Using Modem/Router as WiFi range extender?

[nickjedl]

Hello,

 

This is my first post, so sorry if I make any mistakes. (:

 

Okay, so, I upgraded my internet package to 200 mbps download and 10 mbps upload, it also had something called a fixed IP.

What it is, all my connected devices on my network don't have an ip like 192.168...., but a network ip, if I go to whatismyip.com on every device, it's always another IP.

 

For that option, my ISP had to place a new Access Point (NETGEAR WNDR4300-TN) for the WiFi and LAN. But the WiFi signal is so bad now, so I want to use an old router (Linksys WRT54G) as a WiFi extender/repeater.

I searched the internet for how to do it's and I found them, followed the instructions and it worked, the router was on the same SSID as my main router and my devices roamed between them.

But if it had connection with my old router, it kept saying that it searched for an IP-address. My laptop says it can't make connection to the DHCP server or something.

 

The routers are setup like this:

 

Encryption: WPA2 Personal - AES with same Shared Key.

SSID: De Loor

Network Mode (only on old router): Mixed

Channel on old router: 7 - 2.442 GHz

Channel on new router: 6 - 2.442 GHz

DHCP disabled on old router and enabled on new router.

Internet connection type (only on old router): Automatic Configuration - DHCP

Local IP: (private, because of the Fixed IP thing), but it is in my standard gateway I got from IPCONFIG in CMD.

 

I think I got the Local IP wrong or something, because it always keep asking for an IP-address.

 

Can someone help me out, this fixed IP thing is a big mess but sometimes it's handy.

 

Greetings:

nickjedl - nickjedl.eu

[skywake]

 

Three things I'll say that should help you:

 

1. Some thoughts about what I think you've done wrong. There are three ways to setup a second piece of wireless hardware; Bridge, Repeat and Access Point. Bridge basically turns the second AP into a wireless network card that you can plug an Ethernet cable into. Good for connecting a TV of something to your WiFi. Repeat is the range extender thing, a horrible idea IMO because you lose have the bandwidth but you do get a bit more range. The third option is to set it up as a simple Access point, in this mode you get no penalty but the device HAS to be connected to your network in some other way. I have a feeling that you've set it up as an Access Point.

 

2. Don't try to set it up as a repeater even if you can get it working, it won't be worth it. You stated that the main reason you're doing this is because you want more speed not range. The N750 AP you got will give you that speed, throwing a 54G class gear into the mix won't help anything. Just put your old router into a box and have it as a spare if your new one breaks. Sometimes simpler is better.

 

3. You picked channels 6 and 7, those channels are too close together. If you are still intent on following through with this pretty average idea don't use neighbouring channels. Always pick from either 1, 6, 12 and once those three are used pick the one that is the least crowded.

[nickjedl]

Thanks for the reply,

 

I wanted more range, not the speed, I don't care about speed.

But yeah, you convinced me, it isn't worth it.

 

So I just changed the SSID from my old router (placed a * behind it).

 

I need to switch from network, but no problem.

 

Thanks.

- nickjedl