Extend wireless network using multiple wifi routers?

[Pádraig Ó Dubhaigh]

Hi all,

Is it possible to extend a LAN using multiple wi-fi routers, with the signal "hopping" from one to the next? Obviously not a fast, reliable, method of networking, but does anyone know if this bridging can it be done, and how must the routers be configured?

Nollaig Shona,

Pádraig

[Conor P]

It can be done, but not easily. If the router supports a repeater or
bridge mode it should work. If not you can alter the firmware on some
models to do this (may void the warranty).

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-turn-an-old-router-into-a-wireless-bridge/

You can buy range extenders for around €50.

http://www.dabs.ie/products/belkin-wireless-g-universal-range-extender-access-point-4287.html?q=wireless%20range%20extender

Also a decent aftermarket antenna on your router might do just as
well.

On Dec 22 2009, 6:35 pm, Pádraig Ó Dubhaigh

[Raymond O'Brien]

It very much depends on the wifi routers.

If you want to send me a private mail il happily go through it with you.
We have campus wide wifi networks running in several schools.

ray

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[Pádraig Ó Dubhaigh]

Thanks for ideas Raymond and Conor

Solved problem using a combination of cabling and a recycled Eircom Netopia WiFi modem. 

I wired the LAN as far as possible using CAT5, then used Netopia modem to give the extra 50 metres needed. 

In order to do use the modem as a router, the DHCP Server has to be disabled via web interface> Expert Mode / Configure / Advanced / DHCP Server > tick DHCP Server Disable. Then simply plug the network cable into any one of the 4 ports, and the signal will be treansmitted a further 40 of 50 yards via wi-fi.

Regards,

Pádraig

2010/1/3 Raymond O'Brien <ray.o...@gmail.com>

Padraig, 

What is the purpose of the bridge?  Is it to join to buildings together or is it to prevent

the need to run cable?

Even a temporary run of cat 5 cable can be very cheap and of course faster than wifi.

Something you could look into is creating a wifi bridge using two computers.  Its difficult

but can be done and ofcourse, the two machines need to be powered on at all times.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you need anything

Kind regards

On 3 Jan 2010, at 15:16, Pádraig Ó Dubhaigh wrote:

Thanks for this Ray

TBH we're on limited budget and will try to make do with the equipment we already have. Will try out some ideas on bridging, but may get back to you on the Netgear option if all fails

Thanks again,

Pádraig

2010/1/3 Raymond O'Brien <ray.o...@gmail.com>

Hi Pádraig,

The eircom netopia bridge setting i believe is mostly to create a bridge between 

your DSL broadband connection and internal firewall.  We use this alot as

the firewall on the eircom box is very limited.  The firewalls we use include

content filtering and the like as the schools we service host their own web 

resources and like to restrict different access for students and teachers.

If you wish to create a wifi bridged network the base station i suggest is

made by Netgear.  The ones we install cost about €130 + delivery.  I think we have some

in stock if your interested.

You will need two base stations to create the bridge.  Its also best to use the same brand

and if possible the same model for everything to run smoothly!

I have done this many times before using the Apple Airport extreme and even the express,

and it also works very well, however, they are considerably more expensive and less functional

than the netgears.

I hope some of this helps

Ray

On 3 Jan 2010, at 13:02, Pádraig Ó Dubhaigh wrote:

Hello Ray,

and thanks for the offer of advice on wi-fi router issue.

I have a spare Eircom Netopia 2247-02 Wi-fi router that I want to configure as a bridge. I checked the device webpage and it seems to support this. Tried already setting it up with DHCP server enabled, then disabled, tried also playing around with various IP's and DNS addresses but no luck. 

Any help greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Pádraig

2010/1/2 Raymond O'Brien <ray.o...@gmail.com>