Making a router an AP?

I have two routers, my main one is a WRT54GX and my old one is a WRT54G (flashed with DD-WRT). I thought there was an option in DD-WRT that could change the router to an AP, but I cannot find it. Is is possible to do this?

Disable dhcp on the second router and connect it to the first using the lan port. Someone else can probably detail it a little better but that's the gist of it.

I forgot to mention, I don't have the ability to run cables to the second router, otherwise I would do that.

I believe if you can't get a cord to it, you can't do it.

I was afraid of that. Looks like I'll have to get some high gain antennas for the WRT54G.

There is actually a Buffalo branded router/AP that will do it, but you have to replace your current stuff.

try connecting the router wirelessly to the other router, then in the wireless settings set it to AP.

but why not make it a repeater instead?

TheAmerican said:

There is actually a Buffalo branded router/AP that will do it, but you have to replace your current stuff.

Click to expand...

I really don't feel like spending the money on more equipment.

Cheetoz said:

try connecting the router wirelessly to the other router, then in the wireless settings set it to AP.

but why not make it a repeater instead?

Click to expand...

If you know where in the settings please tell me because I can't find it.

Both wireless routers will have to support WDS or repeater mode for this to work. Your WRT-54GX will have be flashed with DD-WRT or Tomato. Here is a link to the DD-WRT Wiki article on Repeater Bridge setup:

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Repeater_Bridge

Good Luck.

DD-WRT supports doing a wireless bridge mode, which will allow you to do what you want I think.

protias said:

I have two routers, my main one is a WRT54GX and my old one is a WRT54G (flashed with DD-WRT). I thought there was an option in DD-WRT that could change the router to an AP, but I cannot find it. Is is possible to do this?

Click to expand...

Oo. I can help. I did this recently. I boosted a signal with my WRT54GS flashed with DD-WRT v24 =D. Here's a link to the website with all the instructions. Universal Wireless Repeater

protias said:

If you know where in the settings please tell me because I can't find it.

Click to expand...

this??

There is no DD-WRT version for WRT54GX still.

nxcess said:

Oo. I can help. I did this recently. I boosted a signal with my WRT54GS flashed with DD-WRT v24 =D. Here's a link to the website with all the instructions. Universal Wireless Repeater

Click to expand...

No full version? My router is a v2.

Cheetoz said:

this??

Click to expand...

I had v23 SP2 running, time to update. I didn't know v24 was out.

part of the problem here is not understanding what various terms like AP (access point) and other terms used here are. see below:

AP = Takes signal from Ethernet cable and broadcasts it to wireless. - should use full wireless speed

WDS = next fastest (cuts wireless speeds in half) - need to configure WDS in configuration of both routers (both routers need to support WDS)

Wireless Repeaters - only available on specialized firmwares - fairly complicated to set up + speed will generally suck for file transfers (1/4 wireless speeds) - but if Internet access is all you need is generally acceptable.

Bridge - takes wireless signals and ports back to Ethernet (oppisite of an AP) - uses almost full wireless bandwidth.

Generally you can set up consumer routers (especially ones that you can put DD-WRT, Tomato, OpenWRT, etc) to act as any of the above devices.