extending a wifi range

[Balmhood]

Hi all,
I have looked trought the FAQ but could not find an answer...
I have 2 modem/router wifi (one philips, one belkin)
I want to use one of them to extend the range of my wifi network...
I live in a 3 floors house, the main modem/router is on the 1st floor (connects to internet and is the DHCP server)
How do I setup the second modem/router to increase the range on the second floor... I am looking for a step by step instruction not being very networking litterate...
as in ...put this ip address , same ssid etc...
If you can help please feel free ..!
Thanks in advance!
Balm

 

[Atheus]

I can't give step by step instruction, because I don't have your hardware, and because... y'know... i wouldn't waste my time...

But, I know most belkins do 'repeater mode' which will take a wireless signal and amplify it. I don't know how to set it up, but it should be just like setting up a client, very easy.

You could also boost your range without a repeater by buying some new antennas. If you want to keep it cheap, lots of people build thier own, from old sat dishes or pringles cans or any number of things. Some 3rd party firmwares will also boost transmit power (you would need to do this on your wireless card too) but apparently this can reduce the life of the radio if it's taken to the extreme.

 

[JackMDS]

Option 1 - Good for any Wireless Router.

Put the second Wireless Router in a place that would provide further coverage and connect it with one CAT5e wire to the first Router.

The second router has to be configured as a Switch with an Access Point.

Note: This method uses a wire but maintains the full Bandwidth of the Wireless.

Instructions here, Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point


Option 2 - Good for a Router that can work as a Repeater and or is WDS capable.

Place the second Router further but within Good reception from the First Router and configure it as a WDS (Repeater).

About Wireless modes here, Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

Note, to set WDS you have to read the device's manual.

Note, since Entry Level Wireless devices have only one radio the Bandwidth would be cut in Half past the WDS (Repeater).

Otherwise might be that the info in these pages might help.

Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.

Wirelessly Bridging Home / Network.

Hi Gain Antenna for Entry Level Wireless.

 

[Balmhood]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
Option 1 - Good for any Wireless Router.

Put the second Wireless Router in a place that would provide further coverage and connect it with one CAT5e wire to the first Router.

The second router has to be configured as a Switch with an Access Point.

Note: This method uses a wire but maintains the full Bandwidth of the Wireless.

Instructions here, Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point


Option 2 - Good for a Router that can work as a Repeater and or is WDS capable.

Place the second Router further but within Good reception from the First Router and configure it as a WDS (Repeater).

About Wireless modes here, Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

Note, to set WDS you have to read the device's manual.

Note, since Entry Level Wireless devices have only one radio the Bandwidth would be cut in Half past the WDS (Repeater).

Otherwise might be that the info in these pages might help.

Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.

Wirelessly Bridging Home / Network.

Hi Gain Antenna for Entry Level Wireless.

thanks for the info...

So if my routers do not have the WDS option, then I have to use a wire connection between the 2 and use one as an AP.. no other options ?
One is the Belkin F5D7630 and in the connection type menu there is some option that mentions bridging... can this be used?
I would rather not want to buy add'l hardware and see if the extension can be done using the Belkin router as my "extending" router...

 

[mjia]

Bridging might do what you want. What happens is that the router in bridge mode would work as a wireless client and connect to the other wireless router. It then bridges its own wired network with the other wireless network (and wired computers connected to the second wireless router).

This method might not actually increase the range of your wireless network since the bridged router opperates as a client and does not actually provide wireless service. It just joins its wired computers up to an existing wireless network.