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Connecting 2 wireless routers for internet

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by lonemaverick2001

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> I bought a WET54G Bridge for this setup. I have connected it and still I have no connection between the routers. Please take me step by step thru this installation (Including Security) so that I can get these up and running. I will include a complete Item by Item of what I have so far. Please help. Thanks

I have a Netgear router connected to a network system with a T1 line. I changed the IP address of the router to 192.168.0.99 so that the network had a place for the router.
I have changed the SSID. I put his on all of the routers and network Wireless network cards. I used my wireless notebook to check this connecttion and I can see it and use it.

The Linksys WRT54G is attached to the other system that does not have an Internet connection. I have the WET56G attached to the WRT54G. I have use the disks that came with them to ID all of the boxes together. I put them all on channel 6 and tried 11. I have connected a large antenna to the WRT54G. It is about 4.5 feet long and 4 inches wide.

I have a wireless Sony Vaio system in the upstairs of this network. It show a low signal but I can connect to the WRT54G. All of the systems on the linksys side are Win XP systems with Norton Internet Security Installed

I would like to be able to "see" the systems that I connect to with the router. I can do this with the wireless network cards but I find no way to do this with the routers.

My objective here is to connect the system with the T1 to the other system across the street. Then use wireless to connect to the 2 systems upstairs. I only wish to have Internet connections with these systems These upstair systems are Win XP and have external USB network cards.

If I am successful with this project. I would like to find the perimeter of my umbrella and see if I can bring a wireless connection to a place on the far side of my property. The Antenna I have it suppose to cover 140 acres. I am in a wooded area but I think I should be able to get a little way down the road.
Thanks for any help.
Brian

53 replies

by deepsand

This is a tech. problem, in search of a solution.

It properly belongs in "Technical Q&A," not in "Discussions."

Please re-post there.

Thank you..

by cp7212

You just joined TechRepublic this month and you want us to tell you step-by-step how to set up your whole wireless network from the configuration to security?!?

I don't mind helping people with problems, but I'm not a free consultant. I can't imagine getting a reply to this. I'm not trying to be rude, but try doing some homework first. Cisco's site at www.cisco.com has a wealth of information on wireless problems.

As for setting up a wireless network in the woods, a 2.4 GHz signal will only penetrate five to six wooden walls. So you can imagine how trees will block the signal. If you do have an antenna that covers 140 acres, it will have to be tall because it sounds like you will have to have a line-of-sight connection.

by tonythetiger

That's only about 1/4 mile radius. With the right antenna and a half-way clear shot, it wouldn't be terribly difficult. I've gotten almost half that (my personal record is just over 600 feet) with my Ipaq through an outside wall with the standard antenna on the router.

by jmgarvin

That is impressive. I generally see serious performance degredation after about 400 feet.

He sounds like he doesn't have a very clear shot and that there is tons of multipath interferance where he is at.

by jmgarvin

Ok first:
1) This needs to be in the Tech Q&A
2) You need to do a little homework.
3) You need an antenna taller than the trees
4) You need to look into WEP, WPA, a RADIUS server, etc for security
5) Read up on "ad hoc" and "infrastructure" wireless

I'm not trying to be a jerk, but man this is a HUGE question.

by deepsand

I would'nt be surprised if he's stumped trying to design a system for a prospective customer, and came here looking for free consulting services.

by mmatthe4

I realized that some people can be jerks. It doesn't make any sense for people to reply with stupid comments like they do. Mainly, it's because they have no knowledge of what you are asking for. First of all, if you have wireless devices that can access the primary router that means you're within range regardless if it's a router you want to communicate with. Second, disable DHCP on the second router. Configure the router with static IP. On the primary router(router with internet) configure the router to statically assign a WAN IP address to the second router. Specify this IP on router 2 for the WAN. If the routers are made by the same company change the default LAN IP on router two. If using IP security such as WEP, configure router two with the same SSID and WEP key as router one. Make sure your modes match as well; shared, auto or open. Depending on the brand of routers there are other security measures to keep in mind. I have MAC filter set on my primary router. In this case you would have to allow the router two's mac address to have access by specifying it on router one's Mac Filter table. Each PC connected to router two should have IP address assignment in reference to that router's subnet and IP routing assignment. DNS should also be specified on router two which technically should be the address of router one. If that doesn't work use the ISP's DNS address on router one. You can email me if this all sounds confusing. I have a similar setup at home using 3 PCs and 5 laptops with a DLink and Linksys router. mmatthe4@bellsouth.net. Also checkout http://www.matthewsolutions.com. Part of the site is down for redevelopement but the guy who owns this site is great with anything computer related. Once he's up and running he'll be Dell and Microsoft as one. I got all my technically experience from there and chatting directly with the owner. Very sharp. Just keep checking on the site. Peace!

by cp7212

If you were on here long enough you would be sick of answering posts like this, too. "I realized that some people can be jerks." Who are you to call us anything? How long have you been on this site for? A week, maybe two?

"Mainly, it's because they have no knowledge of what you are asking for." And then you tell him to use a WEP key? It would be a good thing for him to be out in the country, because if he used a WEP key in the city, he'd get hacked. Disable DHCP on the second router. He would have to statically assign all wireless IPs. What happens if one of them drops off of the network? Chances are, that device would not re-associate to the WAP. At least, not as easily with DHCP enabled.

And why have a router with internet? Putting a proxy behind the router for internet access is much safer.

"Peace!" Peace? After you just called us jerks? You have a twisted sense of values, man.

And even if you don't agree with me, read Jaqui's post. You'll get sick of it after a while. If you don't, more power to you.

by mmatthe4

I never told him to use WEP. The statement says if he is using WEP then he can take another approach. You're reading but not comprehending. Regardless of how long I have been on here you don't have to answer anyone's post man. The guy is seeking help ao why waste your time to say something stupid to him about his situation. He doesn't need insults and critism. He wants help. That's what posts are for...HELPING others. There are other ways that he can set this up. I have a similar setup so who is better to explain it.....someone who already has a similar setup that is working sufficiently and securely. If you're tired of answering posts stop replying. Does someone have a fork up to your throat making you reply. Get a life dude!

by jdclyde

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

This would be a good read for you and anyone else who is new to discussion forumns.

Please read this and then re-evaluate the reactions you have seen here AND they way you think about how the discussion was posted.
[b]
I would be delighted to hear if you change your mind or think the same way, but NOT until after you have read this. IT WILL help you. It helped me.

Good luck and welcome to TR.

by cp7212

I haven't got to read it all yet, but I read some of it and it is right on. We should get Smorty to post it as a portal page to TR. ;)

by jmgarvin

I love that article! TR should post that and should tell all new comers to check it out...

by jmgarvin

Most of the people here are VERY knowledgable and quite apt in any given IT field. We aren't free consultants, nor are we here to give a free network setup to someone who is getting PAID to actually do the work. Many people on TR are willing to help, but they won't do all the work for you. If the OP came in and asked for specific wireless help, I'm sure the response would have been far more friendly.

What you suggest is also wonky. Someone already mentioned this, but I thought it would be good for you to hear it again. What you are saying would cause problems all around and make issues out of things that shouldn't be.

I looked at your website and it seems like you are planning on independent consulting. So rather than giving away your knowledge for free, you should take that job from a guy who won't do the work it takes to do it.

From your email address and the URL, I would guess you are the owner and not just some guy...

Anyway, welcome to TR and enjoy the cranky IT folks.

by mmatthe4

I'm not the owner but know the owner of the site. And no he doesn't give away free consulting. They have very good services. What is the point of even replying with critism and negative comments to a post if you're not gonna provide help. You just shouldn't reply at all. I'm not telling you to give free advice to anyone but why waste your time telling someone that they are crazy for asking for free advice. The reason for forums is to get help. There are Techs working for major companies that don't know many things. Sometimes the best advice is in forums. The logic of many people in forums don't make sense. Either I look at a post and reply to give advice for helping or don't reply at all especially if I think that someone just wants free advice or consultation. Come on man! Then people complain about replying to so many posts to people who want free advice. DON'T REPLY! Critism makes me mentally stronger.

by mmatthe4

That was well put and I understand your point. I appreciate your professionalism. I don't mind giving advice. It doesn't make sense for me to reply and criticize anyone about a question they have. I hlep other co-workers everyday even with things I expect them to know but never criticize them for not knowing. Thanks for the reply. Have a good day.

by jdclyde

Read The F'en Book, just like the rest of us.

Or HIRE a consultant to configure this for you.

This is NOT even a Question and Answer. It is someone too lazy or incompentent to do their job and trying to get others to do it for them.

I won't even tell him to call the vendor of that Linksys bridge to ask them how to configure it. They would walk him through it, but that isn't what he is looking for.

Learn some Net ediquite on how to approach asking for help befoer posting something like this.

First, if you are too lazy to read the book you are too lazy to understand the answer and MOST people will NOT spoon feed you this type of request.

Second, ask for ideas and referal information. Do NOT assume someone will walk you completely through this so you can walk in and get a paycheck.

I have used them and if you READ the instructions that come WITH IT, you should be up with your bridge in no time.

by mmatthe4

I realize that these forums can be a little tense. I always thought they were used for getting help or at least ideas where to get help. There are a couple of ways to set this up securely and sufficiently. I worked for Cisco and do a lot of Networking for a company now. Keep in mind you can never be "not secure" enough. Some may recommend WEP, WPA, etc but having some security is better than not having any at all and there are many home networks that have absolutely no security. The site I listed earlier is a new company. I actually work with the owner with outsource networking. He has good ideas and services that have not been introduced to many people yet. They company provides on-site services for PC/laptop repairs and upgrades. They also do custom build which they are working on introducing their own line of PCs soon. No matter who you are people will get criticized....Even Bill Gates. What you are doing makes sense depending on your situation; financially and the physical setup and location of both networks. Many people don't understand that and want to jump to comclusions and call you stupid. Most knowledge is gained by hands on experience with trial and error. I'm also a Application Programmer and know this. Remember, anything is possible and knowing is just half the battle. I'm out of here man, have fun with the rest of the gang here.

by jdclyde

I find your attitude to be amusing.

A poster asks to be spoon fed information because they won't open the book or call the tech support that comes with these products, yet it is everyone else that is so out of line.

I notice you didn't comment on my "how to ask for help" post, and from reading your replies you didn't read it either.

There is a proper way to ask for assistance, and even then it is justifiably expected that you read the book before asking for an answer. That is what professionals do.

It is improper to not bother reading the instructions and then ask for someone to hand you a "step by step".

Another thing about posting, there is a new thing called a an "enter" key. It is used at the end of paragraphs to separate ideas, making what someone writes more legible. Also can even be used to bring out ideas or examples.

Odds are the poster half heartedly threw that post up and never even remembered that he even posted it. Very common.

by jck

deep breath...
think happy white clouds...
drink some Jaeger...
repeat...

there ya go...all better :D

by mmatthe4

I must say that you are absolutely right though. Some people don't bother to read to find solutions themselves and expect others to do it for them. Makes sense though.

by mmatthe4

By the way, his security starts at the front end with the primary router. He's just needing help with the internal networks communicating to each other regardless if he is secure or not. So at this point WEP or WPA doesn't matter. One more thing, read my solution again and tell me what is wrong with what I suggested. Honestly, it wouldn't work sufficiently. With that type of setup he will need to bridge two connections(Wireless & wired) from the back end network in order for the primary router to communicate to the second one to distribute an IP address. This only allows an internet connection and not communication between both networks for file and print sharing. But I take it that maybe you already knew this. But then again, maybe you have learned something too other than criticism.

by cp7212

But if you look at my profile, even though it is only for this year, you will see I did answer some Tech Q & A. I did help people that were willing to try to help themselves.

We had a discussion earlier where we tried to find, amongst us, who had the biggest percentage of unrated answers, accepted, rejected, etc.

Number of answers given: 87
Number of answers accepted: 18 (20%)
Number of answers rejected: 18 (20%)
Number of answers not rated: 51 (58%)

Look, over 50% not rated and that is a small number compared to some other members. People ask for help, then they don't care to give you any feedback, let alone a simple thanks. I haven't been on the site for a while because it got old and frustrating.

I came back on and saw a post with someone calling us jerks in the third person, so I reacted. We do try to help people with tact. I work in the IT field, have multiple wireless headaches, associates asking for free home help, etc....and it was just a full moon, lol.

I know I don't have to answer, but if you look at the whole post, where is the author? There are a lot of knowledgeable people here and when I first came on, I got slammed for my non-use of the enter button. I got over it and jumped into the mix.

So, with all adieu, welcome to TR.

by jdclyde

First oh uncouth one, you don't "drink" jaeger, you SLAM it. mmmmmmm.

Happy white clouds, no I don't need some Afro wearing hippy that is painting to give me advice on his PBS program.

Deep breaths? Out in the country, that "fresh country air" STINKS! Lots of animals! Deep breaths? I don't think so!

Next?

by mmatthe4

You are something else but I like the sense of humor. Many IT people don't have a sense of humor.

by jdclyde

there are a lot of good people here, and they all bring something to the table.

It is just expected to have a certain protocal followed while posting. Don't break the protocals or get into the politics/religion discussions and it is pretty civil here.

Look for the Friday yuk yuk. Every friday there is a joke discussion. Some are better than others and sometimes even get off color but most are great.

Follow this link for a good discusion on the lighter side.

https://www.techrepublic.com.com/5208-6230-0.html?forumID=8&threadID=176622&start=0

Like I said, welcome to TR. Give people a chance before you make a judgement, you will like what you find.

jd

by stress junkie

I think a lot of IT people have a sense of humor based on shared experiences in a unique job. And it tends to be seasoned with a lot of testosterone so there's a lot of ridicule and sarcasm in many people's sense of humor. Typical male bonding stuff.

by jdclyde

That redbull is a mirical drug! Mix that and the jager in a 50/50 solution and slam a few of those and woo hoo!

Who wants to be calm? Full speed ahead!

by jdclyde

will get you far here.

Many will go and research a problem to help find an answer, but the question has to be reasonable and respectful.

The one for this discussion was neither. That is why it got the cold reception that it did.

Geeks are tempermental. Got to rub our belly just right to get the leg shaking, ya know? Try to just walk in and steal a bone and you will get bit.

by davidfacer

Hi Matthew! Good to see you have mellowed the thread a bit....pity the staid "old hands" get so cranky eh? They come from a generation where "information equals power and income", and giving advice made them $$$ so they protected ALL tech advice - hence the snarliness when others GIVE away advice. In their minds, this giving demeans THEIR "standing" in the IT community. The other part of their crankiness comes from is that "there is a time and place for all things", and THIS particular forum is NOT the right place. I know, because I am one of them. Times change however, and we MUST service the customer better to RETAIN thier business, so I am learning (we old folks CAN learn). I am not CONDONING thier crankiness, just trying to explain it. Still, your mate came on this tech site in an effort to "short circuit" ANY process - milking tech info in the wrong way to make a quick profit from others paid-for knowlege. He will RETAIN the knowlege of how things work much longer if someone has a "go" at him about his shortcomings.......SO SEZ GOD.

by jdclyde

All old geeks hit a midlife crissis at the same time maybe? Or maybe the people here are just a little bit off of what you are accustom to.

You will notice that none of the posts actually reached flame level, although several were the equivlate to getting the back of your hand whapped with a ruler!

Sure seems to be a lot of new members this month! Welcome aboard!
TR start to advertise to get more exposure?

by jdclyde

By putting a non-directional on the central AP and a Directional on the bridge, this gives a bigger target for the directional to hit.

If there are systems at the end of the bridge that still have problems getting a strong signal, you put another AP getting it's LAN from the LAN connection on the Bridge.

It SOMETIMES will work to use the Bridge as an access point AND a bridge, but not usually because most bridging you will need a good dirctional yaggi which doesn't leave a lot of signal of systems AROUND the bridge. And yes, I have a few of these linksys bridges. One run is about 800 feet, with a LOT of interference. Steel buildings, and lots of industrial machinery. When we fire up the huge welders, the surrounding lake browns out. Too funny!

by jdclyde

I'm hot, and when I'm not
I'm cold as ice
When you see me comin'
Just step aside
Or pay the price

What I want I take
What I don't I break
And I don't want you
Flick of my knife
And I can change your life
There's nothing you can do

I'm a problem child, problem child
I'm a problem child, runnin' wild

Oh, and I like 'em hot, yeah
Late night
City light
I drink my booze
Some run
And some fight
But I win they lose

What I need I stash
What I don't I smash
And I don't need you
Say bye bye
While you're still alive, ah
Your time is through

I'm a problem child, problem child
I'm a problem child, and I'm runnin' wild, aaaah

Make my stand
No man's land
On my own
Man in blue
It's up to you
Oh the seed is sown

What I like I lick
What I don't I kick
And you're on my list
Dead or alive
I got a .45
You know I never miss

I'm a problem child, problem child
I'm a problem child, problem child
I'm a problem child, you know I am,
Problem child, I'm a back door man
Problem child, do your homework
Problem child, you know
Problem child, I'm a problem child
Problem child, I'm a problem child

by the admiral

First, Reset them BOTH to the default configuration.

Second, Set one up with NO SECURITY at all. Have that assign an IP address that starts at say 192.168.0.2 and hand out 50 addresses.

Third, Set the other one up with NO SECURITY at all, and have that start at 192.168.0.51 and assign 50 addresses.

Fourth, Make sure that the names of the routers are NOT the same. There is one cardinal rule of networks and that is: You can never, EVER, have a machine with the same name on the same subnet or network EVER.

Fifth, Make sure it works, then enable security.

by jdclyde

to make sure something works before enabling security! Just because that is what is ALWAYS recommended, having less things to troubleshoot at a time takes away all the fun.

Hmm, that is a differnent approach to addressing than I would have taken. I try to keep all like devices in set ranges. Network devices start at one end (I go high) and PC's start at the other. This is just for organization, and has no effect on performance.

Trying to remember the bridge config screen. Think that the main router to the internet is still set as the gateway. This is probably the point that is hanging him up. Gateway and DNS can raise their head and bite you quick.

by jmgarvin

It has to be true, the geeks are finally admitting it ;-)

Excellent theme song...Perhaps TR should post it as the "Official Forum Theme Song." ;-)

by jdclyde

who has ever or ever will go into a discussion group.

Even though Eric Raymond is the Open source advocate, this writeup applies to ALL forumns.

Glad to contribute.

by jmgarvin

You are correct. We tend to jab and jibe the other IT folks and they will (or should) do it right back.

The "you idiot" comments are a fun pick at someone who probably knows enough IT, but not this one topic....So we pick on them...Kinda like the play ground bullies, but not as mean spirited and nobody gets hurt (save for egos).

On that note: Milton is my hero.

by jdclyde

my god is stronger than yours!

"my god could kick your gods $#@@ all over the playground!"

by jmgarvin

:-) I think most geeks are pretty personable, but some are just a little jagged around the edges and some have small parts that can break off and choke small children.

by deepsand

I have observed that one's ability to successfully engage in social discourse is inversely correlated to the degree to which one's knowledge is specialized. Those who spend most of their time engaged in activities which demand such specialization are the least suited for social engagement.

A classic definition of an expert is "one who knows almost everything about almost nothing."

As for myself, my exceedingly wide range of interests has perforce made me a generalist, a joat.

Here at TR one fortunately finds both specialists & generalists.

by jdclyde

I would have to say I am a general specialist.

Having way too many hats to specialise in any one area, I put the main attention to what I feel is the funnest (I mean, the best interests of the company) and then do a best effort on everything that is left over, generally speaking.

by jdclyde

It really is interesting to watch people go at that idea for real and get VERY worked up over it.

Why would it bother me if someone else does not feel or think the same way I do? "No sweat off of my sack!", as they say in the movies!

by deepsand

After all, how is your agreement or lack thereof regarding religious beliefs of any greater consequence to another than that of personal preferences re. any other matter?

The only [i]logical[/i] case for such would be that their compensation for adhering to their faith would in some manner be predicated, at last in part, on their success at converting others to their faith.

I am unaware of any faith that preaches such.

by jdclyde

Christians do believe the whole make deciples of all nations bit.

Muslums believe in kill the infadels that get in your way.

Athiests believe that ice cream sandwhiches make a good lunch, because it IS a sandwich after all.

The Ice cream sandwich DOES sound like a lot less work......

by jdclyde

a special generalist and a general specialist.

One specialises in being a generalist

The other is just generaly a specialist without specialising in it?

This discussion is closed to new replies.