looking for network ideas 1

[sneaker2002]

I need to expand my existing home network, which currently runs off of a WRT54G. I'm not opposed to buying new hardware, I just want a setup that won't involve too much grief to get it up and running.

I need wireless (B ang G, no N so far) access for all of my devices both upstairs and downstairs in the house without a CAT5 cable connecting the two networks. Using one wireless router for the entire house doesn't work very well (poor signal) because of the way the house is built. I used a WAP54G downstairs with a repeater setup for a bit until it died. Linksys hardware seems to die quite often.

Upstairs has the cable modem, PCs, laptops, wireless devices etc.

Downstairs has a wired network printer, a PC that isn't used very much, and should host my wife's wireless netbook as well as smartphones, DVRs etc.

All computers need access to the network printer, internet, each other and so on.

I was wondering if I needed two wireless routers, using one as a gateway and the other as a router, but I'm not entirely sure. I've seen some threads talking about routers needing a client mode, but don't know if the newer routers have that capability. I prefer not to have to use 3rd party ROM code. So I'm looking for some help from folks that play with this stuff more often than I do. As I said before I'm not opposed to buying new network hardware, but don't want to go overboard.

Thanks much!

 

[goombawaho]

Is this what you want to do??? See larger picture on this page. I think it meets your requirements.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Image:Repeater_Bridge.jpg

If so, then I'd put DD-WRT firmware on the old router and get a used WRT54G or other compatible device and put DD-WRT and that and follow instructions.

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

Compatible routers:

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

The reason I say to get another WRT54G is that there are lots of them out there. The earlier ones are better as they have more memory.

 

[SYQUEST]

Well, you could look at Proxim's Orinoco series wireless products. They accommodate external antennas. I would stay away from Linksys period! For routers see Fortinet or Sonicwall.

....JIM....

 

[goombawaho]

Syquest - Stay away from Linksys - Bah. They've always served me well - never a failure, personally. And with the DD-WRT firmware, there are lots of options. Just don't go crazy and turn the transmit power up to triple the default setting.

Linksys is a fine product for HOME use. I'm not saying it's a professional product for a business or a retail store, but it does what it's supposed to do. Your listed solutions are expensive and not what I'd call for the average home user.

But for what he's trying to do, a used router and DD-WRT is a cheap solution - like $20 for a used router.

 

[sneaker2002]

Thanks for taking the time to reply guys! Goomba, you were correct on the my proposed configuration. I'll give the DD-WRT a shot as soon as I get another router. I looked at the Sonicwall, I'd probably agree with Jim that it's much better hardware, but for home it's a little over the top. I can't really justify ~$700 for two wireless routers for the house even if they are more secure. I just wish Linksys hardware was better quality. I have two dead routers and a dead access point. Fortunately my current router has been alive for a while now.

Cross your fingers on the new setup!

Thanks!

 

[goombawaho]

Right - that's why I poo-pooed that suggestion. If you have deep pockets, go for it. But how many people (and especially these days) are going to fork out much money.

Just make sure you are careful when updating the firmware, making sure to do a lot of reading about which version you should put on and how it's done. I would run the smallest build that will accomplish your goal.

And absolutely number one - verify that the router will actually take one of the DD-WRT firmwares before you buy the 2nd one.

If the first one won't take it, then you have more decisions to make.

 

[SYQUEST]

If you want a REAL router with REAL features, you won't find one @ Linksys!

....JIM....

 

[goombawaho]

Ask Syquest for a loan in order to implement a REAL system. All I have is lint in my pockets.

The real reason for this update, however, is to warn you that 1/2 your bandwidth will be used maintaining the bridge. So there is that downside. There is a warning on that somewhere.

And I quote:
"Also take note of the fact that all repeaters, including this Repeater Bridge mode, will sacrifice half of the bandwidth available from the primary router for clients wirelessly connected to the repeater. This is a result of the repeater taking turns talking to not just one partner, but to two, and having to relay the traffic between them. As long as your internet bandwidth requirements are within this halved bandwidth amount there will be little or no reduction in "speed".

 

[sneaker2002]

OK everyone I just got the repeater bridge setup running. woot! I discovered the second wrt54g that I bought was the neutered version, so I had to install the micro version of dd-wrt, which was sort of a pain - figures right? Anyway all of the connections, wired and wireless are working and so is the WPA2 encryption. The signals strengths are good too!

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[goombawaho]

Yeah - it certainly works. It's a bit of a redneck solution, but FREE is a great price.

And yes, getting DD-WRT onto some routers is harder than others. There's always the risk of bricking the router, so I wouldn't recommend people do this unless they are A) experienced and confident AND B) won't have a hissy fit if they kill their router.

Thanks for the STAR.