Solved How do I use two wireless routers to expand wireless signal?

[Leobelbas]

I want to expand my router's wireless signal in order to cover the whole house. I already have two modem/routers. Does it have anything to do with wireless bridge or something? Can I do it without using any kind of software? So note that I want to use the basic router which will have internet connection and use a second router to increase the wireless signal. It's crucial that I find a solution as soon as possible. Thanks in advance!

 

[kegobeer]

One router will supply DNS and DHCP (IP addresses), the other can be configured to be an access point. To achieve total coverage, run a CAT-5e cable from the main router to the access point (which will be located across the house), and have both use the same SSID.

 

[Leobelbas]

I'd like to avoid any sorts of cables, as the two routers are in perfect range with each other. How can I make them communicate wirelessly?

 

[chev65]

Even with a wireless repeater you need to use an Ethernet cable wired from the router to the repeater. This is also true for an access point.

What you are asking is not really possible although you could create another access point using the wireless adaptor from a second machine using connectify.

 

[UsernameIssues]

I'd like to avoid any sorts of cables, as the two routers are in perfect range with each other. How can I make them communicate wirelessly?

What is brand and model number of each router/AP?

 

[Leobelbas]

The main router (which will have internet connection) is Baudtec TW263R4-A2 and the second one is Philips CGA5722. How can I make the second one an access point and get the first router to find it and communicate with it?

 

[2xg]

Hello,

You may check the manual of each router if one of them supports DD-WRT.

If you can flash DD-WRT firmware on your router, then you may convert it to a wireless bridge or repeater.
Be very cautious though you might brick your router if this is not properly done. Have a read here.

You'll have a better wireless coverage by using bridging or repeating than AP (from my own experience). Yes, they will still require to run network cables. :grin:

Also, modern routers have bridging or repeating features - again check the manul of your router.

 

[UsernameIssues]

The main router (which will have internet connection) is Baudtec TW263R4-A2 and the second one is Philips CGA5722. How can I make the second one an access point and get the first router to find it and communicate with it?

There seems to be several versions of the Baudtec router. Get the manual and see if it supports WDS then do the same for the Philips one:

Wireless distribution system - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[F5ing]

Some wireless routers can do this without cabling. If neither of yours will, you could buy ($60):

WN2000RPT

 

[Leobelbas]

Well, having thoroughly checked both routers, the Philips one does have WDS while the Baudtec one has something called Routing. Is that the WDS equivalent? Philips found Baudtec but yet there's no internet connection. What could be wrong in this case?

 

[UsernameIssues]

Nope, routing is not same as WDS. It is best to use two identical routers to setup WDS.

Keep in mind that WDS is not going to be fast - like the WiKi article that I linked to said: the throughput is half what it could be since the access point spend about half of its time relaying data to & from the other router... but it might still be faster than your connection to the net.

Some (maybe all) range extenders also operate at reduced speeds due to the same issue described above.

A wired solution is the fastest - but may not be practical.

 

[Leobelbas]

I see. So there isn't any possibility that the Philips router, which supports WDS, can connect to the Baudtec router, right?

 

[F5ing]

If router mode on your Baudtec is the same as the router mode on some Linksys routers I'm familiar with, I'm fairly certain that turns it into more of just a switch, with wireless capability as an access point. If this is true then it would work, but only if wired. Not positive about that, though. Linksys documentation on that setting is lacking, and there's plenty of speculation on numerous forums, but I've found nothing definitive.

You might have some googling work in your future, or check this link out to see if you can give it that capability with third party firmware as 2xg suggested: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wireless_router_firmware_projects.

I've heard a lot of good stuff about dd-wrt and tomato, but you've got to be careful when installing (can brick your router if not done correctly). I've never tried any of them, but one of these days I'm gonna give one of those two a shot with an extra router I've got.

Or you could go with purchasing that wireless extender I posted earlier.

 

[UsernameIssues]

I see. So there isn't any possibility that the Philips router, which supports WDS, can connect to the Baudtec router, right?

I'm pretty sure that both routers would need to support WDS in order for this to work. I've only setup WDS a few times and I've always used identical routers.

 

[chev65]

Here's an idea, do it the right way, it's much easier that way.

 

[Leobelbas]

Alright guys. Many thanks for your help. I appreciate it. Seems as if I need to do some searching and research before I "take the risk" and install any 3rd party software...