DGL-4300 + DGL-4300

[awins1]

Looking for some networking comments here.

I currently have DGL-4300. The wireless works great for me with 1.8 firmware for my laptop, xbox360, and PS3. I recently added a A/V receiver which is network capable. I was thinking of getting another DGL-4300 and make it an access point in my home theater room and cable in all my components into it, ie 360, ps3, receiver. Couple of questions:

1)would I be able to run the network at higher speeds than 54g if I do the above, ie 108mbs?

2)Will the signal strength of 4300 be an upgrade compared to PS3's and 360's wireless network adapters?

3)I know I will not be able to run WPA encryption with this setup, but do I need any encryption at all if I tie each internal IP to MAC address of each machine and do not give out any more IP's than what is in my DHCP reservation list?

Comments and suggestions are most welcome.

I figured that getting another 4300 is better than getting something as a wireless gaming adapter just for my receiver. Down the road I will add an HDDVD player which will also be network capable and it will be easy to add it to my network using another 4300. Another option would be to get DIR-655.

 

[SpaceHonkey]

3)I know I will not be able to run WPA encryption with this setup, but do I need any encryption at all if I tie each internal IP to MAC address of each machine and do not give out any more IP's than what is in my DHCP reservation list?

I would consider this security by obscurity. If your network is wide open, all you have to do is assign yourself a static ip. And MAC addresses are easily spoofed in all OSes. Why can't you use WPA?

 

[awins1]

I would consider this security by obscurity. If your network is wide open, all you have to do is assign yourself a static ip. And MAC addresses are easily spoofed in all OSes. Why can't you use WPA?

By using WDS mode, you can't use WPA with these routers, only option is WEP.

 

[Madwand]

I'd rule it out simply for the WEP limitation. A client mode bridge seems to me to be a better solution, and it might make sense to think of draft-n. E.g. a SMCWEB-N as the bridge, either connecting to the DGL-4300 as-is, or perhaps with an add-on draft-n router acting as an access point.

Another alternative would be a power line bridge connected to a switch.