Using an old router to expand your network is a cheap and easy way to at least double the wireless range in your home. It is also a great way to get wireless to outbuildings or other areas that are outside of your home's wireless signal. This method does require that you have an Ethernet cable run from your main wireless router in your home to the location where you would like to setup the second router (access point). In our home I have one wireless access point configured on each floor and staggered from one end of the home to the other. This means that no matter where I ma in the house I can always connect to a nearby access point and have full signal strength. No buffering, no lag, and in most cases speeds as fast as a wired Ethernet connection.
Here are the basic steps to follow but I would recommend watching the accompanying video to fully understand the process.
1. Reset router to factory default settings
2. Take note of your current network configuration (192.168.1.X
3. Create a new ip address for the access point 192.168.1.220 (example)
4. plug a computer into the newly reset router
5. log into the router using the default ip - normally 192.168.1.1
6. Configure the wireless network name and security
7. Turn off DHCP (take away the router's ability to assign ip addresses)
8. Configure the router to the previously picked ip address - 192.168.1.220 (example)
9. Connect the router to an Ethernet cable coming from your main router.
Tip - Do not use the "WAN" port at all on this new access point.
Now I know that someone is going to say it so I will answer this question up front. Yes, you can just plug the router into your existing setup using the WAN port on the second router without changing any settings on the router. This will work in most cases however you are setting yourself up for problems down the road as this is not the correct way to configure a second wireless router on an existing network. This is what is called double NAT or network address translation and is like having a double firewall. This will not allow any computers connected to the secondary router to communicate with wireless printers, other computers, will block many gaming sites, vpn's and other connections. Although it is easier and may work for basic internet browsing it will be slower and will cause other issues down the road.
Simple Suburban Living General Store
follow us on....
http://www.pinterest.com/simplesuburban/
http://www.facebook.com/simplesuburbanliving
http://www.twitter.com/simplesuburban5
http://www.instagram.com/simplesuburbanliving
follow us on....
http://www.pinterest.com/simplesuburban/
http://www.facebook.com/simplesuburbanliving
http://www.twitter.com/simplesuburban5
http://www.instagram.com/simplesuburbanliving
Do you use the same name and password for the new access point (s) or do you need to use different ones?
ReplyDeletegreat pleasure reading your post.Its full of information I looking for and I love to post a comment that "The content of your post is awesome" Great work.
ReplyDeletewireless router reviews
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI watched your post on re-configuring an old router into an access point and I'm getting stuck at the point where I plug into my lap top, disconnected from all wired/wireless connections to isolate the old router. I plug in 192.168.1.1 and it won't pull up the security window to login to the router. I've tried 3 different browsers and 3 different ethernet cables in all the LAN ports; none of the numbers associated with the LANs light up when I plug into them. I've even factory-reset the router 3x, but still no access. What do you suggest?
Thx,
Mike
Great post! Thank you for sharing valuable information. Keep up the good work.how to find my ip address
ReplyDeleteThis article will outline the three basic concepts you need to understand to set up a wireless router yourself.wireless routers review
ReplyDeletePlease see below for the most common features of wireless routers, and read on for detailed explanations of what those features are, and how they may benefit you.wireless routers reviews
ReplyDeleteThis is really nice to visit your website. I read your article this is really very informative. I had many useful things from your article.Thanks for shearing that kind of post.
ReplyDeleteAcid Eye X2t
Acid Eye X2t True Wireless
Acid Eye
ReplyDeleteAcid Eye
Acid Eye
Acid Eye
Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i've been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. https://192-168-i-i.com
ReplyDeleteP-LINK TC-7610 is a very popular option on the lower end of the price range. It's in the top 3 bestselling modems and has doz click this site
ReplyDeleteI watched your video. I am trying to set up a Lynksys E6500.
ReplyDeleteI am confused about where to place the name of the router. It talks about Host name, Domain name.
I was able to change the number as suggested and assigned a new password.
Any help?