Expanding network/wireless coverage using two routers.

[kman79]

I'm needing help with an idea to expand wireless coverage in my father's home. Their house is prewired, but wireless is just more convenient and my parents love to sit on their own chairs and use their laptops. I'm using a Linksys WRT54GX2 router that is wired to four other rooms in the house. The family room is the farthest room from the router and the wireless signal is very weak in that area. That room is prewired and I do have the jack in that room hooked up to WRT54GX2. My question is, I have a spare WRT54GC that I used for my condo and I'm wondering if I can plug that in to the wired jack in that room and have it work as a wireless access point extender? Am I making sense, excuse my lack of knowldege of the proper terms to use. But is this possible and what settings/configurations do I need to do to both routers to make this possible? Any help on this is greatly appreciated.

 

[marulee]

Yes and No.
Not as an extender!
However on 2nd router, disable DHCP server and connect the hard-wire from wall to any LAN port on 2nd router. Before you disable DHCP, make sure you changed wireless network name different than an existing SSID (from 1st router!) so you do not get confused. Than you may use 2nd wireless SSID in that location within its range allowed.
Good luck!

 

[JackMDS]

If house is pre-wired, plug the second Router in a place that would provide coverage to the dead spots, and configure it as an Access Point.

Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point

Otherwise, the best Method to Extend Wireless Coverage depends heavily on the Specific Environment.

Look at these pages they describe most of the options that are within the means of Entry Level users, and choose the one that fits you environment best.

Link to: Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.

Link to: Wirelessly Bridging Home / Network.

Link to: Hi Gain Antenna for Entry Level Wireless.

In general, the best Method involves using multiple units connected with wire to the source.

Or WDS ( Wireless Network - Configuration Modes. ) system using Hardware of one Brand across the board.

 

[kman79]

Thanks for the replies guys. I really appreciate the help and the links, very helpful and informative. I haven't been around these boards lately, but its good to know the board is still full of knowledgeable and helpful people.