Connecting 2 Wireless Routers, using one as router and one as an access point...

[dtran42]

I am trying to setup a Linksys WRT54G as the main router and the Netgear MR814V2 as an access point so that I can extend the wireless range in my house. What exactly do I need to do to get it all working. I am fairly new to wireless networking. I want to be able to connect the 2 wireless routers without having to run a long cat5 cable between them. Is there anyway to connect the two routers wirelessly?

 

[JackMDS]

Entry Level Wireless Routers work in Gateway Mode, and can connect to Wireless clients (or AP in Client Mode) only.

More here: Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

 

[dtran42]

I looked throught that link that you gave me, but I am still unsure if the setup that I am trying to configure is possible, any other insights would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[ktwebb]

Jack's link and reply just tell you that what your suggesting isn't going to happen. If you want to use your second Router/AP combo to extend your WLAN then you'll be running a cat5 run to it. If you want to extend wirelessly you really only have two options. Buy an AP (not AP/Router combo), stick it in "client mode" then use a crossover cable to another AP to do the broadcasting, or buy an AP that can be setup as a repeater. The problem with the second solution is that repeating is not Wi-Fi certified so if you buy one of the AP's that has that functionality, Linksys or D-Link gear for example, there is not guarantee it will associate and repeat to your existing parent AP. Since your main AP is a linksys then if you bought a Linksys repeater it would most likely work fine. Your only going to use one of the AP/Routers you have currently in either of the above solutions. If you want to use both of them then you'll be running cable to the second.

Edit: Or buying a third device to associate the first AP as a workgroup bridge or "client mode" then using a X-over to the LAN side of your second AP/Routers integrated switch..

 

[xSauronx]

gotta use the cat5
im trying to get my access point set up right, cant get an ip from the router dhcp server if the WAP is the only wireless signal i have, anyone know what i can do?

 

[dtran42]

Ok, what if I use 2 Netgear MR814 routers, and a Netgear ME102 Access Point, is it possible to hardwire the access point to one router, and then wirelessly communicate to the second router through the access point?

 

[ktwebb]

If the ME102 had a "client mode" then that will work. Router/AP-------CLient mode AP wirelessly---X-over to switch of 2nd Router's LAN port. (DHCP of this router would be disabled. Same SSID as first AP but different non-overlapping channel (frequency set)