Need help setting up a network!

Complete newbie hear looking to set up a wireless network in a two story house. Looking for advice on the best configuration (speed, range over the whole house and deck, etc) using the following equipment:

Lenovo T400 laptop
Toshiba Tecra 8200 laptop with a Linksys Wireless G Notebook Adapter (Model WPC54G)
HP ZD 7260 laptop
HP C6180 wireless printer
Play Station 3
2 Directv HD DVR’s
Imate Momento Picture Frame
Vonage VOIP Phone Service
Motorola SB5100 Surfboard Cable Modem
Linksys 802.11g wireless router (Model WRT54GS)
Netgear WNR834B-100NAR Wireless-N Router

I’m willing to read and do a little research if necessary, but not really sure where to even start. If you need any other info, please ask and I appreciate any input or advice!

 

You might start with the top thread, wireless guide.

 

Okay..this should be fun! Here's a start.....

I'm sure you've got Internet Service already...you'll need to set up either the Linksys or Netgear router in Bridge mode. Open-Source firmware like DD-WRT can help w/ this. (Basically the two access points are the routers.) A simple explanation!

I would personally install the DD-WRT firmware on the Linksys router...as i've actually done that myself w/ my own Linksys WRT54G router.

Edit: I stand corrected...router should be set up in "Repeater Bridge" Mode and not just "Bridge". See post #9

 

Wow, ok, thanks! I've got a lot of reading to do but after a few minutes, I already have a (remedial) understanding of DD-WRT and bridging routers.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

 

Yes, DD-WRT is the firmware you need to install on the router to get the option to set up the said router in "Bridge" mode. Now i've never actually had the pleasure of doing this before (only used the DD-WRT firmware for other purposes) but from those instructions/guides i've provided I think it is achievable and what you may want to do in your case...especially seeing that you are working w/ two floors.

Edit: Link to firmwares...select your router model etc. and download and upgrade the firmware to one of the routers.

It may seem like a lot of stuff at first but don't let it scare you...I was terrified just to flash the dd-wrt firmware on my Linksys at first. It's just a lot of reading.....

 

You should not need to bridge unless you want 2 seperate networks. If your cable is in the main floor, centerally is your best location. You want the main router setup where it is the shortest distance to all devices. My advice is try a single network (with netgear router) first before getting in to bridging. The Linksys WRT54GS is not a very good router, the dd-wrt firmware will help but I'm not sure if the mini version will give you bridge functions. It will give you a stable firmware and make it usable.

 

Ok, got the Netgear N router set up and flashed with dd-wrt. The range is great for my Lenovo (that is n capable), but not any better than before for the HP and Toshiba (which are on g).

What is the best option for extending my signal to the upper floor and deck using the linksys? Bridging or hard connect or other???

 

The hard wired connection would be best, with the linksys setup as a AP/switch. You will then have 2 seperate locations. If flashed with dd-wrt you may be able to set it up in roaming mode. This way you only have 1 SSID. Just locate it in your dead or weak zone to expand your network.

The full version of dd-wrt supports repeater mode. That would be your next option. I do not think the mini version supports it. In repeater mode you will have more lag and less through put.

 

Repeater Bridge Mode!