Question

How to turn a Linksys WRT54GS wireless router into a repeater.

Asked by: HbugProject

I have a DSL modem connected to a Linksys WRT110 Wireless router. My wireless network is functioning. I have another Linksys WRT54GS wireless router that is not being used. My wireless signal is very poor in my living room.
I need to know if I can take this Linksys WRT54GS wireless router and turn into a repeater/signal booster without the use of Ethernet cables.
I basically want to put the WRT54GS in my living room in hopes that it will boost my wireless signal. Any help and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

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Asked On
2009-10-25 at 17:44:06ID24842410
Tags

Linksys WRT54GS

,

Wireless Networking

,

Range Extenders

Topics

Wireless Networking

,

Wireless Technologies

Participating Experts
3
Points
500
Comments
6

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Answers

 

by: mwecomputersPosted on 2009-10-25 at 17:56:50ID: 25659210

You need to upgrade the router with a 3rd party firmware...

DD-WRT:
http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/index

DD-WRT Repeater Bridge
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Repeater_Bridge

 

by: DaveG1960Posted on 2009-10-25 at 21:16:59ID: 25659633

Keep in mind that if you upgrade firmware in the router and something goes wrong during the upgrade process (such as the power goes out) your router will become a useless (relatively at least) paperweight.

I recommend always using a battery backup device during firmware upgrades. Also, there is no going back. You are stuck with the behavior of the device after the upgrade unless the software maker upgrades the firmware again.

Dave

 

by: ACzPosted on 2009-10-25 at 21:21:26ID: 25659644

I agree with DaveG1960, it is worth being extra-cautious when you are installing the new firmware.
I thought that I had turned my old Linksys BEFW11S4 into a brick, but I was able to revive it by carrying out the Factory Reset procedure a few times.  Eventually it woke up and decided to live again.
So, if you do have a problem, patiently give the unit a rest and then try resetting it multiple times until it works or you give up.

 

by: HbugProjectPosted on 2009-10-28 at 12:02:43ID: 25686950

I followed DD-WRT instructions to the letter and still bricked the router. The second stage of firmware upgrading failed for no apparent reason and has left me with a very fancy paper weight. I have moved on to their forum to hopefully get this resolved.
I still appreciate everyone's help.

 

by: mwecomputersPosted on 2009-10-28 at 14:00:43ID: 25688283

One thing you really have to watch for with DD-WRT is which version of the router you are using and which DD-WRT firmware you are applying.

One other possibility would be to do a hard reset on the router:

UnBrick your Linksys router  WRT54GS v7
http://blog.rim3y.net/?p=942

 

by: HbugProjectPosted on 2009-11-12 at 11:11:08ID: 31645727

I was able to get the router to an un-bricked state. The hard reset and following the instructions from the link provided that help. I have found out more info on my router, apparently this router is very tricky to turn into an AP so I have decided to abandon this project. Thank you for all of your help.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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