[trelph]

I'm trying to expand my home wireless network without running any more cables, but I'm having no luck. Currently I have a Netgear WGT624 v3 router hooked up directly to my modem, which is the only possible direct connection my ISP. The range is decent and somewhat reliable, but it's in my basement and doesn't cover my whole house.

I also have a Belkin Wireless-G router (model F5D7230-4) and a Linksys WAP54G v3.1 previously unincorporated into the configuration of which I can't seem to make use. I just want to be able to repeat or bridge the broadcast. The http interfaces on all three devices do not make this easy, and I'm beginning to wonder if this is even possible with what I have.

I worry that the vendors purposefully designed the hardware to be uncommunicative with devices from different manufacturers, and my efforts to explore my options with DD-WRT have led me to this list: http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php...atible_devices

Note how the Belkin and Netgear are both there.

[TerryNet]

The Belkin F5D7230-4 cannot be used as a wireless bridge (AP client) nor as a repeater (extender). If nobody knows offhand about the other one, you could always do a quick search of the manual.

[trelph]

Since the Linksys is a WAP, it can supposedly operate in both AP client and repeater mode, but I haven't been able to get either modes to work with the Netgear. Am I facing a manufacturer limitation?

If need be, I can easily swap out the Netgear with the Belkin.

[JohnWill]

Run a wire between the two routers and use this configuration.

Connecting two (or more) SOHO broadband routers together.

Note: The "primary" router can be an actual router, a software gateway like Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing, or a server connection that has the capability to supply more than one IP address using DHCP server capability. No changes are made to the primary "router" configuration.

Configure the IP address of the secondary router(s) to be in the same subnet as the primary router, but out of the range of the DHCP server in the primary router. For instance DHCP server addresses 192.168.0.2 through 192.168.0.100, I'd assign the secondary router 192.168.0.254 as it's IP address, 192.168.0.253 for another router, etc.

Note: Do this first, as you will have to reboot the computer to connect to the router again for the remaining changes.

Disable the DHCP server in the secondary router.

Setup the wireless section just the way you would if it was the primary router, channels, encryption, etc.

Connect from the primary router's LAN port to one of the LAN ports on the secondary router. If there is no uplink port and neither of the routers have auto-sensing ports, use a cross-over cable. Leave the WAN port unconnected!

This procedure bypasses the routing function (NAT layer) and configures the router as a switch (or wireless access point for wireless routers).

[TerryNet]

I took a quick look at the user manual for the WAP54G and see only two reasons why it may not work:

1) you are trying to use the quick set button;
2) you are trying to use the "wizard."

Reset the WAP to factory defaults and then follow the instructions in chapter 7 and it should work. If necessary disable encryption on your router until you get it working. Don't use any MAC address filtering or any other junk like that.

If you still have trouble, give us a detailed step-by-step of how you configure it and we may be able to spot a mis-step.