Hello,
I am new to working with wireless hardware (though I've connected to various wireless networks before, as most people have these days), and I am wanting to add some specific wireless capabilities to my current network.
I have a RV042 that sits behind a Comcast Business Class SMC 8014 modem/router combo (connected to the SMC via a DMZ port). The RV042 is connected via VPN to a Zywall USG20 at another location (so the network resources behind the RV042 and USG20 are able to see and talk to each other).
I want to add a wireless access point (AP) to the RV network. The following are the goals & conditions I'm trying to meet:
1) Security is very important. The AP is going to be for 1 device only (a NOOK Color), and I don't want anyone/anything else to be able to access the AP (and DEFINITELY NOT the LAN!!). I know I should be able to set some kind of wireless encryption key/password that should help with that (I've not set up wireless before, so suggestions of AP models that are stronger in this department would be welcome). It would also be nice if I could restrict access by MAC hardware address as well so that only the NOOK Color would be permitted (though perhaps I could just do that through the RV042 if the AP can't?); but that part is probably not completely necessary (but I will definitely take it if I can get it affordably!).
2) This AP is for internet use only--I don't want there to be ANY access to the LAN via the AP. I have the understanding that if I connect the AP to a separate VLAN on the RV042 then that should achieve what I want (ie, the device connected to the AP will be able to access the internet, but NOT access anything on the current LAN, which will be on a different VLAN). And so even if somehow someone gained unauthorized access to the AP connection, they still would not be able to access the LAN.
3) Reliability/consistency of the connection is very important. Basically, the whole point of getting this AP is to connect a single NOOK Color to it. The reason for this is actually not for reading books. Rather, I have a paper form that I use a lot of and I've been doing the math and if I have clients fill out this form via a web form (which I can have them do easily via the NOOK Color as the form does not require any typing, just tapping the relevant answer) then I will save money over time (even after accounting for the cost of a refurb NOOK Color and a hopefully inexpensive AP). The pattern of usage will be as follows: Use the NOOK Color (and the web form) at the beginning of the hour for about 5 minutes, then it will be unused for the next 45 minutes or so, then be used again for a few minutes, be unused for about 8 minutes, be used again for 5 minutes (at the beginning of the next hour), be unused for the next 45 minutes, etc. So it is important that I get an AP that will reliably stay connected. If I pick up the NOOK and load the next form and have to wait for it to reconnect that will quickly negate the usefulness of this plan. The NOOK Color works with 802.11b/g/n.
4) Range. The above NOOK Color will always be used in the same room (eg, 12'x12' office) wherein the RV042 is, and where the AP will be. So I actually do NOT need very far range. In some ways, the ideal would be something that is extremely reliable for a fairly short range. I'd rather not be broadcasting the signal any further outside of this room than necessary.
5) Price. I'd love to get something that fits well with the above goals that is in the $20-$30 range, but will definitely consider items above that cost if that is what it takes to satisfy the above requirements/goals.
I realize these are a lot of details for something that I'm looking to not spend a whole lot of money on. Wireless is new territory for me, and as you can see I'm wanting it for a very specific purpose (with high security requirements) so I GREATLY appreciate any input anyone takes the time to give. I imagine there are a lot of inexpensive AP's out there, but I don't have the experience (yet) to discern which ones are just junk which ones are going to be a good investment for my needs/goals.
Thanks in advance for any and all help!!
I am new to working with wireless hardware (though I've connected to various wireless networks before, as most people have these days), and I am wanting to add some specific wireless capabilities to my current network.
I have a RV042 that sits behind a Comcast Business Class SMC 8014 modem/router combo (connected to the SMC via a DMZ port). The RV042 is connected via VPN to a Zywall USG20 at another location (so the network resources behind the RV042 and USG20 are able to see and talk to each other).
I want to add a wireless access point (AP) to the RV network. The following are the goals & conditions I'm trying to meet:
1) Security is very important. The AP is going to be for 1 device only (a NOOK Color), and I don't want anyone/anything else to be able to access the AP (and DEFINITELY NOT the LAN!!). I know I should be able to set some kind of wireless encryption key/password that should help with that (I've not set up wireless before, so suggestions of AP models that are stronger in this department would be welcome). It would also be nice if I could restrict access by MAC hardware address as well so that only the NOOK Color would be permitted (though perhaps I could just do that through the RV042 if the AP can't?); but that part is probably not completely necessary (but I will definitely take it if I can get it affordably!).
2) This AP is for internet use only--I don't want there to be ANY access to the LAN via the AP. I have the understanding that if I connect the AP to a separate VLAN on the RV042 then that should achieve what I want (ie, the device connected to the AP will be able to access the internet, but NOT access anything on the current LAN, which will be on a different VLAN). And so even if somehow someone gained unauthorized access to the AP connection, they still would not be able to access the LAN.
3) Reliability/consistency of the connection is very important. Basically, the whole point of getting this AP is to connect a single NOOK Color to it. The reason for this is actually not for reading books. Rather, I have a paper form that I use a lot of and I've been doing the math and if I have clients fill out this form via a web form (which I can have them do easily via the NOOK Color as the form does not require any typing, just tapping the relevant answer) then I will save money over time (even after accounting for the cost of a refurb NOOK Color and a hopefully inexpensive AP). The pattern of usage will be as follows: Use the NOOK Color (and the web form) at the beginning of the hour for about 5 minutes, then it will be unused for the next 45 minutes or so, then be used again for a few minutes, be unused for about 8 minutes, be used again for 5 minutes (at the beginning of the next hour), be unused for the next 45 minutes, etc. So it is important that I get an AP that will reliably stay connected. If I pick up the NOOK and load the next form and have to wait for it to reconnect that will quickly negate the usefulness of this plan. The NOOK Color works with 802.11b/g/n.
4) Range. The above NOOK Color will always be used in the same room (eg, 12'x12' office) wherein the RV042 is, and where the AP will be. So I actually do NOT need very far range. In some ways, the ideal would be something that is extremely reliable for a fairly short range. I'd rather not be broadcasting the signal any further outside of this room than necessary.
5) Price. I'd love to get something that fits well with the above goals that is in the $20-$30 range, but will definitely consider items above that cost if that is what it takes to satisfy the above requirements/goals.
I realize these are a lot of details for something that I'm looking to not spend a whole lot of money on. Wireless is new territory for me, and as you can see I'm wanting it for a very specific purpose (with high security requirements) so I GREATLY appreciate any input anyone takes the time to give. I imagine there are a lot of inexpensive AP's out there, but I don't have the experience (yet) to discern which ones are just junk which ones are going to be a good investment for my needs/goals.
Thanks in advance for any and all help!!
