Use WRT54G as access point 3

[lewatkin]

I am way out of my league here, so I am hoping someone can help. I have a Linksys BEFSR41 Router that is connected to the internet and working fine. It is not wireless. I have a Linksys WRT54G v8.2 that I would like to use as an access point for my wireless laptops. I have found a lot of documentation on how to set it up with earlier versions, but not 8.x. The wireless router worked fine. I purchased a Sprint Airrave device to increase the wireless signal in my home, but it would not work with the Wireless router, hence the BEFSR41. So now, I have no wireless access and have to drag a Cat5 cable around with my laptops. Any advice?

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[SYQUEST]

You can configure the WRT54G as a WAP as follows: Log into the WRT54G and change the router IP to the one you want, change the Subnet Mask to the same one your LAN is using, and disable DHCP. Then save your config. Plug the patch cord to your LAN into one of the LAN ports on the WRT54G and see what happens.

Since I have not seen the manual for this beast, I don't know if Linksys covers this option. But YOU should read the manual anyway just to be familiar with its capabilities. "They" do change things from time-to-time.

Try this and let us know if it works...

....JIM....

 

[lewatkin]

Hey Jim,

Thanks for the response. Here is what I did...
On router: IP = 192.168.1.1
Subnet: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.1.1
DHCP enabled

Wireless Router: IP = 192.168.1.2
Subnet: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.1.1
DHCP disabled
No security enabled (will enable after it works)

Connected two routers with a crossover cable from Port1 to Port1. Left ethernet port open on wireless router.

Results: 2 wireless laptops - Dell and a Gateway
Dell laptop will connect just fine without any problems at all, although I did notice some degradation of speed. Not an issue though.
Gateway laptop will not connect to internet. It will connect to wireless access point and will get a valid IP address (separate from laptop 1). Diagnostic log shows that it cannot resolve DNS names??

I connected to the router, purged the MAC address table, released all IP addresses, disconnect and powered everything off, including both PCs. I waited 5 minutes, reconnected everything, powered everthing back on, powered up Gateway laptop first (thinking maybe only one at a time or something), Gateway would still NOT connect to internet, but would get a valid IP address - again Diagnostic Log shows couldnt resolve DNS. With the Gateway still powered on, I powered up the Dell, and the Dell connected fine.

Any advice on what settings I should look at? I mean it is working, and I thank you very much for your assistance. Anything other magic wisdom you are willing to offer would be great!!

Lee

 

[SYQUEST]

Even though you have the Wireless Connection optioned for DHCP, you can still make a permanent assignment for the DNS. Sometimes the Control Panels get corrupted in Windoz. You might try assigning a DNS like 4.2.2.2 or try using the repair function of the panel or disable then re enable the wireless connection and see if that will force the thing into operation.

DNS servers have been know to go off-line at times. So it is good to have an alternate assignment or choice, and not be totally dependent on the serving ISP's DNS. I always make these assignments on my computers or routers for that reason.

One last thing concerning speed, the wireless will only be as fast as the slowest wireless connection to the WAP or router. In other words, if you have a computer with 802.11G and another with 802.11B, the most you will get is B (11Mhz) for all connected wireless devices, even if the G device was connected first. So if you are going to use mixed wireless devices, you might want to have separate WAPs for each type. That is why in the router or WAP configuration they give you the option to restrict or exclude one or the other type of connection.

....JIM....

 

[DallasBPF]

try doing this;

start
run
cmd (enter)
type in ipconfig /flushdns

now try the gateway...

------------------------------------
Dallas, Texas
Telecommunications Tech
CCVP, CCNA, Net+

CCNP in the works

 

[DallasBPF]

sorry let me clarify myself a little bit, do that command on your gateway laptop that is having the issues.

------------------------------------
Dallas, Texas
Telecommunications Tech
CCVP, CCNA, Net+

CCNP in the works

 

[lewatkin]

Gentlemen, THANK YOU BOTH. I am happy to report that I am posting this through aforementioned Gateway that would not previously get on the internet wirelessly. While neither of your posts was exactly what the problem was, they both lead me to what the problem was. I ran the /flushdns as DallasBPF suggested, then restarted. No connection. I ran ipconfig /all on both PC's and noticed that my DNS information was missing from the Gateway. I went into the Properties of the Wireless Network Connection TCP/IP section, and found some settings that were different. TCP/IP filtering was enabled, and something was different under the DNS tab. I'm sorry, but I do not know what it was exactly - but I made them the same. Everything works great now. Thanks guys....the stars show my appreciation for at least getting me going in the right direction. Your time is most appreciated!!

Gratefully,

Lee

 

[DallasBPF]

Star for you sir, for getting it to work.

------------------------------------
Dallas, Texas
Telecommunications Tech
CCVP, CCNA, Net+

CCNP in the works