Can the 20GB PS3 be mated to a 802.11g wireless USB adapter so that it can have wireless functionality? I've got a Linksys wireless broadband router hooked up to my office computer and I have a wireless USB adapter attached to my HTPC in the living room next to my HD monitor, thus enabling my HTPC to surf the net. Can I attach a similar adapter to the PS3? Just wondering if Sony's XMB interface will recognize it...
thanks in advance!

Try it?

I agree, try it and find out. I am actually on the same page as I picked up the 20gb version as well. I have all three next gen systems, with the wii already being wifi enabled, I am looking for a clean wireless solution soon.

I would try the one you have hooked up to your htpc just to see if worked, let us know because some of us are wanting the same thing. After waiting in line for 24hrs they ran out of th 60gb when they got to me so I also have the 20gb version. I don't really need the wifi right now but it may come in handy if I get the psp.

^ I believe it can. I think someone tried it elsewhere.

I tried the USB adapter and the PS3 said "unrecognized USB device"...hmmm not sure what the problem is. I wonder if I need to get a wireless bridge that will plug directly into the ethernet port on the back of the PS3???

It means that there are no drivers for it yet. Sony will probably support specific wireless USB NICs or their own, I forget which.

Forgot to mention the exact wireless gear I have in hand:

Linksys WRT54G v. 1.00.7
Linksys Wireless-G USB Adapter

On a side note can one update the firmware on a WRT54G? If so how? I was reading in this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=754875) thread/poll that version 2.0 and 6.0 of the WRT54G have been found to work...

Forget the question about updating the firmware...I tried updating mine via the instructions on the Linksys site and the update failed! :rolleyes:

Oh well maybe I'll just use this baby for BD playback as I originally intended...

Further online research indicates that perhaps the Linksys wireless-G ethernet bridge is the answer to my troubles:

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1134692497433&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

Linksys product info says it works on PS2, XBox without need for a driver...I'll try to snag one tomorrow and will let you all know if it works out.

rickd_99: my friend has that linksys bridge but instead of g it is b for his ps2 and he said it works just fine. so i bet it will work for urs ps3 also. please let us know the result. thx.

A wireless to ethernet bridge certainly will work, since to PS3 that is essentially a wired connection.

Correct...any Ethernet Wireless Bridge will work. Confidence is not high for a USB/Ethernet bridge since those usually require drivers.

I bought the Linksys Gamelink wireless bridge in 802.11b a year or so ago for $36 bucks, used it with a Xbox seamlessly. It'll work just as well with a PS3...all you do is feed the device the MAC address of the PS3 and you're done.

11b is plenty of bandwidth for gaming, downloading from cable.....but might not be the best choice for streaming media. Then again, neither is 11g.

...
I bought the Linksys Gamelink wireless bridge in 802.11b a year or so ago for $36 bucks, used it with a Xbox seamlessly. It'll work just as well with a PS3...all you do is feed the device the MAC address of the PS3 and you're done.
...
.


what do u mean feed the mac address? i was reading the manual for the linksys b bridge...it said it will detect ur wifi network and ur ps2 and (in this case the p3 also) would be able to connect to ur wifi network without any driver or "tinkering." but if ur wifi network has a wep security, then u would plug the linksys bridge to a pc first and configure the wep security and then plug it to ur ps2.

so my question is y would u need to enter in the mac address? please dont try to make this more confusing for the avg. user.

AHHHH thats it...sorry, I didn't plug in my mac addy (it must auto-clone whatever addy its plugged into)...I punched in my WEP :)

Sorry for the confusion guys, and thanks for the clarification.......

After reading some not so complimentary reviews of the Linksys WET54G I decided to instead order this Buffalo Airstation bridge:

http://reviews.cnet.com/Buffalo_AirStation_Turbo_G_High_Power_WLI_TX4_G54HP_bridge/4505-3304_7-31570549.html

It's got 4 ports on the back, is $30 cheaper than the Linksys, and will give me future expansion capability in my theater setup...

I'm having it snail shipped from Amazon so it will be middle of next week before I can report back the results...

ok when u get it..tell us how it goes.

btw..what router u have? linksys, netgear, or what?

I bought D-Link DGL-3420, and it works with our PS3 20GB nicely.
Here is the link:
http://games.dlink.com/products/?pid=383&#DGL-3420

You have to configure it by connecting to your PC first, to connect to your router.

Then, you can hook it up to your PS3.


BTW, my router is D-Link DI-624, so your mileage may vary.

ckatili: bah...that d-link bridge only has 1 ethernet port...mean u can plug either 1 device (ps3 or something else) or u can get another 4 port switch if u plan to connect more thing.

the one that rickd_99 cost around $70 and it has 4 ports!!!

ok when u get it..tell us how it goes.

btw..what router u have? linksys, netgear, or what?


Vincent, the router I have is the Linksys WRT54G v. 1.00.07. I read on one of the Amazon reviews that the Buffalo ethernet bridge I ordered works well with the WRT54G...we shall see next week sometime. I will post results when I have them...

ok...good. cuz from a tech experience...it is alway good to get the same brand for a router and a bridge.

OK I am happy to report that the Buffalo ethernet bridge I referenced in message # 16 above works great with the PS3 20GB and my Linksys WRT54G router. I followed HDTV lover's instructions listed on the Amazon web site review section for the Buffalo Air Station to the letter:

Reviewer: HDTV lover (Woodinville, Wa) - See all my reviews
It works great to connect up a TIVO Series 2, which has a wired ethernet jack. Unlike the TIVO wireless USB adapter that requires you to only use the very weak WEP encryption, this Buffalo converter lets me continue to use the strong WPA/PSK encryption.

I didn't give it 5 stars, because the setup is a bit tricky. But here's what worked for me to connect this with my Dlink 524 wireless router:


1. Plug the buffalo into one of the ports on the Dlink.

2. On your PC, temporarily disable DHCP, and change your PC's ip address to 1.1.1.2, and with a gateway of 1.1.1.1., and a mask of 255.255.255.0.

3. Now you can talk to the Buffalo by entering 1.1.1.1 in a browser window. (The username is root, with no password.) Change the buffalo IP address to something within the Dlink's routers normal DHCP range 192.168.0.[100-199]. For example, 192.168.0.120. Set up the encryption, enter your PSK passphrase, (Buffalo calls it TKIP) and hit save. At this point, unplug the Ethernet cable to the Buffalo, and make it reset (pull and reinstall the power plug).

4. On your PC, undo the changes you did in step 2, and reenable DHCP.

5. Now you can talk to the buffalo wirelessly by entering your specified IP address from step 3 above, (192.168.0.120). If this works, you're done. If you forgot to unplug the Ethernet cable from the Buffalo, you may now get a duplicate IP error. Don't do that.

6. Now carry the Buffalo over to your TIVO (or other device), and plug an Ethernet cable between the Buffalo and the TIVO. Wait a little, and it should just work.

After carrying out these instructions and connecting the Buffalo bridge to your PS3, in the XMB menu you select "Network Settings", "Internet Connection Settings", "Wired Connection", then "Easy" and the PS3 automatically detects the IP address for you and you are done! I was able to download the firmware update in about 20 minutes and the browser function seems pretty snappy.

Hope the above info is helpful to you all...

OK I am happy to report that the Buffalo ethernet bridge I referenced in message # 16 above works great with the PS3 20GB and my Linksys WRT54G router. I followed HDTV lover's instructions listed on the Amazon web site review section for the Buffalo Air Station to the letter:

Reviewer: HDTV lover (Woodinville, Wa) - See all my reviews
It works great to connect up a TIVO Series 2, which has a wired ethernet jack. Unlike the TIVO wireless USB adapter that requires you to only use the very weak WEP encryption, this Buffalo converter lets me continue to use the strong WPA/PSK encryption.

I didn't give it 5 stars, because the setup is a bit tricky. But here's what worked for me to connect this with my Dlink 524 wireless router:


1. Plug the buffalo into one of the ports on the Dlink.

2. On your PC, temporarily disable DHCP, and change your PC's ip address to 1.1.1.2, and with a gateway of 1.1.1.1., and a mask of 255.255.255.0.

3. Now you can talk to the Buffalo by entering 1.1.1.1 in a browser window. (The username is root, with no password.) Change the buffalo IP address to something within the Dlink's routers normal DHCP range 192.168.0.[100-199]. For example, 192.168.0.120. Set up the encryption, enter your PSK passphrase, (Buffalo calls it TKIP) and hit save. At this point, unplug the Ethernet cable to the Buffalo, and make it reset (pull and reinstall the power plug).

4. On your PC, undo the changes you did in step 2, and reenable DHCP.

5. Now you can talk to the buffalo wirelessly by entering your specified IP address from step 3 above, (192.168.0.120). If this works, you're done. If you forgot to unplug the Ethernet cable from the Buffalo, you may now get a duplicate IP error. Don't do that.

6. Now carry the Buffalo over to your TIVO (or other device), and plug an Ethernet cable between the Buffalo and the TIVO. Wait a little, and it should just work.

After carrying out these instructions and connecting the Buffalo bridge to your PS3, in the XMB menu you select "Network Settings", "Internet Connection Settings", "Wired Connection", then "Easy" and the PS3 automatically detects the IP address for you and you are done! I was able to download the firmware update in about 20 minutes and the browser function seems pretty snappy.

Hope the above info is helpful to you all...
Hey RickD, I saw your post on the PlayStation forums and followed you over here from the link you left.

I have the 20 GB PS3 and just ordered the Buffalo Ethernet bridge model WLI-TX4-G54HP. I also have the Linksys WRT54GS v5 router, so I am in the same boat as you.

In regards to your post...the instructions are that for a D-Link router, but I suppose this works for the one we have, too?

Step 2 says to temporarily disable DHCP, and to change your PC's IP address to 1.1.1.2, and with a gateway of 1.1.1.1., and a mask of 255.255.255.0. How in the heck do I do that?

I also don't understand how to do steps 3 and 5, either.

Any help would be appreciated!

Where is a USB solution?

Step 2 says to temporarily disable DHCP, and to change your PC's IP address to 1.1.1.2, and with a gateway of 1.1.1.1., and a mask of 255.255.255.0. How in the heck do I do that?

I also don't understand how to do steps 3 and 5, either.

Any help would be appreciated!If you are using Windows XP:

1. In the start menu select "My Network Places"
2. Under the "Lan or High Speed Internet" area there should be an icon that says "connected". This is your ethernet card. Double click it.
3. This will open a status window. Under the "General" tab, select "Properties".
4. This will open the properties window. Highlight "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), then click "Properties".
5. Under the "General" tab "Obtain an IP address automatically" should be checked. This is DHCP.
6. Disable DHCP by clicking "Use the following IP address".
7. Enter the IP addresses above into the corresponding field.
8. You do not need to enter DNS server addresses since the configuration of the wireless bridge will use hard static addresses instead of DNS lookup.
9. Click OK and Close.
10. Remember to go back and change these setting back when you are done configuring the device.

This simply puts your computer into the on the same subnet as the Buffalo devices default so you can configure the Buffalo to be on the same subnet as the Linksys default. Hope this helps you out.

Does anybody know if the following set up will work ok. The Linksys WRT350N with the Linksys WAP4400N. My plans are to use this access point as a wireless client (for xbox360 & PS3) if its possible. Just looking for any feedback or suggestions. P.S. this is all if us 20gigers cant figure out a way to use a usb wireless adapter. Thanks in advance. Sorry about no links the forum wouldn't let me.

I bought the D-Link DGL-3420 like someone is using above.

I will pay you if you can get it to work for me... :(

Does anybody know if the following set up will work ok. The Linksys WRT350N with the Linksys WAP4400N. My plans are to use this access point as a wireless client (for xbox360 & PS3) if its possible. Just looking for any feedback or suggestions. P.S. this is all if us 20gigers cant figure out a way to use a usb wireless adapter. Thanks in advance. Sorry about no links the forum wouldn't let me.I don't think you want to use an access point with that router. I don't beleive consumer products have radio to radio ability. The AP still needs to be wired to the network. Since the 20g PS3 doesn't have built in wifi, the only option for that version currently is wired. This means you need a wireless bridge at the PS3 end. Since Linksys product line doesn't currently include a "draft-N" wireless bridge you would have to go with a backwards compatible 802.11G model which may cause the router to kick down to 802.11G compatibility mode.

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1134692497433&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

I finally managed to 'talk' to my D-Link adapter and set the WLan settings.

I plugged it into my PS3 and it fails the internet test to get an IP address.
I'm not sure if more changes need to be made to the device.

Here's an emulated link to the GUI of the adapter:

http://support.dlink.com/Emulators/dgl3420/

On that first page, click on LAN on the left, you see the settings on the bottom, I left DCHP disabled. I'm not sure if I was supposed to do that, or enbale it.

I all I did was run the set up wizard, scan for the SSID, put in the wep key, etc. And then moved it on over to the PS3.

I finally managed to 'talk' to my D-Link adapter and set the WLan settings.

I plugged it into my PS3 and it fails the internet test to get an IP address.
I'm not sure if more changes need to be made to the device.

Here's an emulated link to the GUI of the adapter:

http://support.dlink.com/Emulators/dgl3420/

On that first page, click on LAN on the left, you see the settings on the bottom, I left DCHP disabled. I'm not sure if I was supposed to do that, or enbale it.

It's easiest if you have DHCP enabled. This will allow your router to assign the PS3 an address on the same network segment. If you choose to disable DHCP, you need to manually assign your PS3 an IP address on the same network segment as your router and you may also need to populate DNS server data.

I finally managed to 'talk' to my D-Link adapter and set the WLan settings.

I plugged it into my PS3 and it fails the internet test to get an IP address.
I'm not sure if more changes need to be made to the device.

Here's an emulated link to the GUI of the adapter:



On that first page, click on LAN on the left, you see the settings on the bottom, I left DCHP disabled. I'm not sure if I was supposed to do that, or enbale it.

I all I did was run the set up wizard, scan for the SSID, put in the wep key, etc. And then moved it on over to the PS3.

Dallow let me know if you get the gaming adapter working as i have the same one. Also what router are you useing, i have the dgl-4300?

It's easiest if you have DHCP enabled. This will allow your router to assign the PS3 an address on the same network segment. If you choose to disable DHCP, you need to manually assign your PS3 an IP address on the same network segment as your router and you may also need to populate DNS server data.

Thanks Guru, I'll try that when I get home from work.

Dallow let me know if you get the gaming adapter working as i have the same one. Also what router are you useing, i have the dgl-4300?

I'm actually using a cheapo generic wireless router, but it's worked so far for me on my Wii, PSP, and DS.
Feel free to PM me if you need help.

Works perfectly, thanks Guru.

After reading some not so complimentary reviews of the Linksys WET54G I decided to instead order this Buffalo Airstation bridge:

http://reviews.cnet.com/Buffalo_AirStation_Turbo_G_High_Power_WLI_TX4_G54HP_bridge/4505-3304_7-31570549.html

It's got 4 ports on the back, is $30 cheaper than the Linksys, and will give me future expansion capability in my theater setup...

I'm having it snail shipped from Amazon so it will be middle of next week before I can report back the results...

im just bumping this thread cuz im curious if the buffalo airstation u got work with ur linksys router. since it has 4 ports...u were able to connect to ur ps3, another laptop, or a tivo system (if u have one) and see if it works correct?

I'm using Netgear Ethernet over Power gear. Specifically to avoid wireless issues. I have a couple XE104s and an XE103. One of the 104s is providing net for the PS3 with 3 free ports. The other 104 is on an SD Tivo and Slingbox Classic with 2 ports free. Its a piece of cake to install (plug it in!) and pretty darned fast. I haven't clocked it, but its rated for 85Mbps.

I'm using Netgear Ethernet over Power gear. Specifically to avoid wireless issues. I have a couple XE104s and an XE103. One of the 104s is providing net for the PS3 with 3 free ports. The other 104 is on an SD Tivo and Slingbox Classic with 2 ports free. Its a piece of cake to install (plug it in!) and pretty darned fast. I haven't clocked it, but its rated for 85Mbps.

is that one of those where u plug into a wall power outlet? the main thing is...u need to plug it into a wall outlet and a surge protector won't work. some ppl wont have enough power outlet for it. and i heard it is a hit or miss. since it works for u...congrats.

Thanks Rick for the tip on the Buffalo, I set it up and it works great with my PS3 20Gb, I'm glad I decided not to wait for the 60GB.

Hello all!

I just tested a setup on my 20GB system, very simple, and probably can be tweaked to heaven...

I used a LINKSYS WAP54G connected to my PS3. I set it up for AP Client mode and entered in my PS3's Mac Address.

The other end of my network is a LINKSYS WRT54G. I had network security off on both units, since this was more of a curiosity test for me then a utilization. I set it for G only, and channel 11. On the WRT54G I was broadcasting a SSID, and on the WAP54g I had SSID off.

Anyways, it worked just fine. I am sure you could get security of your choice running, but I did not test it myself.

If anyone has input on the above settings, or questions, I will do my best to answer!

Hope you all enjoy your wireless 20GB Playstation! Who needs card readers anyway???

Hmm I wonder... I guess the last thing to find out, is if you can get the 20GB to think it is wireless and connect with the PSP like the 60GB version can?

James Hochmuth

Hello all!

I just tested a setup on my 20GB system, very simple, and probably can be tweaked to heaven...

I used a LINKSYS WAP54G connected to my PS3. I set it up for AP Client mode and entered in my PS3's Mac Address.

The other end of my network is a LINKSYS WRT54G. I had network security off on both units, since this was more of a curiosity test for me then a utilization. I set it for G only, and channel 11. On the WRT54G I was broadcasting a SSID, and on the WAP54g I had SSID off.

Anyways, it worked just fine. I am sure you could get security of your choice running, but I did not test it myself.

If anyone has input on the above settings, or questions, I will do my best to answer!

Hope you all enjoy your wireless 20GB Playstation! Who needs card readers anyway???

Hmm I wonder... I guess the last thing to find out, is if you can get the 20GB to think it is wireless and connect with the PSP like the 60GB version can?

James Hochmuth


I have the exact same set-up, however I am using WPA security. I had the WAP54G already in use by an old Imac G4 so I just unplugged it and plugged it into the PS3. No problems- just instantly worked! Now if only all of our toys worked that way!

BTW- I would rather have a USB solution. Has anyone found a wireless g USB device that worked?

For those with the 3420 - are you using WPA?

I just bought a 3420 thinking it should work perfectly with my DGL-4300 router... it works fine until I try to set it to WPA - as soon as I do the darn thing goes into a cycle where it reboots itself every 15 seconds or so and I have not once got it to connect to my router with WPA. Using WEP or no security it works fine. However only WPA is acceptable for me.

Okay, so what is the cheapest and easiest way for me to get my PS3 20g to be wireless? I want to buy a router or whatever but I want to get plug the ethernet cable into the PS3 and to the router and be done.

Okay, so what is the cheapest and easiest way for me to get my PS3 20g to be wireless? I want to buy a router or whatever but I want to get plug the ethernet cable into the PS3 and to the router and be done.

Find one of the Linksys Wireless B game adapters for about $30 bucks..plugs into any ethernet port and turns it into a wireless ethernet port at 802.11b

Plenty fast for games and streaming music, and movies that are below DVD quality.

You can get the 11G version, or any other wireless bridge device, for more $$ to go with a faster wireless speed, but it wont improve your gaming speeds online, just make it more feasable to stream more content.

Find one of the Linksys Wireless B game adapters for about $30 bucks..plugs into any ethernet port and turns it into a wireless ethernet port at 802.11b

Plenty fast for games and streaming music, and movies that are below DVD quality.

You can get the 11G version, or any other wireless bridge device, for more $$ to go with a faster wireless speed, but it wont improve your gaming speeds online, just make it more feasable to stream more content.

Please post a link to say BB or CC with a wirelss B game router. I will use it mostly for video and HD downloads.

Forum Rules say thats a no-no.

Try doing a google search for Surplus Computers, they have em for $19.99 :)

EDIT: Wait, did you say VIDEO? as in you are gonna stream video? What kind of video..>DVD's or DIVX type stuff? Forget HD, there's not enough bandwidth there, even DVD"s may stutter.....DIVX will be no problem, WMV stuff downloaded off the web will be no problem. 11b is 11b.....music, pictures, low-rez video, DIVX......anything more than that, pony up the dough and go for Wireless G.

Does anyone know if the Netgear 802.11g Wireless Router with 4-Port Switch
Model #: NTG WGR614NA will work with a 20g PS3?

Does anyone know if the Netgear 802.11g Wireless Router with 4-Port Switch
Model #: NTG WGR614NA will work with a 20g PS3?

Should work fine if you connect the PS3 directly to one of the switched ports on the router.

If you want a wireless connection, you're going to need a wireless bridge as discussed above.

So I bought a Linksys game adapter and it works. It took a call to there tech support, had to intially hook it up to my computer and about 30 minutes but it is now working.

Anyone know where a walkthrough is on getting a PS3 and a vista PC connected on ad hoc? Or, is it even possible?

Is there a plug and play solution?

Is there a plug and play solution?

Sure, there are those plug and play network adapters that work over the powerlines in your house. Look them up on amazon.

Sure, there are those plug and play network adapters that work over the powerlines in your house. Look them up on amazon.Yeah but they generally suck. You'd be much better off buying a 802.11g (or even a 802.11n) wireless router.

Yeah but they generally suck. You'd be much better off buying a 802.11g (or even a 802.11n) wireless router.

A 100Mb wired connection over powerline adapters suck vs. 54 Mb 11g solution over a wireless (and inconsistent) one?

Please, let's get real here. Here's a good Linksys powerline product (http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1166859583396&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=8339645678B05)that my friend has working for him that gives him great reliable (<10ms ping to a Warhawk server) performance.

For those looking for an easy solution, don't look to a USB solution, drivers do not exist and are not likely to be built, since 95% of all ps3 already have wireless built-in (60, 80, 40Gb versions).

The two solutions are really a wired powerline product (as linked above) or a wireless router and/or bridge. The combo I've been happy with is to pair up a D-Link Extreme N Gaming Router (http://games.dlink.com/products/?pid=643) with a DGL-3420 Gaming Wireless Bridge (http://games.dlink.com/products/?pid=383).

Stick both of them on 11a (5 Ghz) and I have low inteference as well as high speed 108Mbps performance as well as a router I can customize to prioritize my network traffic to keep myself and my g/f's web surfing at the highest speeds. Great wireless performance for 11b/g/n (2.4 ghz) traffic as well as 11a/n (5ghz) traffic.

Hope that helps!

-Splints

I also suggested a 802.11n router, which at this point would be perfectly fine. D-Link's DGL-4500 (http://games.dlink.com/products/?pid=643) router is very nice, and supports pretty much everything you could want at this point, and has 4 Gigabit LAN ports. If you need something this is probably the way to go.

Does anyone know if you can use the PS3 iteslf as a wireless bridge? I'd love to make use of the ethernet jack at the back of the PS3 without having to buy another wireless bridge for my TV. I have the 40GB PS3 SKU.

you might be able to do so in Linux...with a custom driver.

But no, there's now no way to use it as a bridge (which I assume to mean connected to the ISP via wifi and use the ethernet to connect another device).

There are many routers that can function as a 4-port bridge. Or, you can just get a switch or hub and connect that to your existing bridge. Used a hub would be less than $5. A switch is more optimal, but they DO the same thing.

Bummer! I suspected as much. I doubt that Sony would want to give up one of the 7 cell processors just for a "superfluous" network function - something that would hurt gaming performance.

I've got 2 extra routers, both of which can be used as bridges. I just really wanted the opportunity to reduce the clutter around the TV. :rolleyes:

ok - here's a very basic question (or two): what is the purpose of attaching a wireless bridge to the playstation? Doesn't the ps3 has a built in wireless network card?

not the 20G model, no.

I don't see Sony doing anything to add USB drivers as it would only benefit the 20G users, who Sony looks down on as "cheap" anyway.

so theres no reason to have a bridge unless you own the 20g model?

that's right. Or unless your WiFi chip broke after the warranty expired.

I had my PS3 40GB connected to a wireless bridge instead of using the built in wireless. I did this since I had my Xbox360, HD DVD player, and DirecTV HD-DVR already connected to the bridge.

I now have the home theater as the main hub so that wireless bridge is now the main router and my network printer is connected to the bridge (I deactivated my desktop pc and moved to a laptop).

so theres no reason to have a bridge unless you own the 20g model?

some of us have found that a bridge or gaming adapter gives much better speeds than the internal wireless. not really sure why, but download speeds are drastically different.

that may very well be. The PS3's wifi has a pretty bad antenna...and I'm not sure how they connect it to the motherboard...I'm sure it's probably an internal USB thing. The only other internal connection options are PCI or PCI Express, and the PS3 has neither.

hmm i dont see how this would work (http://cgi.ebay.com/New-WiFi-Wireless-USB-Adapter-for-Sony-PS3-PSP-2000_W0QQitemZ200258669995QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item2002586699 95&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14) since the ps3 doesnt have the drivers, but if you set it up on a PC first, like the gaming bridges (as it states) then this might be possible.

here is a pic of the ps3 wifi/bluetooth antenna
http://i7.ebayimg.com/08/i/001/06/e5/8abc_1.JPG

the product in the link above merely becomes an access point when you plug it into a PC.

The PS3's internal wifi connects to the product above and uses the PC's internet connection. Basically, it's for people without a wireless router (which is WHO?).