IP address from MAC

[Iaind]

Going back in time to the dark ages, I have an old Access Point that is only 802.11b, but it will do as an AP for the Wii that is currently out of the range of my other wireless points.

The problem is, I do not know what the IP address of this AP is, only the MAC address. Is there any way of 'pinging' the MAC address to retreive the IP address. I also do not have the manual that came with this AP to get the default IP addresses after a reset - although these are usually 192.168.0.100 or 192.168.0.252

The model number is wl-aprii/uk and I believe it was made by Bona Tech in Taiwain, but I cannot find anything about them on the t'internet that is of any use.

I have tried plugging the AP into my network and checking that attatched devices on my router, but the MAC address of the AP is not showing up anywhere. I have tried the reset switch on it and still nothing.

When it is on and plugged in, the LAN light is on solid and the WLan light is flashing, so I assume that it is connecting to something via LAN.

Anyone got any suggestions? It would be nice to get this beastie working rather than go out and spend £40/50 quid on a new AP for the Wii that doesn't really need a 24/7 connection.

Cheers,
Iain

 

[mickevh]

It's possible that it doesn't have an IP address: In "normal" operation wifi AP's don't use IP address. Those that do have IP usually do so purely for the purposes of configuring them, (so that you can config them using a web browser rather than loading up some kind of "special" software.)

If you fire up a wireless PC, can you see it advertising it's SSID..?

 

[Iaind]

Actually, yes I can see it in my wireless networks. I have connected to it and set the IP address on the lappie to the ones used for my network and it does appear to be working, in fact, I'm holding the CAT5 cable in my mouth (deffo unplugged from the network now!) and it would appear that I am seeing the rest of the internet etc.

Next step I suppose is to try and get the Wii connected - it just would be nice to configure it with some security as it has none present at the moment!

Cheers,
Iain

 

[mickevh]

If it's really old, it's possible it doesn't do any security.

Believe it or not, encrypting wifi traffic was something of an afterthought when wifi technology was originally designed..!

Thence they created WEP which has subsequently been broken and replaced with WPA/WPA2.

 

[Iaind]

Off the top of my head, it did do WEP, but TBH, if you look at my avatar, that is the building in which i live and the walls are so chuffing thick that I doub't that anyone would be able to access the thing from outside unless they were standing right beside an open window.

It's now downstairs in the gymn, but I have to go and make herselfs' tea, so I'll try the Wii tomorrow.

Cheers,
Iain