Wireless router with AP client mode?

I highly recommend a dedicated access-point for repeater mode. They are designed specifically for this and redistributing wireless connections in repeater mode.

In client mode though, they are very stable and with the latest firmware they support all types of current wireless security.

A very good model os the Linksys WAP54G. It's very stable. I have one customer (a hotel) that has 12 of these actually put in the attic where it easily gets 140 degrees F in the summer time. They run with no problem at 140 F  - this tells me it's one heck of a sold product. Most anything else turns off or has errors at about 100 - 110 F.

Here's the link so you can check it out:

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1126536803676&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

Cheers! Let me know if you have any questions!

@Pugglewuggle

I've looked at these, however the manual states that the WAP54G can only connect to another WAP54G in AP Client mode.  I need something that cannot to ANY wireless access point/router, regardless of brand/model.

Also, I'm not trying to use repeater mode.  I need to use a router or AP in client mode to connect some wired-only devices to the network.  If I use bridge mode, then no other clients (i.e. laptops) can connect to the parent AP, so I have no choice but to use client mode.

i_play you beat me to it. However, as puggle states, that is indeed an amazing product, just no suited for your application. Though it may be a better option...

I wish companies would simply make all networking equipment compatible with some sort of standard i.e. interchangeable parts (but networking hehe). But they don't.

My suggestion is a cheapie that will do the job. But why not go with the newer version of the router you had if it worked well for you? It is a good idea to stick with the same company:

TL-WR543G http://www.tp-link.com/products/product_des.asp?id=109

Or Ebay has your router for $40 ....

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=m38.l1313&_nkw=TP-Link+TL-WA501G&_sacat=See-All-Categories

The product you are looking for is called a Wireless Ethernet Bridge. You can check places like Pricewatch.com, E-Bay, CDW and so forth. If you are looking for budget items you can look at Linksys WET200 or Linksys WET54G. These products you will set up to connect to your wireless device then connect either a single node, or plug a switch into it so any device plugged into the switch will now communicate wirelessly to your original AP. Price Range $90 - $125 (From CDW.COM)

I connect a bridge to my parent router, that means I have to put both units in bridge mode, which means that no other client devices and connect to the parent.  And that's why I need the AP to operate in client mode.

Can I ask what exactly you are trying to accomplish with your network?

Bridge and client mode are essentially the same thing. They connect to the main AP/router and extend the network to a remote location by wireless and then have ethernet ports to connect the rest of a wired network to.

And as GJ asks, what is the exact application and end goal?

Cheers!

If I might step in, the difference for him is that he needs other devices to connect to the AP in addition to the device acting as the "bridge" device.  It sounds like he might have several computers that act as wireless clients but he also has some network devices (printers, perhaps?) that also need to connect as clients to the same AP.  So in this sense, bridge mode and client mode are not exactly the same thing because bridge mode is exclusive (in most access points I've seen, anyway) and client mode is not exclusive with respect to the access point.

If the devices are, indeed, printers as I have speculated, maybe a wireless printer server would be an appropriate answer so I agree that more information as to the final result desired could be important in getting the best answer.

This is true with enterprise equipment - but in home-grade equipment there is really no difference unless you're using 2 APs. The second router can still connect as a bridge to the first router even if it's in infrastructure mode.

Good ol' differences in terminology for consumer products... gotta love em. Thus my comments stand. :)

Cheers!

That is exactly what I said. :)

Regarding connecting two routers in bridge mode.....I tried it and it didn't work.  The two routers talk to each other fine, but no other device could connect to the parent router.  Tried it with two different routers I had lying around (neither of which supports client mode but do support bridge mode).

@GJTech

I looked at the TL-WR543G you suggested and from the docs I'm not quite sure if it supports the type of client mode I need.  The docs says that it supports WISP client mode but I think this is for connecting directly to your ISP, not to another wireless access point.

And the seller on eBay doesn't ship to Canada. :(

I know the models are out there; I just can't seem to get one here!