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dkuhlmanFlag for United States of America

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Need help setting up an additional AP on wireless network

I have a single access point at home.  It's a Linksys WRT54G running DD-WRT.  In some area of the lower level of my house I can't get a signal.  I have another Linksys WRT54G currently running the stock Linksys firmware.  (I'm open to flashing it to DD-WRT if necessary)

What is the best way for me to get a stronger signal in the lower level?

I'd ideally like to setup the second WRT54G as a repeater on the same SSID.  So my devices just think there's a single wireless network and get a good signal anywhere in the house.  I'm not sure if that's possible though.

Can you recommend the best way for me to get a good strong signal anywhere in the house, including specific settings on the second router \ AP.  Thanks!
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jrd326
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If you flash the device with DD-WRT you can use the following guide to set up the device as a repeater.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Universal_Wireless_Repeater

In your situation, I repeater is probably your best solution to get better wireless coverage.
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I saw that article and thought about doing it that way.   However the "universal" wireless repeater repeats the strongest signal, which isn't always the signal from upstairs.  Is there a way to force it to repeat only the signal from upstairs?
It appears that if you change the steps a bit and set the SSID to the same as your current network, it will work properly.  Here is a tutorial that seems to be more what you are trying to do.

http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/3655041/DD-WRT-Tutorial-5-Wireless-Repeater.htm
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RikeR

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I tired setting the second router up with the same SSID and security settings.  When I tried to connect to the SSID I couldn't get an IP address.

What is WDS mode and how do I configure it?
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RikeR

The AP should be connected to the same network and the WRT should operate as an AccessPoint (WAP) and not a Router.

WDS is a technology to extend your network through your wireless connections.
Here's a really good solution you.

Go to this website http://www.sveasoft.com/ and download a version of their firmware for your router.

Once you've downloaded the firmware flash your router, once you do this configure your network as needed, SSID, IP addresses. Etc,etc.

You will find a page to increase or decrease the power setting of the AP (miliwatts) change the setting to 1000 mW, this will give you a stronger signal and I'm pretty sure you won't even need a second AP.

If you can get a bigger antenna it would be better.

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Now if your router is not on SVEASOFT supported list of hardware, then run a cable from your upper level router to the lower level - plug in the second AP/router (plug in the cable on to one of the four Ethernet ports not on the internet port), you should have previously turned OFF the DHCP setting on this second router, set the SSID and password the same as your upper level router, the only thing that should be different is the channel.

***** For example set your upper level router to channel 2.415 and your lower level to 2.425.

Then you will be able to roam between the routers.
On a note to andreeochoa's comment. Increasing the transmit power beyond the factory settings is illegal in most countries. Local government bodies regulate for transmit power with the unlicensed ISM and UNII bands.

Please obey local regulations.
Increasing the output of  your AP and \ or adding a high-gain antenna is not illigal in the United States.  You just have to make sure you EIRP is below the max limit.

The EIRP = Tx Output Power (dBW/dBm) + Antenna Gain (dBi) - Line Loss (dB)

I ended up researching and configuring WDS on both of the routers.  I had a spare Buffalo N-router laying around that, so I used that for the downstairs router.  I had WEP encryption on at first, but that really seemed to bog down the speeds.  WEP \ WPA worked fine when there was just one AP, but when I added the second & WDS things slowed down dramatically.  For now I have encryption turned off.