Buffalo WHR-G125 as host with Belkin bridges?

[BlueWeasel]

My current setup consists of 2 Belkin F5D7230-4 routers - one as the host router and the other as a wireless bridge as a cheap Xbox adapter. Both Belkin routers use the latest factory firmware (not flashed with DD-WRT)

The Belkin routers have been pretty reliable, both as a host router and wireless AP. My only complaint is the router drops the Internet connection sometimes and a restart is required.

Where I am now is I want another wireless bridge for a second Xbox media center or possible a X360. I had thought about picking up a third Belkin 7230 off Ebay, but after seeing the Buffalo WHR-G125 on sale at CC for $25 (after rebate), I decided to go with it since it gets great reviews and supports the DD-WRT firmware. Used 7230's off Ebay would cost at least $25.

Since the Buffalo seems to be a generally better all-around router, I was hoping to use it as the host router with each Belkin (one on each Xbox) connecting via wireless to it.

Secondly, I'm new to the whole DD-WRT thing. I know that the Buffalo G125 is one of best cheap routers that supports DD-WRT and the Belkin routers also support the "mini" version of the firmware.

Do I need to flash the Buffalo to DD-WRT for my setup to work? The reason I ask is Buffalo doesn't provide factory firmware for the G125, and if I flash it with the DD-WRT, I don't think there's anyway to go back.

Also, would it be recommended to flash the Belkin routers with the DD-WRT?



If I could use the Buffalo as the host, would I even need the DD-WRT firmware?

 

[xSauronx]

the host doesnt need dd-wrt as it just acts like an AP as normal

the secondary that you want to use as the client bridge *will* need firmware to support that feature. im using a buffalo whr-hp as my ap now with stock firmware, and a whr-g54s with dd-wrt as a client bridge.

as for which unit will be better to flash, i cant help with that since ive used neither and dont keep up with dd-wrt specifics by model if i dont own the model

 

[JackMDS]

To make the G-125 working as a Client you need to Flash.

Flash one unit and see how it works, there is No reason to Flash any of the units if they work for your purposes as is.

DD-WRT adds features, it does not make the devices better with the features that are available in the stock firmware.

 

[BlueWeasel]

One thing I'm confused about is the definition of client with WDS networking. By client, Jack, do you mean the wireless bridges (on each Xbox) that would connect to the main router?

I guess my question is if I want the Buffalo as the main router and each Belkin as wireless bridges, do I even have to use DD-WRT at all? It doesn't appear so, since both the Buffalo and Belkin routers all have WDS built in.

Here's the general layout I'm wanting, where --- represents a wired connection and .... represents a wireless connection

Cable Modem -----
Desktop -----

Buffalo G125 main router/host

..... Belkin router as bridge (Xbox #1)
..... Belkin router as bridge (Xbox #2)
..... Laptop

I'm not needing advanced features. All wireless computers (2 laptops) would connect wirelessly to the Buffalo and the 2 bridges would be nothing more than the equivalent of wireless adapters.

 

[JackMDS]

Client means that the device acts as Wireless computer card.

In case of a Router/AP it means that it is receiving the signal and the RJ-ports can be used to connect with a Wire to use the device the way it would use any Wireless card.

WDS is a Repeater on ?steroids?.

WDS means that the device receive the signal and transmit it further to extend the Wireless reach.

Under WDS, the device Flip-Flops between Receive and Transmit and thus extend the range, but lose half of the Bandwidth.

If you have an X-Box and you want to make it Wireless, you need a device that acts as a Client (Not WDS).

Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html

 

[BlueWeasel]

Ah, thanks for explanation.

After doing some searching, I think the setup with work with the factory firmware for both the Buffalo and Belkin routers. Reason being is both use the same Broadcom chipset and the Belkins' have bridge/client capabilities. I was able to find evidence of Buffalo and Belkin routers playing nice with each other.

I'll give it a go and see how it works with the Buffalo as the main router. I'm just hesitant to flash it with DD-WRT, when there's no way to go back.