WRT54G to WRT54G setup help

Question

I have a DSL connection into the WRT54G (firmware v2...), which is then connected by Ethernet to the PC (Win2000). Works fine. Now I want to add a PC (XP) in the basement office and happen to have another WRT54G (firmware v1.02). So I run Ethernet into the second router (using port1, not Internet) from the basement computer. What do I need to set so the two routers "connect", allowing the basement computer to share the internet connection? Should the second router's Internet lights come on when it sees the first router? Thanks!

Answer 1

Honestly, I would suggest heading over to http://www.dd-wrt.com and browsing through the offerings on their table. I have two WRT54G's and a WRT54GS. One of the WRT54G's is used as my access point. the other two (the WRT54G and the WRT54GS) are used as client bridges. The DD-WRT v23 SP2 (08/04/06) std Edition of their firmware works EXCELLENTLY! I have it installed on all three of my routers. One of the routers (client bridge mode) is host to 4 computers, the other (client bridge mode) is host to another 3. All of which connect (nearly) transparently to the router I have in AP mode. simple set up too. upload new firmware, click the status tab (of the router you want to use as a client bridge) click site survey, then click connect. POOF! you have an instant and (once again, nearly) transparent bridge. In this mode however, the computers IP's will not be shown on the AP, only the (client bridge) routers IP and MAC. So take that into account when your setting up security. (such as MAC filtering and WEP.) Hope this helps. But keep in mind, As others warn you, you should listen. There is very little in the way of "live tech support" when you upload this third party firmware, AND you void the warranty if you use third party firmware. However, there IS E X T E N S I V E documentation on everything (and feature) provided with the firmware. (DD-WRT's Firmware at least, not sure about some of the others, Found the DD-WRT firmware, liked it, stuck with it) You'll also get some other features on the upgrade... such as how many dBi you wish to have. (WRT54X's are capable of up to -251mW, which is the = to 26dBi. however, you will need to add some heat sinks to accomplish this, as it WILL burn out your router. I wouldnt go above 70mW, in any case, as you begin to cause RF interference and violate FCC rules. Now, for the WRT54G that are V.5 and V.6, there is a special way to do this, and yes you STILL can upload third party firmware. Once again head over to www.dd-wrt.com and do some research. There IS a walkthrough for flashing the V.5 and V.6 of the WRT54G's (GS's) with their firmware. If this is information overload, then honestly you're better off getting a couple linksys WUSB54GP - Wireless-G Portable USB Adapters and using them instead. Good luck, and I hope this helped.
"Did your stupid imaginary dragon just do what I think he did?!" - Dexter