Will Linksys 802.11B work as a repeater? How?

I upgraded to a WRT54GS Linksys and am using 128 Bit WEP security. I have a BEFW11S4 802.11B sitting on a shelf in the basement. I work on computers in my basement occasionally for my employer, family, and friends and it would be nice to have internet access in the basement for downloading the tons of updates that XP needs on a rebuild. I purchased high gain antennas for the Linksys upstairs, and a Belkin 54G USB drive, but the signal is weak. I even tried the metal strainer around the USB wireless trick I read on the net with no luck.

Would it be possible to set up the old 802.11B as a repeater? I only have 512DSL, so the speed difference between 11 and 54 would be livable. The old BEFS11S4 does not support the newer security measures. I know computer hardware pretty good, but this networking stuff is over my head. Thanks.

 

I haven't tried a repeater, but I believe the router needs to be able to support it. I got a few routers, and only one of them has a option to change it to a repeater in the settings.

 

First off, you should really use WPA with your new router. The router can handle it, and WEP is as good for network security as a single sheet of tissue paper is for wrapping a present you want to stay a secret.

The best you can probably do is run a cable to another place and use the BEFW11S4 as a secondary access point by disabling the DHCP server and setting the router's IP to something not in your current DHCP pool range.

 

I do not believe the old router supports repeater mode without a firmware upgrade to aftermarket Linux FW. Look at ww-wrt it may support it. You need to get away from WEP, it's a poor excuse for security. Any one with the hacker tools can be in your network in < 5 min, most likely < 1 min. Instructions are all over the web with links to the software. Take BaNZ advice and dump WEP, and move up to WPA.

 

As far as security goes, I live in a small town with neighbors that don't even know how to swap a CD Rom drive out of their PC. If I lived in a metro area, yes I would be asking for trouble.

 

If that's the case you need WPA. For they will not know if they are connecting to their network or not. You do need to be concern about drive bys. You don't want the authorities knocking on your door for kiddie porn or spam. You are responsible for all traffic going through your router.