Jason @ Hackszine writes –
The beta-v24 version of the DD-WRT firmware has a new feature that allows it to function as a standalone range expander. This is similar to the functionality provided by a wireless distribution system (WDS) network configuration, but unlike traditional WDS, the repeater router emulates a standard client connection to the parent router. This eliminates the need to have two DD-WRT supported routers, running the same firmware, both set up specially for this purpose.
Simply put, you can configure a single repeater appliance and it will work in conjunction with the wireless router you normaly use at your home or office, regardless of the primary router’s model or firmware. There’s even an “AutoAP” option, which will allow your repeater to automatically monitor and connect to the access point with the strongest signal.
Complete instructions for getting this set up are available at the DD-WRT forums – Link.
6 thoughts on “Build a universal wireless repeater appliance”
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That photo is a tad misleading. I advise folks to carefully investigate exactly which Linksys router to get before buying one to install DD-WRT. And then think about getting another brand.
Thanks psilosome. I believe the photo is a generic 1st gen wrt54g (picked because it was a public domain photo), so your point is well taken.
There’s a lot of discussion in this forum about people’s experiences with different hardware, so that’s worth checking out before you jump in. I imagine support will be evolving, as well, since this is still so early in the beta phase.
If you want to do that get the WRT54GL as the L means linux. If you get the scut piece of trash currently offered in stores it’s firmware 8, not flashable and dumbed down.
I picked up a buffalo WHR-G54S and flashed it with some effort using DD-WRT and after finding and setting it to maximum NAT connections it runs fine. It can do all the Linksys Linux version can though I’ve not tested range. You can over clock the processor and boost the transmit power. DD-WRT ads so much to this it’s incredible.
WDS (Wireless Distribution System) is a Wireless Access Point mode that enables wireless bridging in which WDS APs communicate only with each other only (without allowing for wireless clients or stations to access them), and/or wireless repeating in which APs communicate both with each other and with wireless stations (at the expense of half the throughput). This firmware currently supports two types of WDS, LAN and Point to Point.