[Talk] Wireless Bridge

[Mike Roach]

I'm moving into a closet for tax purposes (those of you who work from 
home will understand.) I have a Watchguard Firebox SOHO 6 VPN router to 
connect to one of my client's internal network and phone system. Since 
my home is wired for wireless ;^) I was thinking of getting a wireless 
bridge. I've been happy with Linksys and Netgear equipment and won't 
consider DLink. The wireless router is the Linksys WRT54G.

What I'm wondering is, have any of you used a router and wireless bridge 
at a hot spot? I will be doing a lot of travelling in July and August 
and it occurs to me that I could go to Panera Bread, plug in the VPN and 
bridge, and connect to my client that way. Most of my work can be done 
offline but I do need to make occasional calls, check voice and e-mail, 
and upload my stuff.

I'm more concerned about possible sociopolitical rather than technical 
issues; will the guy behind the counter freak out when he sees extra 
gear between my laptop and my bagel? Should I cover the extra gear with 
the (inverted) tray and put my coffee cup on top of it? Do I really need 
that extra Orange scone? (OK I can answer that last one for myself.)