Use a Wireless router as a WIFI adapter

[trashguy]

Hey all,
I have an extra Netgear WGR614 v7 wireless router kicking around that I would like to use as a wireless adapter for my desktop. Is there a way that I can hook this up to my desktop and have it act just like a PCI adapter would. In another words I want it to see any and all wifi networks in the area. Is this doable?

[ua549]

IMO you can't do it because the router runs it's own software and be its own node on the network. The best thing for you to do is purchase an inexpensive wireless NIC and use a program such as NetStumbler to see what wireless networks are available.

I do have to question your motives since an unauthorized connection to someone's network is a felony crime in most places.

[Judge&Jury]

To ua549 WHY do you question trashguy's motives! maybe your mind works like that but not everybody,
I too was wandering the same question, although it is not illegal in my Country I have several old working routers and a pc that I was wanting to connect wireless and rather than purchase a dongle etc i wanted to know if one of my working routers would work.
As soon as i read trashguys post i assumed he was doing as i am.
Not everybody has illegal motives, It is sad that your mind works in that way (Judgemental).

You have been Judged by the Judge&Jury

[ua549]

You still need a wireless NIC in your PC.

Even though I suggested software that can do the job, I like to point out the potential pitfalls so a person does not inadvertently commit a crime. There was a neighbor kid that connected to a wireless network. He thought it was funny until he was hauled into court. Now the felony conviction has ruined the rest of his life.

[Bumpcruncher]

Trashguy, you should be able to connect to a wireless network in your home by using the bridging mode of your router if it is available with the Netgear WGR614 v7. That should disable the DHCP in your router and make it function more like a wireless adapter.

Since it was brought up in this thread, I'm curious if anybody can quote any actual law that prohibits connecting to somebody else's wi-fi? I can understand a law against stealing content. But if a signal is broadcast and not secuirty protected, why would it be illegal to access it?

[ua549]

Here is a link with information about unauthorized network access in 44 countries. In addition to many individual state laws against unauthorized access to a network, the US has Title 18, Part I, Chapter 47. Here is a Legislative Analysis of THE NATIONAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION ACT OF 1996 prepared by the Department of Justice.

[dntpay4sftware]

Am I back in my college philosophy class? People connect to open wireless connections all the time. It is everyone's burden that the wireless networking pioneers are not trained to talk to ordinary humans. WEP? WPA? Hexadecimal? SSID? Ad-hoc? And you wonder why people don't secure their wireless router? I digress...
I have windows xp x64 with a wusb54gc wireless usb adapter. According to Shiela S. at Cisco Support, there is no driver for my adapter. I asked her if their was a work-around or something? NO!@!!! Translation: We are such an IT giant that we don't want to make a simple driver that would make us appear forward-thinking and considerate of their clients.

I do have a netgear wireless router, however. So, it dawned on me, Can I use it in reverse and get an internet connection? Can I plug into a LAN port and then aim the wireless Transceiver at the wireless router in the den to connect to my ISP?

My internal Ethernet is compatible and the router doesn't even need to be OS compatible. That is why I want to know if it is possible and how. So, if you don't know how to help me and a million others with x64 driver nightmares, don't reply.

We don't need legislation on the internet. Period. End of discussion...this is the real world not school. Don't you know they are trying to pass another law that will allow Big Media to use the government to regulate the internet like Saudi Arabia or China? So, guess what this forum will be bye-bye and all cyber-law will be moot.

So, can anyone please direct me to a solid step-by-step resource that can help me?

Thank you!!

Against an assault of laughter, nothing can stand.

--Mark Twain

[ua549]

The primary reason you can't find drivers is that the USB54GC was obsolete when 64 bit operating systems became popular. Win XP 64 was not popular and not widely adopted for applications or hardware. If you are a student, have you considered spending $10 for Windows 7 at your bookstore and $15 for a more modern USB wireless adapter from someone such as Newegg?

That said, if you can connect to a LAN and the internet gateway has to ability to connect to the same LAN, you are good to go.

You don't indicate the topology in your proposed network or the model of the DSU/CSU. If the DSU/CSU has additional wired ports (inbuilt switch) you can connect directly into one of those ports. If it has a single wired port, connect a switch or router to it and then connect your LAN to it.

[dntpay4sftware]

I ain't gonna pay 10 bucks. Bill Gates still makes about $9.90 profit. But, I am gonna install windows 7. you're right there is not enough support for xp64. Thanks.

Vaya Con Dios, Amigo.

Dntpay4sfware