How can I use a wireless router as a WAP?

[orestesdd]

I don't have a huge apartment, but its configuration or layout makes it hard for my stepson to have wireless access. I have read a few articles on the net where people use a wireless router as a WAP because a WAP device is usually more expensive than a wireless router. I just wonder if anyone here can explaining the process in such a way that anyone reading this thread can understand it. Thanks.

 

[Emerald]

go Start then Run in XP - (Windows key plus R in Vista and Windows 7), then type in the following, including all the spaces:- cmd /k ipconfig /all -- then press Enter and from the black form that shows up, take a note of the numeric code beside the word "gateway" -- usually something like 192.168.0.1. Type exit to close the black form.

log into the router you want to convert

setup the wireless security

disable the DHCP and change the LAN IP to the Gateway's IP but make the last number 253

connect one of the four LAN ports of the converted router to the main router

 

[orestesdd]

Do I have to connect the converted router to the main router via Ethernet? I thought that after converting the router to WAP, I could just place it near a room with a dead or weak signal, and I did not have to run an Ethernet cable all the way to the converted router. Am I misunderstanding you? Anyhow, thanks for your post and any other clarification post you may add.

 

[Emerald]

WAP is a Wireless Access Point which is connected to the rest of the network via network cable.

You are talking about a Repeater Bridge which connects wirelessly to the main router and retransmits the signal and provides LAN ports.

Or are you talking about a client Repeater which connects wirelessly to the main router and provides LAN ports but no wireless.

do you already have a second router? if so what model?

If you still need to buy, look at an ASUS RT-N12. To build a bridge or client repeater you will need a router that can support DD-WRT firmware

http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/support/router-database

 

[orestesdd]

WAP is a Wireless Access Point which is connected to the rest of the network via network cable.

You are talking about a Repeater Bridge which connects wirelessly to the main router and retransmits the signal and provides LAN ports.

Or are you talking about a client Repeater which connects wirelessly to the main router and provides LAN ports but no wireless.

do you already have a second router? if so what model?

If you still need to buy, look at an ASUS RT-N12. To build a bridge or client repeater you will need a router that can support DD-WRT firmware

http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/support/router-database

So I guess what I need is what you call a "repeater" which connects wirelessly to the main wireless router, and retransmits the signal. Also when you say, " and provides LAN ports", do you mean that I can use, say another PC to connect via Ethernet wire to the repeater in anyone of its free LAN Ethernet ports?

I don't have yet the second router to use, but I thought any router should work without the need to support a specific firmware as you mentioned "DD-WRT". Again, thanks for the clarification, for I did not know the difference between a WAP and a REPEATER. Btw, I am running Windows 7 Professional 64-bit version just in case this may help me with my network. The other 2 people using my LAN, one uses Windows Vista, and the other Windows 7 Home.

 

[orestesdd]

Wow, if I wanted to buy ASUS RT-N12 router at amazon, it'd take from 1-4 weeks to buy it. Do you know where I can but it reliably and without such waiting time? Thanks.

 

[Emerald]

Also when you say, " and provides LAN ports", do you mean that I can use, say another PC to connect via Ethernet wire to the repeater in anyone of its free LAN Ethernet ports?

Yes, if you configure the router as a Repeater Bridge with DD-WRT all five ports (4x LAN+WAN) will be available to connect computers to.

I thought any router should work without the need to support a specific firmware

any router can be configure as an WAP but I have not seen one yet that supports Repeater Bridge mode.

D-Link used to use a WDS button to link two D-Link devices together but there where manual configuration options and it would only work as a Client Bridge (NO wifi)

 

[orestesdd]

One quick question, is the term "repeater" the same as "extender"? Couldn't it be easier just to buy a "repeater" without having to monkey around with either "tomato" or "dd-wrt" firmwares? Sorry to ask so many questions, but these things are new to me, and I am learning as I go.

 

[Emerald]

is the term "repeater" the same as "extender"?

Yes last time I checked they were somewhere between $70+.

I bought the ASUS for about $40 and it took about ten minutes to flush the firmware and set it up. For me it started out as a project to find some use for an old router.

these are some of the better extenders. personally I like the once with the external antennas in case you need to use stronger antennas to up the signal

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833164035

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122376

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833281004

 

[orestesdd]

Best answer selected by orestesdd.

 

[orestesdd]

is the term "repeater" the same as "extender"?

Yes last time I checked they were somewhere between $70+.

I bought the ASUS for about $40 and it took about ten minutes to flush the firmware and set it up. For me it started out as a project to find some use for an old router.

these are some of the better extenders. personally I like the once with the external antennas in case you need to use stronger antennas to up the signal

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833164035

I like this Netgear without antenna

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833281004

I like the Netgear "extender" even though it is a single band device. Also I like it because I can buy that one at amazon with free shipping. I think I will save a few $$$ and then I will get the one I marked above. Thanks for making this clear to me.