Need help making second router an access poiny

[Goblin_King]

I was having horrible speed issues with my Belkin N750DB on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. I have Comcast 105/10, but get 120+/11.5 when hardwired. I was only getting 40Mb download right next to the router, and less than 10 when downstairs. I just bought an Asus RT-N66U, and can now get the same speeds as hardwired when on the same level as the router, in 5GHz mode. I get great speeds in 2.4GHz mode as well, just not as good. I upgraded all my devices recently with USB 3.0 Dual band adapters so I could utilize the 5GHz band. Even with the new setup, when I go downstairs, I can sometimes reach around 90/11.5 on the 5GHz, and sometimes it does down to around 45/11.5 in some corners. The 2.4GHz band downstairs gives me around 40/10.

I want to setup my Belkin that I am no longer using as an access point, or repeater...not sure of the terminology, but I want to give more range to my network. I have dd-wrt firmware on my Belkin, but I can't figure out how to make my setup work. Is there a way to get to the Belkin's admin page without it being the primary router? I can't get to it by just running a LAN port from the router to a laptop. Do I have to set everything up while it's the primary router and I'm able to access the page?

I have a powerline Ethernet adapter. So instead of trying to do this wirelessly, I could use the powerline to hardwire the Belkin downstairs, correct?

I'm not a tech expert, and a lot of the stuff I googled is confusing me...Can someone give me a simple step by step instructions on how to do this...Thanks so much

Let me know if you need any other info

 

[JackMDS]

The powers line should install as its instructions.

The Belkin should be configured this way.

Using Wireless Routers (or Modem/Wireless Router) as a Switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

 

[Goblin_King]

This did not really help

So I need to put the old router on an IP addy outside the DHCP range of the new router...but keep the same 255.255.255.0 subnet, correct?

I guess I have to change the SSID of the old router as well...so I would be connecting to a different SSID downstairs than upstairs?

 

[Goblin_King]

Ok, I'm in the Belkins dd-wrt admin page now...I forgot it changed addresses when I installed dd-wrt

Under bridge mode there's a few options, what do I choose

-AP Only
-WDS Only
-AP & WDS
-AP-Client Only
-AP & AP-Client

 

[Goblin_King]

I got it working...It upped the speed of my 2.4GHz downstairs, but 5GHz was still lacking...This Belkin always had extreme trouble with the 5GHz band. Thread can be closed.