Wireless Router

Nerys

Anybody know a way to connect two wireless routers, using one as an access point. I have a Linksys and 2Wire router and I'm wondering if those two will work together

any help or links to what I'm looking for would be greatly appreciated

DrFrylock

I think this is right:

Set up both routers independently, not necessarily connected to the Internet initially. One will be the master, one will be the slave. The master will be the one plugged directly into the Internet connection (cable modem, DSL, whatever). The slave will be the other one. Give them both separate IP addresses (e.g., master: 192.168.1.1; slave: 192.168.1.2). I think it works more easily if they're both on the same subnet (i.e., the first three octets in the IP address are the same).

Configure the master as normal: DHCP on, NAT on. Configure the slave such that DHCP and NAT are turned off. This will make the slave basically a passthrough - alll devices connected to the slave will get their IP addresses from the master.

Set the two routers on different WiFi channels, preferably far apart from one another. 1 and 11 are pretty good guesses. Although some routers allow you to choose any channel between, say, 1 and 13, the standard WiFi channels are 1, 6, and 11.

Connect the WAN port on the slave to an open port on the master via an Ethernet cable. Disclaimer: I think this is correct, but I'm not sure. If it doesn't work, you can 1) try plugging one of the open ports on the slave to an open port on the master, or use a crossover cable. The WAN port on the master will be plugged into the (cable modem, DSL modem...)

I'm not sure how to set up the SSIDs on both devices. I'm pretty sure you don't want to set them both to the same SSID, since devices will get confused, especially those in range of both.

proXimity

I'm pretty sure he wants to set the routers to connect via wifi- one base station connected to internet/whatever transmitting, the other receiving and acting as a hub for ethernet from there. Unfortunately, only some router firmwares allow this kind of communications, I have a cheapass no-name hub that allows it, but I've seen higher end routers without it.

However, you have a linksys router, which I know are popular for third party firmware, which I'm pretty sure can do that. You might have to reflash the firmware of the linksys, and then set it up via the new configuration panel to connect to the broadcasting 2wire.

If that doesn't work, unless there's something i don't know (not unlikely), you're out of luck.

DrFrylock

Yes, the OP is ambiguous as to exactly what he wants. My post is written for the following configuration, but in different locations in his house, to allow greater coverage.

Network Extender Configuration:
Device --(wireless)--> Router #1 --(ethernet)--> Router #2 --(ethernet) --> Modem

(in this configuration, other devices can also connect wirelessly to Router #2)

Things would be different if you wanted to set up these configurations:

Bridge Configuration:
Device --(ethernet)--> Router #1 --(wireless)--> Router #2 --(ethernet)--> Modem

In this configuration, Router #1 is acting as a wireless bridge. As proXimity says, not all firmware supports this. However, open firmware that you might be able to put on your Linksys router, can put it in bridge mode. If you don't want to hassle that, you can buy a wireless bridge device (these are the same sorts of things you use to hook up an Xbox wirelessly, for example).

Repeater Configuration:
Device --(wireless)--> Router #1 --(wireless)--> Router #2 --(ethernet)--> Modem

In this configuration, Router #1 is acting as a wireless repeater. The same advice applies here: most out-of-the-box router firmware packages do not support repeater mode, but many open ones do. You can also buy a dedicated wireless repeater. Also note that wireless repeaters have a tendency to be flaky, slow, and just don't work quite right.

Rogar

I'm having a similar issue, and thought I'd borrow this topic instead of create a new one. I'm looking to set up my two routers, one being connected directly to the internet and I want the second one to act as a hub, where I can run both wired and wireless connections from it. I don't know too much about this, so if you need more information to help me with my problem, just ask.

Basically, I have one router that is already connected to the internet. I have a second router I want to set up in the basement so I can connect a computer/360 and possibly run some wireless devices off of it.

I think proXimity is describing how I want my routers/wifi setup, but I'm just not sure. Hopefully one of you can help me out.

Evil_Reaver

The OP needs to set up a wireless bridge. Please read the following articles and tutorials:

Lifehacker: Wire your living room over a Wi-Fi bridge

DDWRT: Building a wireless bridge

I set up a wireless bridge using two wireless routers about a year ago using those articles as guides. Not having to run wires everywhere is just about the most awesome thing ever. It also gives your geek cred a +3 boost.

Rogar

Again, not meaning to hijack, but Evil_Reaver, those links are exactly what I was looking for. Only question is, I can't find the download for my router. I'm using a LinkSys WRT300N. Where can I go, or what item under downloads is the one I need?

khain

DD-WRT, make sure to read any notes about your router on the supported hardware page.

Rogar

Ok, checked that out and it doesn't show any notes for my router. I've tried several times, disabling the firewalls it said to and the upgrade still fails every time. Could resetting the router to factory defaults be what I need to do?