Extending Wireless Network to Entertainment Center - Wireless Bridge?

[marks70]

I have a D-Link DGL-4300 wireless router that I have in one of my bedrooms. I recently purchased some new HD equipment (TV, blu-ray, TiVo) located in our family room that all require network connectivity. I was thinking that I could get all of these devices connected to my wireless network using a wireless bridge, but I'm not too familiar with them. Is this the route you would recommend, and if so, can you recommend a wireless bridge to use? If there is some other way of connecting these devices to my wireless network that you're familiar with, please let me know.

Thanks.

 

[tonyyy]

I have a similar situation and I ended up buying two linksys WRT54GL routers to create a wireless bridge using DD-WRT firmware.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Wireless_Bridge

It works great and I can play on xbox live without any problems/lag.

Using the WRT54GL I can connect up to 4 devices or even attach another switch for more devices.

I would only recommend setting up a wireless bridge if you do not plan on having heavy traffic to multiple devices otherwise the wireless will be a bottleneck and you will see bad performance. But if you just want one device to have Internet access and gaming or netflix it should be fine depending on your Internet Connection

Good luck.

 

[Zensal]

I second tonyyy's idea.

I'm currently running 2 WRT54G routers, one being a AP/Router and the other is a Client Bridge.

 

[Zensal]

DP

 

[marks70]

Thanks. Any idea if the WRT54GL will work with my existing D-Link DGL-4300 wireless router? Also, are you saying that you need to use the DD-WRT firmware in order for this to work? Where do you obtain it from?

 

[JackMDS]

You need a Wireless Router that can be configured as a Client Bridge (aka Wireless bridge).

First step it is enough to get one Router since there is a very high probability that it can act as a client to your current Router.

Option 1. Regular Wireless strength, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833320023

Option 2. Extra Wireless strength,http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833162134

In both options you have to Flash DD-WRT, or Tomamto Free 3rd apty firmware, and configure the Router to a Client Bridge Mode.

http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/3639271

http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/3810281

If it does not work with your Current Router, then you have to get second one of the same as in the option that you chose.

 

[Zensal]

Thanks. Any idea if the WRT54GL will work with my existing D-Link DGL-4300 wireless router? Also, are you saying that you need to use the DD-WRT firmware in order for this to work? Where do you obtain it from?

Yes, it should work fine. Only one router needs to be DD-WRT.

Just flash your WRT54GL with DD-WRT from here:
http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/support/router-database

Make sure to read, read and read some more about which version your router is and which version you can put on it. Also, make sure that you follow the directions exactly. No deviations.

I'll try to find a good Client Bridge setup guide a little later.

 

[JackMDS]

In cases that a Good Wireless Brdge is needed the WRT54GL is not automatically the best solutions.

The WRT54GL Wireless component per-se "sux" as compared to other Flashable Wireless Routers at the same price bracket.

 

[Zensal]

Maybe I mistook something. I thought the OP was implying that he had a WRT54GL.

If you do, use it. If you don't, yes, there are much better alternatives.

 

[JackMDS]

I think that the WRT54GL came in the post by tonyyy the OP is marks70.

 

[tonyyy]

I have zero problems with my WRT54GL acting as a wireless bridge. I just threw in my 2 cents to his problem. you can say it sux but I got the job done and am happy kicking butt on xbox live! I even download game demo's and watch netflix just fine!

Mark if flashing a router sounds too complicated then I would highly recommend putting some dirty old clothes on and crawling through your attic and dropping a cat6 cable from your bedroom to your home theater

 

[JackMDS]

The WRT54GL are Not problematic, it just that the Radio used by them is mediocre, range and bandwidth are Not as good as some other Wireless radio used by other Wireless Router.

The WRT54GL goes for about $55.

The Buffalo that goes for $53 has Superior Wireless as compared to the WRT54GL.

The Asus that is sold for $35 is slightly better than the WRT54GL.

The issue might be complicated, but that the way it is.

 

[marks70]

Thanks everyone. Wow, just trying to get a wireless bridge to work does sound complicated. It seems like in this day and age they would have a much more refined solution.

 

[JackMDS]

No, it is Not complicated if One has minimum understanding in Technology rather than follow marketing "BS".

It just like getting a car, you have to decide what to buy. Driving is Not a problem. :biggrin:

 

[tonyyy]

A day, some money, a case of beer, a table/wall to bang your head on :biggrin: and you will have a working wireless bridge in no time.

 

[sxr7171]

Thanks everyone. Wow, just trying to get a wireless bridge to work does sound complicated. It seems like in this day and age they would have a much more refined solution.

It's easy it took about 5 minutes to set up. I used the Netgear 5Ghz Wireless N pair. Watch out though, they didn't design Gigabit Ethernet ports into this one and so for file transfers it sucks.