router as a booster?

Is it possible to change my Linksys Wrt54g router into a range booster for another wireless router? I have you routers at home and my main router is unable to fully send reception to all parts of my house (like my backyard). So I have another wireless router just collecting dust and I was wondering if there was some way to use that router as a signal booster or a station to bounce off. Thanks.

 

As a repeater, yes you can.

 

Ohh cool. Do you know how to set that up?

 

You could this;

modem -----> router 1 --(ethernet cable)---> router 2.

Router 1 would be setup with DHCP and router two would get an static IP address.

 

Can I go about without using the ethernet cable? Cuz the second router will not be in the same room.

 

I did that. You have to install dd-wrt and set it in repeater mode... Look under your router, there should be a label with barcodes on it. Look for "Linkys wrt54g | V.x" Tell us which version you have. Replace the x by your version.

 

I have the version 6. Is it possible to go through this process without having to change the firmwares?

 

it's not that difficult

Here's a nice guide, but it does take awhile

but gives you many more options......

 

...read up on the version 6 specifications...from what i've read...V.6 has very little working memory and only able to use the lite version of dd-wrt...if you've got a little over $100.00 to spare buy a WG102 Netgear WAP...you can run it in WDS mode out of the box...also has built in 100mW signal booster....

 

I have a v6 too. Dd-wrt micro works well on it. Even when barraged with p2p and online games traffic, it never failed me.
Follow those instructions: http://www.bitsum.com/openwiking/owbase/ow.asp?WRT54G5_CFE
The one nobscot6 posted don't work on the v6.

 

Hi Ayle, why are you suggesting the OP to flash the router?

 

ditto...tried it once...ended up with a 'brick'...

 

Because he want to use the second router as a repeater and don't want to use cables? Other solution would be getting a repeater but those cost $50.
If both router where the same model I would have suggested to use wds, but that don't seem to be the case... I'm proposing that solution because it is what I'm using.
Sorry the hear that your bricked yours, A#1...

 

because he wanted to.........

 

The brick was one of my concerns, plus the OP doesn't have network experience, imagine now flashing the router

I think he is better just to cascade the routers, I have done it, get a cat5 cable and run it where is needed.

 

I'm with you 100%, I haven't heard any consistent complaint using Hawking technologies boosters, they are very good and they will cover a big house, actually one person in Europe covered the house and the barn He posted his experience in NBR, is very neat the way he did it.

And now that you are taking classes at college you can make a wall with the bricks, nobody will get mad at you there

Hopefully you will remain at NBR during your classes so we can use your fresh brain full with practical knowledge

 

I always recommend Hawking boosters- you rarely hear a complaint on them and they are very dependable.......

 

That wouldn't be a wireless repeater, which is what the OP wanted. It's not always convenient to run CAT5 cabling or patch cords hundreds of feet around an existing house.

 

Yes I know, I actually in my first post suggested a repeater configuration but I changed my mind after and I suggested cascading the routers with an Ethernet cable.

I have done it, it's actually not that complicated, some time you can go from a room into the attic and then drop the cable into the appropriate rooms. Or just run the cable from the outside of the house and get into the house again into the room of interest, I have done this many times, the cable guys do it all day long.

I changed my mind because he is dealing with an old router and flashing it won't be an easy task for the OP.

 

I gotta agree w/ Fountainhead--imo, it would be easier to flash a router, since the OP wanted a wireless repeater. And it doesn't cost a dime.

Crawling in attics in the summer, possibly drilling through brick, etc, can be a tough job-- at least where I live.

But he/she can decide which way we take this thread........

 

with the hawking booster...there is no need for repeaters...500mW will carry a long way from one of the removable antenna's on the V.6 router...if you go that route you'll need an adapter...as linksys doesn't use RP-SMA connectors as most manufacturers do...but their not very expensive...i've never ran a flashed version of a router...can you use WPA/PSK/TKIP with this kind of set up in repeater mode...some repeaters are finicky and will only use WEP...may as well run an open network

 

A repeater is supposed to repeat whatever they receive, how is that some repeaters are playing with the data frames?

 

Hahahaha. I've just been reading the opinions. I really would prefer just to use the wireless way to do as a repeater and not use any cables. And hopefully without flashing anything. I flashed my router months ago with dd-wrt and it worked but later it stopped. idk why...

 

You could also consider hawking technologies coverage extenders, they are very efficient.

 

lost me on that one monkeyman...some repeaters as in branded repeaters...will only work in WEP...don't ask me why...just from researching before buying...some have that spec...