[FAQ] Using two routers together/ Extending Wi-Fi

mickevh

I'd suggest you take your existing living room powerline adapter down to the games room and try it out. If it works, (and you get enough bandwidth) then get another that is compatible to avail the games room.

If powerline does work and you need/want wi-fi in that locale, you can either hang an "Access Point" off the powerline ("routers" are not necessary to "do wi-fi" - there's an AP built in to so-called "routers") or I believe there are HomePlug/AP combi's available. These days I think there are even powerline combi that include powerline   a few ethernet ports   AP.

If you can't get a powerline link then your options are either to run in a data network cable or consider some form of wi-fi point-to-point link between the two buildings.

But before getting into discusions of such, test it it out with what you have to hand, thence if powerline isn't a option, we can debate the alternatives in detail.

paperclip810

Success! The powerline adapter works with decent bandwidth in the games room. We tried connecting the old router that we were using pre-BT home hub and it's providing the access point at the moment although we may look for something smaller or tidier soon.

Thanks for the reassurance that our thinking was right

PHOTOSHOP KID

I hope someone can help me out her, just got a second Netgear router dg834g, I want to use it upstairs to extend my wi-fi range, I am a bit clueless when it comes to networking etc,

What is the first thing I need to do? I have it upstairs at the moment, plugged in, it`s putting out a signal and it`s called NETGEAR, if I type in 192.168.0.1 all I get is my main router downstairs,

Do I need to unplug the main router before I set up the second one?
Do I have to connect the second router to the first via lan?

Thanks for any input

tom 2000

Have a look at post 1 and think a little. You probably want to connect the routers by a network cable or Homeplugs. You will still have settings to configure.

PHOTOSHOP KID

Ok, trying to get my head round this, I have the the second router upstairs, if I connect that via cable to my laptop and then enter the relevant settings am I on the right track?

mickevh

The approach advocated in post #1 to configure your second router, is to disconnect the router from everything except the computer you are using to "configure" it, do the configuration work, then once configured, introduce it back into the infrastructure. Just work through the instructions in post #1 without deviation and you should get there. If you get stuck, post back.

smitht3

Hi all,
Really sorry if I'm repeating something asked over and over again!

Can i connect a second wireless router via WiFi connection and use the Ethernet ports to connect my devices?

(Don't need Wireless connections on my second router and don't want to run an Ethernet to the second router.)

tom 2000

Yep. If u don't already have the kit look at the TP-Link stuff. Almost plug n play.

smitht3

Excellent, what is this called? (Bridging, Switching, Repeating)
Just so i can narrow my Google/forum searches...

Can it be done with any old wireless router? (I have Orange Livebox, Belkin Wireless G, NetGear Wirless G and Buffalo AirStation Turbo G)

Probably need full instructions if they differ greatly from the original post here.
Thanks

tom 2000

Repeating. AFAIK.