Create own wireless hotspot/extend wireless coverage?

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gazza007

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#82231 25-Apr-2011 19:31

Currently using Belkin N1 modem router in home office,want to have wireless access in outside room approx 40 m away,signal problems using wireless.Have cat5e network switch out there now,PS3 WDTV Live video over cat5,IR Extender over Cat5 ,all connected via cat5e ok.Can I Connect another wireless router to give me WIRELESS access at the same time?Want to use laptop and soon to be purchased Samsung Galaxy S out there?If so what do I need,how to do it?
Gary

cyril7

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#462264 25-Apr-2011 20:09

Hi, yes this has been brought up numerous times, basically get a 2nd Wireless router, connect it via one of its LAN ports (not the WAN port to prevent double natting) and ensure that you turn the DHCP server off.

Cyril

gazza007

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#462291 25-Apr-2011 22:32

Thanks!
So I can get any type of cheap router(don't need same brand?)And I assume when I connect the 2nd router and plug it in,will be able to configure it from my laptop?And i Turn off DHCP on which router?

michaelmurfy

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#462317 26-Apr-2011 01:34

gazza007: Thanks!
So I can get any type of cheap router(don't need same brand?)And I assume when I connect the 2nd router and plug it in,will be able to configure it from my laptop?And i Turn off DHCP on which router?

Any cheap router will do, I would recommend snabbing a WRT54GL which I have been running for years without a hitch. From here, install DD-WRT on it and you are set (with a cheap router that has features you possibly will never use) - I find these routers are excellent for range + stability. I do also need to find a replacement for my own WRT54GL but just can't part from it. I understand you can pick them up for pretty cheap and for how old they are, they are great wee routers.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
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timmmay

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#462348 26-Apr-2011 09:29

A WRT54GL with DD-WRT is what I use as my main router. There are excellent instructions on the dd-wrt website.

I use a D-Link router with DD-WRT in my lounge to provide network connections to the home theater system and another WAP, but the D-Link forgets the settings occasionally and has to be set up again. I set it up with a different SSID, just because it was easier.

cyril7

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#462375 26-Apr-2011 10:15

So I can get any type of cheap router(don't need same brand?)And I assume when I connect the 2nd router and plug it in,will be able to configure it from my laptop?And i Turn off DHCP on which router?

Yep any cheap router will do, if its has a WAN port dont use it, just connect it to your main router via one of the lan ports, you can use the other 3 lan ports for your wired devices just as if it were a switch (as thats what it is) and naturally the wireless AP is also one of the switch ports.

I would not bother with DD-DWT as you are only using the switch and wireless aspect of this router so any tangible benifits of an open source router firmware is not really an issue.

Suitable routers to use as an AP would be a cheap TP-Link such as linked below, its only a b/g wireless unit, but perfect for what you want, otherwise the second link has a single chain n wireless unit. The DHCP server is off on this remote AP, the primary NAT router (Belkin in your case) has its DHCP server on.

http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=375926

http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=388490

Cyril