Wireless Bridging Problems

P

phrZe

n00b
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Jul 30, 2005
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I posted this on the DD-WRT forums, but haven't gotten any replies, so I figure I'd try here.

Ok...I successfully set up a bridge between my D-Link WBR-2310(which is using firmware 2.0 that came with the router). It is also the router that is hooked up to the cable modem. The other router that is about 40-60 feet away is an Asus WL-520GU using Firmware: DD-WRT v24-sp1 (07/27/08) mini. I followed this guide (http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Client_Bridged), which worked great. Thanks. The reason I did this is because my computer doesn't have a wireless Ethernet card nor does my xbox 360 which is in the same room and I decided to buy a router instead of 2 wireless cards and use 2 cables to hook up my PC and Xbox.

Now, everything works...I can get on the Internet and browse but it's EXTREMELY slow. I did a speed test and d-load was about a .13 Mbps, when it's normally 7-8 Mbps. I looked at the signal strength, and it was saying it was about 10-13%.

I moved my Asus router to about 5ft away from my other router and was able to get the strength to 40%(still seems low)...then plugged in my computer and it got my speed up to its norm, but it's pretty much defeating the purpose of having another router.

My question is what do I need to do help the signal between the two routers. There is only one wall in between the two routers, and it's a very slim. I get a better quality wireless signal when I actually go upstairs with a laptop in the same side of the house than the router does when it's on the same floor. Just seems odd to me.
 
What signal strength does the laptop get from the router when it's placed next to the bridge?
 
It gets about only 2 bars...so fair. I am guessing it could be the antenna on the routers since I have tried boosting the signal through the settings but can't really get it, so I think I am going to go buy one. My question for that is, should I buy an antenna for just the main router, or for the bridge as well?
 
Have you tried pointing the antennas in different directions? I can't remember how they are supposed to be oriented, but I think that they're supposed to point at each other.

Get better antennas for the D-Link first IMO and you could try the pringles can method to improve the reception of the Asus.

Also, be sure to read the Limitations section which states the following.
Client Bridge mode will only work well with just one connected computer on the far end, due a limitation in the 802.11 protocol. If you want to bridge a full LAN you must use WDS.
Click to expand...

Do you use any wireless devices such as a 2.4ghz wireless mouse or keyboard? These can interfere with 2.4ghz wifi.
 
No I dont use any wireless mouse or keyboard. Yeah I have tried moving antennas, didn't help too much. The only thing that worked was moving the bridge to about 5ft away from the main router. Since then I have had no problems. And I am fine with only one connection at a time. If I am playing my Xbox, I most likely won't be playing on the Internet at the same time.
 
I would say try playing with the positioning of the antennas on the router and different channels, but if you can't get a better signal than that, you may need to invest in a more powerful router. Different antennas may help, but it sounds like you either have interference or the router is underpowered.
 
I ended up buying (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127063)...didn't really help. I now I can move the router 5-8 more feet closer than I could before, sweet! /sarcasm Positioning the antennas hasn't helped either, nor has switching channels. Like you stated joblo, I am starting to believe it's the router, more accurately the WBR 2310 router. I am going to return that antenna and exchange it for (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833162134). Hopefully this will help solve the issue and give me also the option of WDS if bridging doesn't work out. Does this seem like an ok plan to solving this issue?
 
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