Two WRT54gs, one as an AP

e v o · Aug 14, 2008, 09:06 PM

Hi guys,

I've been doing a bit of cleaning and found an extra WRT54g router lying around. I decided to use it as an access point to strengthen the wireless signal around the house. I got it all set up and everything works, I just have a question about WDS. I just don't really understand it.

I'm using the tomato firmware for the WRT54g acting as a AP and it has an option under "wireless mode" for "Access Point" or "Access Point + WDS". My two main questions are is there a difference in signal strengths for either in my case? And can anyone explain WDS in laymens terms. I took a look at the wiki of it and just couldn't really grasp it.

I appreciate it.

Syndicate2083 · Aug 15, 2008, 03:11 PM

Basically it will allow you to string multiple APs together to further increase the range, while maintaining the AP unique addresses so that you can manager/connect to them etc. (MAC addresses are unique to each networked object, beyond what IP addresses are and no two items have the same. They are represented in hex format.)

So basically it would let you use several APs to bridge connections to eachother to string along a wireless range. It won't by itself extend range, it will just allow you to add more APs.

-Syn

Aug 14, 2008, 09:06 PM	#1
e v o HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,037 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Two WRT54gs, one as an AP Hi guys, I've been doing a bit of cleaning and found an extra WRT54g router lying around. I decided to use it as an access point to strengthen the wireless signal around the house. I got it all set up and everything works, I just have a question about WDS. I just don't really understand it. I'm using the tomato firmware for the WRT54g acting as a AP and it has an option under "wireless mode" for "Access Point" or "Access Point + WDS". My two main questions are is there a difference in signal strengths for either in my case? And can anyone explain WDS in laymens terms. I took a look at the wiki of it and just couldn't really grasp it. I appreciate it. __________________

Aug 15, 2008, 03:11 PM	#2
Syndicate2083 HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Framingham, MA Posts: 228 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Basically it will allow you to string multiple APs together to further increase the range, while maintaining the AP unique addresses so that you can manager/connect to them etc. (MAC addresses are unique to each networked object, beyond what IP addresses are and no two items have the same. They are represented in hex format.) So basically it would let you use several APs to bridge connections to eachother to string along a wireless range. It won't by itself extend range, it will just allow you to add more APs. -Syn __________________ -Crash the silence for the sake of memory. Intrinsic Realities, Veteran-USN.