Running a netbook as a Wifi Router?
 

Hi,

I'm setting up an old netbook as a low power server and since it will be connected to my modem with a network cable I was thinking it would be nice to use the WiFi card to act as a wireless router. (Actually it will be plugged into my existing Wifi router but that barely gives reception down the end of the house where I'm going to put the netbook-server).

Has anyone any experience of doing this, or any suggestions?

I found this guide for doing in part what I want with my netbook (Eeepc 900A). I've tried following it unfortunately the guide is a bit out of date - there's no dhcpd in Ubuntu any more - and I can't get it to work fully.

I can get the network to appear on my WiFi list of another computer. It even seemed to let me join once (although I couldn't seem to see the IP of the netbook-server) however I can't seem to replicate that.

First, I don't really have any experience in this area. It would help if you told us what your network card is. Not all wireless cards for netbooks/laptops can be put in Master mode and function as an access point. Those that can are often glitchy and unreliable. If you want to turn your netbook into a server, connecting it to the router with one or more ethernet cables and hubs may be your best option. As far as extending the wireless range, you could try a wireless repeater like this one. Depending on how many antennas there are sticking out of your router, you could also build your own cheap reflectors.

Thanks PhoenixAndThor, I've done what you said. After plenty of investigation I decided that my wifi card wasn't really up to it. So I've turned off my wifi instead to save on power and plugged it in directly.