCor]

This is just one example. I have experience with devices like this but not this specific unit.

Personally I prefer WiFi N units with the 3 antennas.

DWR-112 Wireless 300N 3G Wi-Fi Router

Found this on the InvadeIT website. One of the four 10/100 ethernet ports can be used as a WaN port allowing you to attach a Dsl/Cable modem as the primary or backup WaN link. This device is usually sold on the idea that the USB port can host an 3G or 3.5G aircard.

InvadeIT link to device

D-Link say little text and the D-Link pdf spec sheet.

TP-LINK TD-W8970 300MBPS WIRELESS N GIGABIT ADSL2+ MODEM ROUTER

InvadeIT says this TP-LINK also can use dual-purpose as one of its Ethernet Ports can be used as a WAN port connected to an Ethernet modem.

InvadeIT link to device

Generally, you're looking for a Wi-Fi 'router' with a WAN-Ethernet Port (not a rj11/13 adsl pots telephone connector)

These are not very common in consumer-devices, but are more common in commercial units.

Just tell people already have an 'Internet Modem' and can only connect to it (not replace it with something else). It should route, have NAT (this allows it to share one MAC address to many MAC devices on a subnet), have 3 or more available Ethernet LAN ports and good Wi-Fi.

If you need more ports, you could purchase and easily connect an Ethernet Switch on one of the Routers Ethernet LAN ports to give you additional Ethernet Ports.

Edited December 15, 2013 by RichCor

[RichCor]

Sorry, misread your original post. Your connection to the Internet is via WiFi in the condo (not Ethernet).

You'll need TWO devices as you want all the apartment devices hidden behind a NAT/Firewall (to give you more than three MAC/IP devices on the connection).

1. A WiFi device like a 'gaming router' like one used to connect an Xbox or gaming center, preset to auto-logon to the condo WiFi. The Ethernet port connected to;

2. An Ethernet WiFi Router like those I posted previously, running on a different open WiFi channel.

Someone will probably suggest dd-wrt running on a single device as another option.

[Jdietz]

If you like home-brew a Raspberry Pi with a Wi-Fi USB dongle will do the trick. Linux will have no trouble forwarding and NATing (Masquerading) traffic from Ethernet to Wifi.

[muratremix]

For wireless client router, I recommend one cheap router that supports gargoyle router os.

http://www.gargoyle-router.com/wiki/doku.php?id=supported_routers_-_tested_routers

For the distribution of internet in your home you'll need another wireless access point (1 wan, 4 LAN ports, wan = internet in, LAN = internet out)

It can be a dd-wrt router or any cheap router. If you need fileserver, you can buy one with usb ports but don't expect high speeds (1080p streaming is usually works).

If you need a nas for fileserver, perhaps synology ds213 air, which is NAS + Wireless access point. Saves you the trouble of having a second AP to distribute internet.

Beware, almost no wireless access point supports wireless client mode, which is connecting to a network via wifi and make it WAN port then delivering it via LAN ports. Gargoyle is pretty damn easy to setup. Ddwrt wireless client mode is tricky and doesn't work with some routers even though option exists.

[BuffaloRescue]

This is just one example. I have experience with devices like this but not this specific unit.

Personally I prefer WiFi N units with the 3 antennas.

DWR-112 Wireless 300N 3G Wi-Fi Router

Found this on the InvadeIT website. One of the four 10/100 ethernet ports can be used as a WaN port allowing you to attach a Dsl/Cable modem as the primary or backup WaN link. This device is usually sold on the idea that the USB port can host an 3G or 3.5G aircard.

InvadeIT link to device

D-Link say little text and the D-Link pdf spec sheet.

TP-LINK TD-W8970 300MBPS WIRELESS N GIGABIT ADSL2+ MODEM ROUTER

InvadeIT says this TP-LINK also can use dual-purpose as one of its Ethernet Ports can be used as a WAN port connected to an Ethernet modem.

InvadeIT link to device

Generally, you're looking for a Wi-Fi 'router' with a WAN-Ethernet Port (not a rj11/13 adsl pots telephone connector)

These are not very common in consumer-devices, but are more common in commercial units.

Just tell people already have an 'Internet Modem' and can only connect to it (not replace it with something else). It should route, have NAT (this allows it to share one MAC address to many MAC devices on a subnet), have 3 or more available Ethernet LAN ports and good Wi-Fi.

If you need more ports, you could purchase and easily connect an Ethernet Switch on one of the Routers Ethernet LAN ports to give you additional Ethernet Ports.

Thanks

But i dont have access to the ADSL modem or any sockets. I have a login name for the condos router which is locked away somewhere. I need to set up a device with the username and password so it connects wirelessly and then creates another private wifi network.

[BuffaloRescue]

Im thinking to buy a mac mini and use that. Id need a second wifi usb dongle?

Can i do it with the standard mavericks?

[muratremix]

Mac mini as router?

It would be waste of money and resources.

Do as I told you, cheaper, more efficient.