Is it possible to do this with 2 wireless routers?

SunnyD

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Jan 2, 2001
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I'm trying to "bridge" a span that can't be wired for multiple PC's using wired and wireless.

Basically, imagine two rooms, seperated by a permanent wall that can't have wire run through, around, over or under. Multiple PC's on either side that are wired to Router #1 along with the internet connection - this router is providing DHCP services.

On the other side is Router #2, assumedly running as an AP, with multiple PC's wired to it. The only wireless connection is between Router #1 and #2. All PC's are assigned using Router #1's DHCP server, as is Router #2.

Is this possible? According to the manual for my router, when configured as an AP, it must be WIRED to Router #1.
 

Fiveohhh

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Jan 18, 2002
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You'd need two routers or ap's capable of bridging together. I believe they can only act as either an ap or a bridge. So if you wanted to have wireless access also you'd need to have 3 wireless devices 2 of them bridging the two sides of the network and one acting as an AP. Normally the two bridges need to be same make sometimes same model. I know the linksys wap11 is capable of bridging, you'll have to look around to find others.


edit: Another option would be to have a computer running XP use software to bridge the connection, but than it would need to remain on and I'm not sure how reliable XP's bridging software is.

edit2: looks like the wet54g can bridge also
 

JackMDS

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Oct 25, 1999
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Assuming that Room1 has a Regular Wireless Cable/DSL Router.

The other room does not need a Router or Routing Capacity. The Routing is done in Room1 for the whole Network.

Option 1 for Room 2. An Access Point that is capable to act in Client Mode.

Option 2for Room2. A Driverless Client card (Aka Consumer Bridge like the Linksys WET11) plugged into a Switch, and room #2 computers plugged into the same switch.

Assuming that Room1 has a Regular Wired Cable/DSL Router.

The other room does not need a Router or Routing Capacity. The Routing is done in Room1 for the whole Network.

You buy two Access Points. One get plugged into a regular port in the Wired Router of Room 1.

The second Access Point is plugged into a Switch, and room #2 computers plugged into the same switch.

Both Access Point configured to work in Bridge Mode.

Link: Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.


There is hardware available for all options in 802.11b or 802.11b/g

:sun:
 

SunnyD

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Well I have 2 routers capable of being set to access point mode. My issue is, I cannot seem to get them to talk to eachother wirelessly (1 as router, the second as AP).
 

madthumbs

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Oct 1, 2000
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I remember seeing something recently like a specialized antennae to boost the wireless range to ~1k feet. Price was ~$50. Something to consider.
 

ktwebb

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Nov 20, 1999
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(1 as router, the second as AP).

There both AP's. A wireless router is a NAT router with an integrated Access Point. Very few to no router/ap combos will bridge. Now firmware can alter this and I expect the open source Linksys AP/routers, with a large number of enthusiasts firmwares available, allow bridging. Check your manual and/or options after flashing the firmware on your rig. If you see bridging you have it but it's highly unlikely. The second device would be used as a workgroup bridge, commonly called wireless ethernet client, or some derivative of that. You could also eliminate AP broadcasting completely if you had a bridge only mode. Might be called Point to Point or Point to Multipoint bridging. Really depends on your gear, but the chances of you have an unflashed AP/router that will bridge is remote at best.