How to make a wireless repeater?

[Dark Nova Gamer]

Basically, I'm trying to turn this Linksys WRT54G2 v1.5 into a repeater to extend the range of the wifi signal I use. DD-WRT is out of the question because it doesn't support this 'version' of the WRT54G2.

All I really want to do is just extend the wireless range. Its a protected WiFi signal (WPA2-PSK).

If any more information is needed just ask.

 

[RedBirdDad]

I'll try and help

You won't be able to use the WRT54G2 that you have. The firmware just doesn't support it. Too bad you didn't have one that was just a tad older.

I looked at Tomato and it doesn't either.

A gotcha: When you do a repeater, you lose 50% of your throughput. The radio has to send data twice for each frame. Root to repeater, then repeater to you all on the same frequency. Not everyone realizes that repeaters are a compromise. Range in exchange for throughput.

Anyway, You have to find hardware that will support the firmware. I looked and didn't see anything for that model.

I know Linksys made a repeater (They call it a Range Extender): The WRE54G.

Buffalo made one too I think.

My guess is find a cheap unit that's on the DD-WRT list and go with that.

Then there's the obvious: Move the router to a more central location. Or run a CAT5 closer and use another old router dumbed down to run as an AP.

 

[Dark Nova Gamer]

I'll try and help

You won't be able to use the WRT54G2 that you have. The firmware just doesn't support it. Too bad you didn't have one that was just a tad older.

I looked at Tomato and it doesn't either.

A gotcha: When you do a repeater, you lose 50% of your throughput. The radio has to send data twice for each frame. Root to repeater, then repeater to you all on the same frequency. Not everyone realizes that repeaters are a compromise. Range in exchange for throughput.

Anyway, You have to find hardware that will support the firmware. I looked and didn't see anything for that model.

I know Linksys made a repeater (They call it a Range Extender): The WRE54G.

Buffalo made one too I think.

My guess is find a cheap unit that's on the DD-WRT list and go with that.

Then there's the obvious: Move the router to a more central location. Or run a CAT5 closer and use another old router dumbed down to run as an AP.

Okay I'll try to make this as visual as possible.



Essentially, the sheds are blocking the signal from reaching my room. I figured since I get a 4 bar signal in the kitchen (where my laptop is currently) if I stuck a repeater there, problem solved.

Any other ways to accomplish a signal in my room would be welcome.

-

Again, for the record (I don't want anyone not helping me because they think I'm doing something immoral), my neighbor is letting me use the internet however I please.

 

[TGSoldier]

You can buy one

 

[Dark Nova Gamer]

You can buy one

Buy one what? My own Internet subscription? Oh how I'd love to although my father owed them money and because we didn't cancel the internet subscription until one month after he passed, Comcast refuses to take his bill off this address. Its either pay or live without.

$1500 is not something I come across everyday either. (no clue how it got that high to be honest), they are the only highspeed internet provider in this particular area as well.

 

[iseeuu]

I found some links you might look at ... to give you ideas?

Extending WLAN Range with Repeaters - www.wi-fiplanet.com

D-Link High Speed 2.4GHz (802.11g) Wireless Range Extender

Amazon.com: Universal Wireless Repeater 802.11G Range Extender (AP311W): Electronics

NETGEAR WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point

Another idea I came accross is to buy or make an external wireless antenna, place it where the signal is good, connect it to your computer in your room?

Cheers!
Robert

 

[Dark Nova Gamer]

I found some links you might look at ... to give you ideas?

Extending WLAN Range with Repeaters - www.wi-fiplanet.com

D-Link High Speed 2.4GHz (802.11g) Wireless Range Extender

Amazon.com: Universal Wireless Repeater 802.11G Range Extender (AP311W): Electronics

NETGEAR WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point

Another idea I came accross is to buy or make an external wireless antenna, place it where the signal is good, connect it to your computer in your room?

Cheers!
Robert

I'll take a look at the links you provided, as for the last part, I wish to be mobile. Thus the reason I purchased a laptop.

 

[RedBirdDad]

Hm, you do have problem. Do you have the ability to run a CAT-5 from the kitchen to your room? DD-WRT supports a repeater/bridge mode as well. That would allow you to leave the router (Repeater) in the kitchen and use the ethernet on your laptop. The gives you back your full throughput (no transmitting things twice).

This still means you need a router that supports DD-WRT. But those should be pretty cheap.

 

[Dark Nova Gamer]

Hm, you do have problem. Do you have the ability to run a CAT-5 from the kitchen to your room? If you can find an Ethernet Client or an AP that can be configured as a client, it basically bridges wireless to ethernet. It all comes down to finding hardware (cheap) that will do it. From what you can tell will DD-WRT support WDS/Client mode?

As of right now, I am bridging my laptops WiFi with my laptops Ethernet to give my Xbox 360 (in my room) internet via a 50' ethernet cat5e cord.

Works well. Was only $20 for the cord lol. I'm not exactly sure what you want me to do though, I have no intention of running cords from my neighbors to my place. That'd require a longer cord then my local bestbuy carries.

-

I was hoping to get wireless in my room.

 

[RedBirdDad]

I was editing my last post while you were replying. We got cross connected!

Like I said, a full repeater will cost you in throughput. But if you want to go that way:

Get a router that will support DD-WRT and put it where you get the best signal. I think you said that was the kitchen. Keep it up high and AWAY FROM THE MICROWAVE OVEN! (Microwaves are in the same 2.4GHz band).

Other option is the Repeater/bridge. Again, place the router up high where you get the best signal and run a CAT5 to a cheap ethernet switch. Connect the Xbox and laptop to the switch. This removes all the double traffic from the router's wireless link to your neighbor. You give up a little mobility for better throughput.

 

[Dark Nova Gamer]

I was editing my last post while you were replying. We got cross connected!

Like I said, a full repeater will cost you in throughput. But if you want to go that way:

Get a router that will support DD-WRT and put it where you get the best signal. I think you said that was the kitchen. Keep it up high and AWAY FROM THE MICROWAVE OVEN! (Microwaves are in the same 2.4GHz band).

Other option is the Repeater/bridge. Again, place the router up high where you get the best signal and run a CAT5 to a cheap ethernet switch. Connect the Xbox and laptop to the switch. This removes all the double traffic from the router's wireless link to your neighbor. You give up a little mobility for better throughput.

I have a decent size kitchen (for a trailer), the older microwave we had always cut the internet connection out but we bought a new one recently (for the record, it can't even pop popcorn properly), hasn't given the internet any troubles.

The switch would be ethernet > split into two ethernets I take it? Well I suppose it'd be nice to have internet in my room, even if its wired. Not like I move very far in there. I'll take a look around and figure something out, thanks for your help and time.

 

[RedBirdDad]

The nice thing about this is the same router with DD-WRT could used used either way. From what I read in the docs it supports several configurations.

I bought a little 5 port DLink switch for $24 at Tiger Direct a few months ago so they're pretty cheap. Nothing like having enough ports to hook up things.

Let me know what you end up doing. Good Luck!

 

[TGSoldier]

You can buy one

Buy one what? My own Internet subscription? Oh how I'd love to although my father owed them money and because we didn't cancel the internet subscription until one month after he passed, Comcast refuses to take his bill off this address. Its either pay or live without.

$1500 is not something I come across everyday either. (no clue how it got that high to be honest), they are the only highspeed internet provider in this particular area as well.

I meant buy a repeater.

 

[Dark Nova Gamer]

You can buy one

Buy one what? My own Internet subscription? Oh how I'd love to although my father owed them money and because we didn't cancel the internet subscription until one month after he passed, Comcast refuses to take his bill off this address. Its either pay or live without.

$1500 is not something I come across everyday either. (no clue how it got that high to be honest), they are the only highspeed internet provider in this particular area as well.

I meant buy a repeater.

Oh LOL. You were vague.

I suppose I could buy one, just wanted to put this router to use instead of spending more money. I'm going to browse the local pawn shops for a cheap DD-WRT compatible router.

 

[echrada]

Read this it might be of help

Using an old router as a DIY wireless Access Point Setting up the old wireless router :: TweakTown

 

[Dark Nova Gamer]

Read this it might be of help

Using an old router as a DIY wireless Access Point Setting up the old wireless router :: TweakTown

Thanks but

run the Ethernet cable from a spare LAN port on the main router

I don't have a 250' line handy. :|

 

[echrada]

No cheap cable around?

 

[Dark Nova Gamer]

No cheap cable around?

Don't think my neighbor really wants a line running in his house either.