Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

[davg]

I have a Wireless Siemens SpeedStream modem from my isp and it is located down stairs in the reck room I want to connect a Belkin basic wireless router to it to extend my coverage? Is this possible? If so can someone provide setup instructions? Can this be done wireless or does it have to be hard wired? I know very little about wireless networks. If this is doable will it even extend my coverage?

[Wrog]

Re: Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

Need more info, like specific model numbers so we can check the features of each device. From the info you've provided, a basic wireless router probably does not have a repeating function to extend the network (hotspot/access point), but can likely be put into bridge mode. All that does is connect back to your DSL modem via WiFi and provide internet access through the local ports. This is OK if you have devices close together (TV, HTPC, Xbox/PS3, etc.), but if they are in several different rooms you'll need to get some kind of wireless extender/repeater.

[davg]

Re: Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

Need more info, like specific model numbers so we can check the features of each device. From the info you've provided, a basic wireless router probably does not have a repeating function to extend the network (hotspot/access point), but can likely be put into bridge mode. All that does is connect back to your DSL modem via WiFi and provide internet access through the local ports. This is OK if you have devices close together (TV, HTPC, Xbox/PS3, etc.), but if they are in several different rooms you'll need to get some kind of wireless extender/repeater.

Thanks Wrog for your reply the modem is a Speedstream 6520 modem/router and the router is a Belkin N150 Model F7D1301 v1. So bridging will allow me to connect only to the local ports? Will not increase my wireless signal on the second floor?

[Wrog]

Re: Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

Correct -- bridge mode is only for the local ports. However, good news! According to Belkin's documentation, all of their routers can be used in AP mode:

Link to setup procedure.

Hopefully this does what you want! The only hiccup I see is the SpeedStream only supports 802.11g, so you'll be limited to 54Mbps speeds on the 2.4GHz band. You might be prone to interference from the microwave, cordless telephones, your neighbor's devices, etc. Configure WiFi on the SpeedStream using WPA security (it doesn't support WPA2) instead of WEP, and consider using MAC address filtering (over wireless only) to help keep intruders out.

[davg]

Re: Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

Thanks again Wrog appreciate your help will give it a try

[budm]

Re: Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

You may want to use WI-FI Extender in stead sine AP will not act a repeater.
Just search for WI-FI Extender onAmazon or Ebay.

[ratdude747]

Re: Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

You may want to use WI-FI Extender in stead sine AP will not act a repeater.
Just search for WI-FI Extender onAmazon or Ebay.

Or if the router supports DD-WRT, one could swap firmwares and use DD-WRT's various modes to accomplish what he wants.

[davg]

Re: Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

Correct -- bridge mode is only for the local ports. However, good news! According to Belkin's documentation, all of their routers can be used in AP mode:

Link to setup procedure.

Hopefully this does what you want! The only hiccup I see is the SpeedStream only supports 802.11g, so you'll be limited to 54Mbps speeds on the 2.4GHz band. You might be prone to interference from the microwave, cordless telephones, your neighbor's devices, etc. Configure WiFi on the SpeedStream using WPA security (it doesn't support WPA2) instead of WEP, and consider using MAC address filtering (over wireless only) to help keep intruders out.

The setup procedure indicate that the ip address should match my existing networking settings. Does that indicate all numbers should match? and do I turn off DHCP on th Belkin?

[Wrog]

Re: Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

DHCP should be off on the Belkin, since the DSL modem/router will assign IP addresses. You know, after re-reading the instructions, it sounds like in order to use the Belkin in Access Point mode, you need to wire it directly to the DSL modem (first paragraph). Of course, this isn't what you want. Anyway, the IP address for the Belkin should be on the same subnet (first three numbers should match), then the fourth should be unique to the network. The DSL modem/router is probably taking .1, so you can probably use .2 for the Belkin. Keep the subnet mask at 255.255.255.0.

Unfortunately, as others have said, it looks like you'll need a WiFi extender or repeater to do what you want.

[severach]

Re: Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

Can this be done wireless or does it have to be hard wired?

Running a wire will keep the connection fast and allow you to use any brand of wireless device with whatever you have. WDS extends distance wirelessly but is very slow and requires you to pick brands that offer WDS and maintain the same brand and model along the WDS chain. If you can't replace your existing wireless devices you will probably need to buy 2 WDS devices of the same brand to get started. If one of your WDS devices dies in the future you may end up replacing all of them as the model you bought likely won't be available then.

WDS is better than a kick in the shorts, but not much. Run the wire if you can.

[davg]

Re: Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

DHCP should be off on the Belkin, since the DSL modem/router will assign IP addresses. You know, after re-reading the instructions, it sounds like in order to use the Belkin in Access Point mode, you need to wire it directly to the DSL modem (first paragraph). Of course, this isn't what you want. Anyway, the IP address for the Belkin should be on the same subnet (first three numbers should match), then the fourth should be unique to the network. The DSL modem/router is probably taking .1, so you can probably use .2 for the Belkin. Keep the subnet mask at 255.255.255.0.

Unfortunately, as others have said, it looks like you'll need a WiFi extender or repeater to do what you want.

After changing the required settings on the Belkin and without attaching it to the modem it shows up as a wireless network and I can connect to it but I have no Internet access.

[budm]

Re: Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

You still need to run the wire to the Speed Stream to get it to do what you want, the Belkin is not a repeater.

[mockingbird]

Re: Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

Yes and no.

I have attempted this once with OpenWRT... If you have WDS on both APs, it's quite simple. I had to plug a seperate wireless USB stick in my wireless router so that it used that connection as its internet gateway, and the router's onboard wireless as usual. I had to edit the startup scripts to hack it in, and I only got it working using WEP. So the short answer is that you'll need both devices to have some sort of integrated bridge mode.

[budm]

Re: Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

I do not think davg will want to do any hacking and firmware change to his setup.

[davg]

Re: Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

I do not think davg will want to do any hacking and firmware change to his setup.

To complicated for me I will stick to the wired setup and if that don't do the trick I will invest in a extender? Right now with the Speedstream if one kid is on xbox live the other kid is kicked off the internet? You can see my concern !!!

[severach]

Re: Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

If you get WDS you'll then have two problems. Something is wrong in your setup if it won't support multiple users and that needs to be solved before adding an extender.

[davg]

Re: Can I Connect wireless router to wireless modem

If you get WDS you'll then have two problems. Something is wrong in your setup if it won't support multiple users and that needs to be solved before adding an extender.

Any suggestions as to what to look for in my setup if it won't support multiple users?