Bridging

[Cyroq]

Hi all,

At the moment my wireless signal is sent by a Cisco WRT160n router, but due the long distance (across the street) the signal is very weak. When it's raining or a Van is standing in de way I get no signal at all. My idea is to bridge this connection with another router, which hopefully picks up the signal if I place it by the window. Now I need some advice: which routers are compatible with the WRT160n?
I bought a WRE54G bridge before, but after hours of trying to make it work it seemed it cán work with a 'n' type router, but not with the WPA2 security (and I can't change that).
Thanks!

NB If the second router also won't pick up a signal, I can place it in the same building as the WRT160n, also at the window. The router should have a strong signal though.

[thechief]

Sounds like you're looking to do WDS. See this tutorial: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4620

[Cyroq]

Thanks, when I have the router it's a great tut. But I'm actually still looking for a suitable model that fits to my case. Can someone advise me in what type of router to choose? It can be Linksys but any other brand that does the trick is also fine.

[thechief]

It may be that all you need is a high gain antenna. See this for DIY solutions: http://www.usbwifi.orconhosting.net.nz/

[Cyroq]

Funny you mention it, at the moment I have installed a cantenna made from tin cans to receive a stronger signal. This works for the reception of 1 computer, but my other computers and consoles still have a bad connection. I can't create a dish/cantenna for the router because it's in my landlord's house, that's why I need to bridge it.
This brings me to another solution: I can connect a router to my cantenna-computer to distribute a new wireless network. But again: which router should I buy?

[Alan]

You could try one of these

http://www.solwise.co.uk/wireless-outdoor-bridging.htm

I have used the NET-EL-EOC1650 and it works very well.

The guys at Solwise are very helpful if you wish to discus your requirements with them.

[Cyroq]

Those seem to be powerful bridges! But I prefer a 'normal' router, in case I move to another place (so I can use it as a normal wireless router, not a bridge).
Is it possible to use a Linksys WRT54GL as a bridge in combination with a WRT160n sending in WPA2? I've read that it's possible to flash this router to get more options (and even pump up the signal strength!).
Sorry for my many questions, I bought the wrong equipment too many times so I want to do it right this time

[Alan]

The NET-EL-EOC1650 can be used as a router!