Can an old WIFI router be re-configured to act as a wifi adapter for a TV?

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Can an old WIFI router be re-configured to act as a wifi adapter for a TV?

Karmer

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#143046 1-Apr-2014 22:36

HI

I have come here to you clever and mentally intimidating Zoners seeking an answer to this question!

We switched to ORCON UFB a while ago as our internet provider. So our old wifi router (Netgear DG834G V5) is surplus to requirements.
We just bought a PC for the kids to do homework on and hopefully to act as a media hub by sending movies, music, pictures etc wire-lessly to the TV.

The TV is a Panasonic 42" without built-in wifi :(
We can buy a USB adapter that plugs in the side, but just wondered if the Netgear router could be re-tasked and put to use in this instance?
I saw something after a Google search at DD-WRT.com about 'flashing' a router, Is that what I need to do? - However the Netgear DG834G isn't listed in the supported firmware downloads.

I am not particularly techno-savvy, so please be gentle with responses.
Also I only get to my laptop in the evenings when kids are in bed, so may not be able to reply straight away.

Much appreciate any help on whether this is possible (if so how) or not.

Cheers

freitasm

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#1016877 1-Apr-2014 22:37

No, sorry, it is not suitable for this task.

Karmer

18 posts

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#1017543 2-Apr-2014 21:36

Doh!

Not the answer I wanted to hear but succinct and to the point.... Save me wasting anymore time. I guess I could just run an ethernet cable under the house to link up but seems so old fashioned!

Thank you

Sideface

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#1017546 2-Apr-2014 21:50

Karmer: ... I guess I could just run an ethernet cable under the house to link up but seems so old fashioned!

Old-fashioned maybe - but faster and more reliable than any wireless system.

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linw

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#1017561 2-Apr-2014 22:46

Yep, nothing like a cable!

raytaylor

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#1017587 2-Apr-2014 23:52

Homeplugs work rather well if you dont want to get dirty. Or you can buy an access point with client bridge mode - though that gets tricky.
I recommend the cable or the homeplugs.

Some access points have different modes (Access pont base / repeater / client) which you can select via the web interface, or in the case of a dlink, by using a switch on the back.
This is however not common with access point+router all-in-ones, commonly what we call "a wireless router" - the radio interface will usually only work as an access point base station only.

Ray Taylor

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freitasm

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#1017624 3-Apr-2014 08:10

We have WiFi covering the house, but for the HTPC we put an ethernet cable under the house from the office to the lounge. Can't beat ethernet for HD content...

nbroad

320 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1017646 3-Apr-2014 08:45

If the TV has ethernet, you need to be able to get the DG834G in client mode, and associated to your AP.
Connect the DG834G to the TV ethernet and it then acts as a layer 2 bridge (like an invisible ethernet cable).

The problem is the DG834G may not support client/bridge mode without blasting it with some 3rd party firmware.

http://www.betaarchive.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19245

Cheers