extending wifi coverage

[think2]

Is it possible to use two WIFI routers to double the coverage/ distance. If so, what kind of routers do this and how do you set them up?

TIA.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Get any router that can accept DD-WRT, and set the main router up as the DHCP/ROUTER and plug in the WAN to it...then bridge the other router that has DD-WRT wirelessly. If placed properly, you'll have doubled your range.

Just make sure to remember that when connected to your second router, you will get half the bandwidth you normally would.

WRT54GL's would work fine.

 

[skyking]

Look up WDS at dd-wrt. It will show you step by step how to make a seamless roaming experience across your extended network.

 

[JackMDS]

The general approach that I take for Coverage issues is the following.

The best way is to lay few CAT6 cables to central locations in the house, install Access Points, or Cable/DSL Routers configured as an Access Points ( Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html ), and connect them to the Main Router.

You do not want/can not/hate/your client hate to lay Cables.

You start with One affordable Wireless Router that can do WDS (the reason to start with WDS capable Router is that in case you need to add more Wireless WDS hardware the original Router has to support it).

If you are lucky and your environment is conducive to get covered with one Good Wireless Router and you are done.

Routers that can do WDS as is are sold by (Buffalo, Zyxel, SMC, Belkin, and some others)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_Distribution_System.

Buffalo-HP-54G, Linksys WRT54GL, and Asus, 520GU can do WDS when flashed with DD-WRT firmware.
Due to the added flexibility, it is better solution to choose Routers that can work with DD-WRT
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
[FONT=&quot]http://meanderingpassage.com/2007/04/15/dd-wrt-setting-up-a-home-wireless-distribution-system-wds/

It is a good idea to start with the Buffalo since it is a High Power Wireless Router that covers more distance to begin with, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833162134

Using a Laptop loaded with Netstumbler, do a Wireless survey in the house, http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/

According to the Netstumbler's signal strength reading, identify spots that have strong signal. and spot with weak, or No signal.

Evaluate how you can cover the space and start placing WDS units.

Additional Wireless Routers in WDS Mode (Wireless Network - Configuration Modes. ) has to be placed in spots were the signal is good about Half way to the dead spots.

How many WDS units are needed? It depends on your specific environment (that is a good the reason to buying WDS units one at the time, try it, and decide on the Next step).

Otherwise.

Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html

Wireless Router as an AP - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

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

Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html

Hi Gain Antenna - http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html


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[Fallen Kell]

Look up WDS at dd-wrt. It will show you step by step how to make a seamless roaming experience across your extended network.

WDS also cuts your available bandwidth pretty much in half... While it has its uses in situations where you absolutely can not run a wire, and simply need to connect something to do some web browsing, it will work fine. If you want to do video streaming, you need to run a wire at least to the router and run in access point mode.