Extending my Network via Multiple Routers

[HostileIntent]

I guarantee someone will have an answer for this since I think its a pretty basic networking question. However I am a network noob so....

My current router (108mb/sec netgear wireless super g) has issues reaching parts of my basement where I keep a few computers. I have an older linksys router laying around that I am not currently using and I was wondering if I could set one of the routers to use a static IP (I think this is how you do it?) and have the other router boost the signal.

There are a few issues however:

-This linksys router is an older 54mb/sec router, would that have any effect on the new signal and would comps in other parts of the house pick up a 54mb/sec signal instead of a 108mb/sec signal?

-Would it show up as 2 networks or 1?

-Security: my linksys router does not have the same calibre security that my current router has. How would that work with the network?


Can someone talk me through how I would go about using this router to boost signal and where I should position my second router for best performance?

thanks

[General Bordinko]

Your issues:

-This linksys router is an older 54mb/sec router, would that have any effect on the new signal and would comps in other parts of the house pick up a 54mb/sec signal instead of a 108mb/sec signal?

Yes you would have to run in mixed mode. Computers that can see the 54mb will run @54mb It’s a hardware restriction.

-Would it show up as 2 networks or 1?

One, It should remain as one network with two access points. Although the Netgear and Linksys routers might kickup a hissyfit. (ine have sometimes but they work fine now.)

-Security: my linksys router does not have the same calibre security that my current router has. How would that work with the network?

You will still need a hardline to the linksys but, the current security settings will only be as good as the linksys router’s because it will be a wireless connection as well. It also depends on where you are at, at the time of association. The strongest signal will win, if both ESSID's/SSID's are the same. Then your basement AP will have to act as a wireless repeator, very inefficent, to your upstairs wireless router.


The Dink’s solutions;

1.) My personal recommendation for a wireless repeater is the DWL-G800AP Wireless Range Extender. (http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=267). It's an enhanced 802.11g wireless range extender that can operate as a wireless access point or wireless repeater. The unit has a street price of about $85.

2.) Quick and Dirty. Go into the Linksys router, and in the "Dynamic Routing" portion of the router switch the router to the client and not the one controlling the internet, change it to router instead of gateway. The gateway would be the netgear

3.) Drill a small hole and run 1 cat 5 wire to the basement from the netgear to the linksys and you dont have to worry about any of that.

[Modest Genius]

surely you can just tell the linksys to use the netgear as its gateway, so long as the thing can use wireless as its 'internet' side (i know mine cant, but its ancient)? same way you can plug a wireless router into the back of a wired router, which is itself plugged into the internet?

[General Bordinko]

2.) Quick and Dirty. Go into the Linksys router, and in the "Dynamic Routing" portion of the router switch the router to the client and not the one controlling the internet, change it to router instead of gateway. The gateway would be the netgear


QFE

[Modest Genius]

QFEmeh, its not an option on my one, but yes, thats basically what i was saying