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Black_Rain · Jul 8, 2007, 01:27 PM

Hey guys, I don't know much about networks or how to set one up.

I have two Linksys wrt54g routers... one is already hooked up from the cable modem, and it works great, except for the exceptionally weak signal in the house.

Since I brought mine home from school, i was wondering how i could hook it into the existing network and increase the signal.

also both routers already have security set on them...so how will that interfere?
Also I tried to type 192.168.1.1 into safari to get into the existing router settings, but when i go to enter my password, it is incorrect.

any help would be great... sorry for my ignorance on this topic, i just really don't know exactly what i'm doing.

thanks in advance

Sherman Homan · Jul 8, 2007, 01:48 PM

Your two routers will get in an electronic fist fight over DHCP, NAT, open ports, security, etc. etc.
Normally, I would suggest turning the first router into a primary WDS and the second into a repeater. This should work well because they are the same manufacturer. But why is the range so bad with the first?

Black_Rain · Jul 8, 2007, 10:51 PM

Originally Posted by Sherman Homan

Your two routers will get in an electronic fist fight over DHCP, NAT, open ports, security, etc. etc.
Normally, I would suggest turning the first router into a primary WDS and the second into a repeater. This should work well because they are the same manufacturer. But why is the range so bad with the first?

thanks for your response...i dont know exactly what the first part of you reply meant, but there are a couple reasons why the signal is bad to begin with:

1. wireless source is down in the basement in the corner of two perimeter concrete walls (yes i know, not the best placement, but it is literally the ONLY spot we can put it)
2. I am up two flights of steps
3. House is pretty big anyway, i'm not exactly sure of the range, but i'd say in a straight line, i'm about 15-20 yards away from the router (including 2 floors, and numerous walls)

so yeah... thats my predicament

Sherman Homan · Jul 9, 2007, 06:09 AM

OK, I was just wondering why you said the signal was so bad. Sounds like the signal is fine, but just doesn't go far enough. That is exactly was a WDS is for, extending the signal range. Dive into the Linksys FAQs about WDS, it is a little complicated, but that model router will work just fine!