DIY $150 Home "Super" Network

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: JackMDSTherefore, while any serious users have to Flush the Linksys, many do not need to Flush the Buffalo because as is it does some of the DD-WRT stuff out of the box.

While you *can* run the Buffalo's firmware stock for some of those functions, why NOT hack it with dd-wrt? Where's the hacker in you JackMDS?

Then again I seem to be strangely obsessed with modding every piece of electronics I own :laugh:

May be when you would get to be at my age you would understand that achieving a functional Goal :light:is more important than wasting time on being "cool".:shocked:

That said your instructional post (above) about flushing the DD-WRT, is very good, and might be very helpful :thumbsup: to all "Flushers".

 

[kwo]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
May be when you would get to be at my age you would understand that achieving a functional Goal :light:is more important than wasting time on being "cool".:shocked:

Amen, brother..amen.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: JackMDS

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: JackMDSTherefore, while any serious users have to Flush the Linksys, many do not need to Flush the Buffalo because as is it does some of the DD-WRT stuff out of the box.

While you *can* run the Buffalo's firmware stock for some of those functions, why NOT hack it with dd-wrt? Where's the hacker in you JackMDS?

Then again I seem to be strangely obsessed with modding every piece of electronics I own :laugh:

May be when you would get to be at my age you would understand that achieving a functional Goal :light:is more important than wasting time on being "cool".:shocked:

That said your instructional post (above) about flushing the DD-WRT, is very good, and might be very helpful :thumbsup: to all "Flushers".

Hehe you know I'm just yankin your chain Besides, I tried out the WDS tutorial and I got like half of dial-up speeds on the second router and don't know why. Very odd. Calling it quits on that for now and going to try the Bridge mode.

 

[Salvador]

Originally posted by: Madwand1

Originally posted by: Salvador
Does anyone have any experience with this ethernet controller?

No experience, but I'd bet that the net effect is essentially the same as a router + DD-WRT in client bridge mode. The DD-WRT combo would be more flexibile -- e.g. plain client mode not to mention router, WDS, etc.

The Ethernet Converter could be a good choice if that's exactly what you need -- no risk/fuss firmware installation, no dozens of configuration options to confuse you, and as a client bridge, it probably works essentially the same. There are a number of other similar devices on the market, under various labels (wireless bridge, gaming adapter, even wireless print server, among others; often products will have one name on the box and another in the manual, illustrating the confusion of the market).

I wouldn't be surprised however if under the covers this was very similar to the routers and might even be flashable with DD-WRT. Of course you shouldn't count on that and if you want something flashable, prefer something that's already know to be flashable.

Thank you! That's what JackMDS told me, so I'm getting consistent responses. Jack also said that the Ethernet Controller is most likely the router without the router function. The reason why I asked the question though is because Jack said that he didn't have any experience with it and figured that someone might have.

I was going to buy two routers, but by the time I got around to buying the second router (the next day), buy.com had raised the price $5 and lowered the price of the Ethernet Controller by $10, so I went ahead and bought the Ethernet Controller instead.

Also, I took a look at the instructions for flashing the router and wasn't too excited about taking the risk, so it might just work out better for me to use the Router and Ethernet Controller as they come from the factory. I can always flash the Router later and/or buy the additional Router. I just basically wanted something that worked and something that was relatively fast. I really didn't want to do anything techie with this.

$28 for the Ethernet Controller was dirt cheap, so I can't go wrong with that option, especially since I got the Buffalo HP router and ethernet controller for the price of the Linksys router on sale.

I just need to set it all up this weekend and see how it runs. Thanks everyone for your advice.

 

[mundhra]

whr-g54s with dd-wrt is awesome. mine's acting as a bridge off my netgear using this method. one thing, though, you'll save yourself a lot of aggravation if you remember you're using WLAN access lists and modify accordingly (doh!).

 

[Satyrist]

Thanks so much to the OP for the posts concerning the flashing process with the Buffalo unit, I was underway in a bit under 45 minutes or so. (hey, I like to go slow and check out all the features, along with securing the router.)

While I don't currently use the wireless function of the router, it will be of use if I ever do pick up on it.

 

[f1sh3r]

how does a wired home help on resale value? i have a 3BR ranch with no basement. i planned on hooking up 24 ports throughout the home and garage. would having at least 1 port next to every outlet be overkill?

what of future applications... wired appliances? refrigerators, washers, dryers?

is it against code to have electrical outlets in a closet?

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: f1sh3r
how does a wired home help on resale value? i have a 3BR ranch with no basement. i planned on hooking up 24 ports throughout the home and garage. would having at least 1 port next to every outlet be overkill?

what of future applications... wired appliances? refrigerators, washers, dryers?

is it against code to have electrical outlets in a closet?

From a consumer standpoint I would say it would help...I don't know anything about real estate, but I'd kill to have a pre-wired home. When I get a house in a couple years, I will have a 4-port Ethernet wallplate in every room with gigabit...it's amazing how many things I own have Ethernet jacks

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Satyrist
Thanks so much to the OP for the posts concerning the flashing process with the Buffalo unit, I was underway in a bit under 45 minutes or so. (hey, I like to go slow and check out all the features, along with securing the router.)

While I don't currently use the wireless function of the router, it will be of use if I ever do pick up on it.

You're welcome! Glad it's working out for you. I have 2 more installations after the holidays and have flashed several routers so far. This stuff is great! I've been picking them up for about $30 on Buy.com using the Google Checkout discount, they make great little Christmas gifts

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: mundhra
whr-g54s with dd-wrt is awesome. mine's acting as a bridge off my netgear using this method. one thing, though, you'll save yourself a lot of aggravation if you remember you're using WLAN access lists and modify accordingly (doh!).

I'm going to have to try those instructions, the other one I posted didn't work for me. Glad to hear yours is working out as well. Isn't it great finding a gem like this? Over the holidays I will test wireless bridge mode and wireless repeater mode; if I'm successful I will do a full-on tutorial on my website. I'm also anxious to test out the Xlink Kai feature of DD-WRT. The rest of my network cables should be arriving early next week, so I will wire up my stuff and get cracking!

 

[Muse]

Am I wrong? I believe this excerpt of Kaido's instructions for flashing dd-wrt has an error (bolded):
- - - -
5. Reset the system:

a. Go back into your TCP/IP settings on your PC and set it to "Obtain IP address automatically" instead of "Use the following IP address"
b. Reset the router by unplugging it and plugging it back in
c. Log into the router by pointing your browser to 192.168.1.1
d. Immediately change the password (default username is "root" and password is "admin")
- - - -

Shouldn't that be 192.168.11.1 ?

I'm probably going to flash my Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 router today with dd-wrt.
- - - -

Edit: OK, I was wrong. The dd-wrt changes the address.


Question: Is the AOSS feature supported after flashing dd-wrt?

 

[kevnich2]

Nope. After you flash it to DDWRT, it changes the IP to 192.168.1.1 as the default. Different firmware, different IP address.

It all depends on the firmware your adding.

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: kevnich2
Nope. After you flash it to DDWRT, it changes the IP to 192.168.1.1 as the default. Different firmware, different IP address.

It all depends on the firmware your adding.

Aha! Thanks. Is the Buffalo documentation for the WHR-HP-G54 basically not in effect after flashing? Does dd-wrt have an interface? I presume some kind of interface (GUI?) pops up when you go to that IP address, right?

 

[kevnich2]

The buffalo documentation is null after the flash. The only thing that's buffalo after flashing with ddwrt is the hardware. Yes, it does have a web interface GUI that you access by going to it's IP address (default 192.168.1.1).

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: kevnich2
The buffalo documentation is null after the flash. The only thing that's buffalo after flashing with ddwrt is the hardware. Yes, it does have a web interface GUI that you access by going to it's IP address (default 192.168.1.1).

Is the AOSS feature set of the Buffalo likewise history after flashing? If so, I suppose the AOSS button would become just a blue ornament.

 

[Salvador]

I would guess that it would be because that's part of Buffalo's firmware and when you flash it with DD-WRT, you're basically creating something else even though you're using the Buffalo hardware. I like the AOSS, so I'm keeping the Buffalo firmware for now.

I bought an extra Ethernet Converter to use with a Netgear (mp101) wireless music server (wireless b), that I bought a few years back and had never gotten to work. I bought it because the Google Checkout sale was ending and I knew that I wanted to have it anyway for a future HTPC. I plugged the wireless b music server into the Ethernet Converter just as I would plug it into a wired network and it works beautifully in my network now. I can still use AOSS and I don't have to dumb down the security on my network just to use this music server. I'm also excited about finally building an HTPC. I was holding off building it because wiring with CAT5 was out of the question for the location of my HT system and I didn't have a good enough wireless system for it before.

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: Salvador
I would guess that it would be because that's part of Buffalo's firmware and when you flash it with DD-WRT, you're basically creating something else even though you're using the Buffalo hardware. I like the AOSS, so I'm keeping the Buffalo firmware for now.

Correct me I'm wrong but my investigations suggest AOSS only works if your wireless card supports it... i.e. if it's also Buffalo. Since my only wireless card (built into my T60) isn't Buffalo, that blue button is useless in any case.

 

[JackMDS]

Yap, you have to use a Buffalo card that is AOSS compatible, and the Buffalo firmware.

 

[briandwlee]

Back to basic question...

Between the two Buffalo routers WHR-HP-G54($56+$6 SH @Newegg) and WHR-G54S($40 Free SH @Newegg), which one's better wireless router? I am currently using Netgear WGT624, but experiencing signal drops quite often which requires reset. Looks like the former has amplifier and the latter has heat-sink, and, by specification, the former is slightly better since it's got amplifier, which might mean wider range. One more difference is avg. stable overclock; the former has 216Mhz and the latter has 233 with heatsink which it does not have.

By summary, are the former and the latter functionally same in real world or still is the former better?

Thanks, guys.

Brian

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: briandwlee
Back to basic question...

Between the two Buffalo routers WHR-HP-G54($56+$6 SH @Newegg) and WHR-G54S($40 Free SH @Newegg), which one's better wireless router? I am currently using Netgear WGT624, but experiencing signal drops quite often which requires reset. Looks like the former has amplifier and the latter has heat-sink, and, by specification, the former is slightly better since it's got amplifier, which might mean wider range. One more difference is avg. stable overclock; the former has 216Mhz and the latter has 233 with heatsink which it does not have.

By summary, are the former and the latter functionally same in real world or still is the former better?

Thanks, guys.

Brian

if it helps, ive left my wireless connection running with the WHR-G54S for well over 24 hours without any signal loss.

i have no experience with the hp model, however.

 

[JackMDS]

No if and buts, the WHR-HP-G54 is the Best.

WHR-HP-G54 vs. WHR-G54S (Power and Heat Sink differences).

http://www.ezlan.net/WHR-HP-G54.html

 

[briandwlee]

Another question...

Can I use either WHR-HP-G54 or WHR-G54S as a switch and an access point?

What I want to do is Cable modem -> a Buffalo Router -> a Buffalo Router as a switch and an AP. My current network configuration is cable modem -> a Netgear RP614 router -> a Netgear WGT624 as a switch and an AP by disabling DHCP server option and connecting in/out signal through LAN ports. I have a three-stroy-house and the first and the second floor computers are being fed by the first router and and the third floor computer are fed by the WGT624, which is working as a switch/AP.

I read that Buffalo routers have a button to able/disable AP funationality, but I am wondering if turning on the AP functionality only makes the ports switch ports, not router ports.

Thanks.

Brian, the Networking Newbee

 

[kevnich2]

Yes, that would work ok. I will say this though, you'll be surprised at the range of the HP unit. You may not even need the G54S, but for the money, I'd get both, use them as you plan to and just get REALLY good signal strength. But again, with the DDWRT firmware, you can disable the DHCP and the firewall and use it as a switch and an access point

 

[briandwlee]

Thanks, guys.

I ordered two HP models and one omni antenna for better coverage. By the way, would you guys recommend affordable unmanaged switch? This Netgear gigabit switch(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833122111) or GS116 looks nice to me.


Thanks.

Brian

 

[kevnich2]

For home use it should be fine.