Tom Blue
join:2007-09-17
MN, USA
4 edits | reply to hdc8
Re: Extending a 2Wire DSL wireless modem/router
said by hdc8  :I have a 2Wire 2701HG wireless DSL modem/router that was proided by AT&T. The wireless has poor coverage around the house. What is the best way to extend the wireless coverage? The house is wired for ethernet so I could put another device somewhere else in the house. I tried a Dlink wireless router and I tried a Linksys range extender. Both had some type of IP conflict and did not work. Since your house is wired, using a separate AP is the best approach. Most comsumer wireless routers can be configured in AP-only mode, so you don't necessarily have to spend the bigger bucks for an AP-only device. Your D-Link should work if properly setup.
Search this forum... there are several threads on how to set up a wireless router to operate as an access point. It isn't hard, and some routers even have a check-box in the configuration setup where you just say you want it to be an AP only and the configuration automatically handles the rest. But, even if it is not that simple, it is still cook-book and usually outlined in the documentation.
The IP conflict you experienced - did you just plug in the D-Link router? You have to turn off the router functions or you will have dualing DHCP servers. You may also have to assign a fixed IP address to your router that is acting as an AP. As I said, search the forum and your router's documentation for instructions. You want instruction on having the router operate in access point mode only.
The basic steps are:
LAN port on the D-Link to LAN port on the 2Wire. Leave the WAN port on the D-Link disconnected.
Connect your computer to another LAN port on the D-Link and access its setup screens. Turn off the DHCP server. Enable the wireless. Assign it a different channel than your 2Wire. Assign it a different or the same SSID - your choice. Read your D-Link instructions to see if you need to do anything else. You can assign the D-Link a fixed IP in the address space of your 2Wire's LAN so it is always at the same place when you try to access it for admin purposes, etc.
Range extenders are fussy, nasty little devices that should only be used as a last, desperate attempt (JMO) --- you don't need them at all since you have ethernet throughout the house. An access point is much better. |
