Repeater Bridge

[Goutan]

When setting one up, do I need Ethernet access to the primary router?

Also, just to make sure that I am understanding how/what the set up is, here is my understanding:

I purchase an additional router. Connect to the initial router wirelessly. Then I can forward the connection to this router and rebroadcast wirelessly while the additional is fully functional.

Also, are there particular routers capable of doing this, or is rebroadcasting available on most routers?

Of course the instructions are more complicated, but I'll break that down once I know this is possible. Thanks in advance!

PS. I'm extending my university internet - everything is ethical

[IPlayNaked]

Originally Posted by Goutan

When setting one up, do I need Ethernet access to the primary router?

Also, just to make sure that I am understanding how/what the set up is, here is my understanding:

I purchase an additional router. Connect to the initial router wirelessly. Then I can forward the connection to this router and rebroadcast wirelessly while the additional is fully functional.

Also, are there particular routers capable of doing this, or is rebroadcasting available on most routers?

Of course the instructions are more complicated, but I'll break that down once I know this is possible. Thanks in advance!

PS. I'm extending my university internet - everything is ethical

Yeah it's possible. You'll want to find a DD-WRT capable router. Preferably N, if you want speed. But you can get cheap Linksys-G routers for something like 10 dollars.

Once you find one and buy it, you'll have to install the DD WRT firmware, and that's a different process for each router, so you'll have to do some research on that one.

[grunger]

The feature you need is WDS.

[deltatux]

Originally Posted by grunger

The feature you need is WDS.

You don't need WDS to make a repeater bridge. WDS actually cause more problems since it is not standardized. Both routers must also support and have WDS enabled.

Also, Atheros-based routers do not properly support repeater bridge mode. Best to get a Ralink or Broadcom-based routers instead and flash DD-WRT on them.

I have the ASUS RT-N16 which is a Broadcom-based router and is pretty solid.

deltatux

[Goutan]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm taking this as the go-ahead to purchase a router and work it out. Not entirely sure on the steps yet, but as long as I'm not getting shafted with my purchase, I should be able to drop a few hours on the project and figure it out.

Delt, if you check this again, I'm digging that router, is that the price range I should expect? My knowledge of networking is very small, so I'm not sure if DD WRT is a standard feature. IPlay mentioned a cheap linksys - if they are universally DD WRT, I will probably just shoot for that.

[deltatux]

Originally Posted by Goutan

Thanks for the input guys. I'm taking this as the go-ahead to purchase a router and work it out. Not entirely sure on the steps yet, but as long as I'm not getting shafted with my purchase, I should be able to drop a few hours on the project and figure it out.

Delt, if you check this again, I'm digging that router, is that the price range I should expect? My knowledge of networking is very small, so I'm not sure if DD WRT is a standard feature. IPlay mentioned a cheap linksys - if they are universally DD WRT, I will probably just shoot for that.

The ASUS RT-N16 is definitely a DD-WRT compatible device. DD-WRT is not a standard feature and is a third party firmware. Flashing it to your router will void the warranty.

deltatux

[IPlayNaked]

There's lots of youtube tutorials up that step you through how to do this specific thing. If you can't figure it out, just come back and we can help you out.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Supported_Devices

Is a compatible devices list. It seems reasonably up to date, my new Asus N-12 is on it.

Personally, for my bedroom, I used a WRT54G. Transfer speeds are definitely less-than-stellar, at just "G" speeds...But it does get the job done. You can typically find these routers sub-10 dollars used..But I don't know exactly what you need for this project.

[Goutan]

PERFECT! Wicked list, thanks y'all

If I don't get it set up right, I'll be back. Feeling good about it though.