Use server 2003 box as wireless gateway/web server?

[Alex]

Hi guys!

I need to get a web server running at home for a small site, so I put together a PC and loaded it up with Server 2003 R2 and a belkin wireless card.
The PC is connected to the internet via wired ethernet into a Thompson Speedtouch 780wl.

I was hoping I'd be able to use this new server as a wireless router, because my router sucks and only works as a modem when set up with multiple static IP's, leaving my folks without internet. Could somebody here please help me out with setting this box up as a wireless access point or something?

Thanks,

Alex

[KyleMulligan]

The only thing I can think of is installing RRAS and running the card in ad-hoc mode. You won't be able to get it to function in infrastructure mode.

[Zylone]

I would personally get a new wireless router to be honest with you! I have had great success with 3com as far as single access points go. If it is a small setup, I would even consider Netgear, I have had very good luck with them as well. Since cisco has acquired linksys, I have noticed their AP's seem to be much more stable, with regard to not locking up and having to reboot them as well as handling a heavy network load. I would not touch D-Link as I use to not touch Linksys for the above reasons. If you do decide to stick with the windows box as an AP solution, at a minimum get an antenna that you could mount on the wall, ceiling, attic, etc. I have seen many issues with a PCI card with the rubber ducky antenna and range of signal. In any case, just remember, keep the AP away from any metal objects, microwaves, etc. RF signals like to bounce off of metal, and microwave's just tear the signal up! Just my .02 :D