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View Full Version : switches and routers and LANs, oh my!


G.
08-06-12, 01:33 AM
Question for the team:

Is it possible to set up 2 wireless routers as the exact same access point? Meaning, if I'm surfing with a tablet connected to one wl access point, then I move to another part of the house, I get passed off to the other wl connection (without disconnecting from the first, and reconnecting to the second)? Kind of like a cellular handoff.

Setup:
My net comes into the 2nd floor and goes to WL router number 1. Computer 1 is wired to one of the LAN ports. I ran lots of stuff off the WL, but recently ran CAT5e from router 1 LAN to the other side of the house, 1st floor, where most of my other equipment resides. Too much traffic on WL connection, and it's weak where I need it most.

I was mumbling something at dinner about how I wish I knew what was broke on my OLD router, since I would turn it into a switch, but instead I need to run to the store and buy one. Sis-in-law (visiting from 'Frisco) happened to have a wl router in her luggage. Who travels with a router?!?

Anyway, finally figured out how to make the router number 2 into a dumb switch (DHCP off, static IP - out of rt 1 available assigning range). Downstairs computer 2 wired to now-switch, Xbox360, BluRay as well.

Awesome! So far, so good, but we can't leave well enough alone, can we? NO!

Can't leave a perfectly viable WL access point just sitting there, turn that sumnabith on!

Tried setting SSID, encryption, etc. all the same between rt 1 and rt2 (now-switch). FAIL. Couldn't talk to either WL device.

Fixed that, but right now, I have 2 different SSIDs, one forced to channel 6, one to channel 11. To get the stronger signal, I have to switch manually.


Any way to set them up to seamlessly be the "same" access point? It's ok the way it is, but if I could make it even better...
They are pretty far apart from each other, but the signals definitely overlap.

Your wisdom, or smartass remarks, are always welcome!

Thanks!
WickerBill
08-06-12, 03:19 AM
If I recall correctly, when I tried to do this, the routers needed A. To be identical, and B. needed to support Lazy WDS at a minimum. WDS is the key.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/WDS_Linked_router_network
KLang
08-06-12, 07:24 AM
I have a pair of AirPort Extremes set up this way. SSID, encryption and channels set the same on both. I used the instructions in this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/archive/index.php/t-1113885.html) when I set mine up.
Rogue Leader
08-06-12, 01:29 PM
They sell Wireless range extenders specifically for this purpose:

http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=282064
Insomniac
08-07-12, 12:35 AM
You will need to investigate your routers to see, but you're looking for a setting to make it a repeater. If you have a compatible router, 3rd part firmware usually adds the feature.
G.
08-07-12, 01:44 AM
If I recall correctly, when I tried to do this, the routers needed A. To be identical, and B. needed to support Lazy WDS at a minimum. WDS is the key.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/WDS_Linked_router_network
Sister-in-law only had a Netgear with her. Next time I'll make her bring a Belkin. :\

WDS isn't a standard yet?

They sell Wireless range extenders specifically for this purpose:

http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=282064Again, I'll let the SIL know. :gomer:


You will need to investigate your routers to see, but you're looking for a setting to make it a repeater. If you have a compatible router, 3rd part firmware usually adds the feature.

I think I need to be more clear. Or I'm wrong. It could go either way.

My 2 routers (one an actual router, one dumbed-down to be a switch) are hardwired together.

Range extenders, repeaters, signal boosters all communicate wirelessly. I THINK.


Wireless Repeater.

A wireless range extender connects via Wi-Fi to a router or access point.

That's not what I'm looking for.

I wanted to hardwire a hub, or switch to lighten the load on the WL airwaves. I ran the wire, attached the extra router (turned off DHCP to make it into a simple switch) and plugged the extra stuff into the LAN ports of the now-switch. Switch is hardwired to router.

I got this working well.

It just so happens that my "switch" also has the capability of being a wireless access point. I can get it to work as a new SSID just fine, but I wanted to set it up as my old SSID, kind if like another base station in a cellular network.

I'm pretty sure it can be done with no conflicts but I can't seem to do it.

If I ONLY wanted the range, then going to the repeater would work (but it would cut my BW in half). Extra range is secondary to needing the hardwired switch, at least in my little mind.
cameraman
08-07-12, 02:00 AM
Bridge mode should work.