topic Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers in Archive

Connecting multiple hubs/routers

Buzzbee — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:30:57 GMT

Hi,

I've just signed up with BT business broadband and setup OK, in part. However, using my BT Business hub/wireless router its range doesn't reach other computers. Too many obstructions/metal cladding etc. Setting a wired network would entail long runs and awkward. However, if it were possible to connect my existing hub to another wireless router/hub it would only require a short cable run, approx 15 mtrs. This second hub would then be in good wireless range for the other computers.

Question, and please bare in mind I'm not an expert on these matters, is it possible and how do I set it up if it is??

Many thanks

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

alastair — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:33:33 GMT

first off take a look at what wireless channel is being used by the 2700. by default it usually is set to channel 1 this is weak and if you change the channel to 6 or something like that it can improve wireless.

other idea is to get a wireless extender.

the BT shop does one by the name of hawking.

try changing the channel first though

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

Buzzbee — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:37:43 GMT

Hi, seem to have lost my last reply somewhere, forum locked up! So here goes again.

The 2700 was set to auto, so as you suggested I tried most of the channels /frequencies and also resiting the router/hub. The signal was improved very slightly but too much fluctuation so not really any good. ( Testing signal with a PSP, so not totaly reliable but gives a an indication, nothing picked up with PC or MAC though ). Checked out the Hawking device. The reason I suggested using another router/hub is because I have a Belkin N1 Wireless Router siting in a box on the shelf doing nothing and thought putting it to use might just be the answer if it could be setup. But I'm not the expert!

Any further help and advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

alastair — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:34:49 GMT

not used that router before so not 100% sure.

if it uses wireless N though the wireless cards on pcs will need to be N compatable

the general way it wireless access points work is you plug ethernet cable from the 2700 to a WAN ethernet port on the belkin (some router manufaturers double up and use ethernet port 1 for this as well as for normal networking)

if the range works good and the belkin is an adsl router then why not simplify it all and use the belkin instead of the 2700

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

Buzzbee — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:40:08 GMT

Hi,

The Belkin has never been used so I'm not sure if it would be an improvement or not, not very confident really, the 2700 is working great, good connection and speeds better than I expected, it's just the wireless range that's not coping with my circumstances.

You make it sound simple, or did I misunderstand you, surely it's not that easy, you mean I just site the Belkin where I want it, connect the two with an ethernet cable, switch on and that's it. Never, surely I need to make some setting changes somewhere! Sorry to be a pain but being a mere amateur I tend to be a bit cautious.

Thanks

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

alastair — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:58:29 GMT

"You make it sound simple, or did I misunderstand you, surely it's not that easy, you mean I just site the Belkin where I want it, connect the two with an ethernet cable, switch on and that's it. Never, surely I need to make some setting changes somewhere! Sorry to be a pain but being a mere amateur I tend to be a bit cautious."

by default the belkin should obtain an ip from the 2700.

ideally yes use ethernet from 2700 to belkin. have the belkin at a suitable area and check it works.

you could also turn on the belkin where the 2700 is to compare which signal is better and if the belkins range seems ok and if it is then you could knock the 2700 outta the equation

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

Buzzbee — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:14:28 GMT

Connected the Belkin as you suggested OK. The Belkin recognises the connection but not the Internet connection, seems to set up a network as a device ie: printer with no internet access. Registers when a wireless device is near also.

Obviously settings have to be changed or set, but where and what?

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

alastair — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:35:11 GMT

has the belkin a built in modem to connect to adsl?

you can tell by whether or not it has a port on the back of it called DSL or ADSL or something to that effect.

if it does you will be able to go through a "quick setup" wizard on the belkin interface

if it doesnt then the belkin is only a wireless access point so will need both the 2700 and the belkin.

so... does it?

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

Buzzbee — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:11:03 GMT

The Belkin has: 1 ADSL port, 4 LAN ports, reset button, power socket and a security button, plus three antenna for wireless on top and just to make it more interesting lots of little pictures on the front that flash different colours!!

Thanks for continuing to get back to me, I shall owe you a drink or two or three!

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

alastair — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:26:04 GMT

no bother 😉

since it has an adsl port you can use it INSTEAD of the 2700. i need you to confirm though....

when you situate the belkin at the place where the bt 2700 was does the wireless signal acceptably reach the pcs yes or no?

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

Buzzbee — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:16:15 GMT

Here we go again, tried to setup the Belkin and Bt doesn't recognise my login details, checked and double checked, works fine on the 2700 so I now have to chase Belkin to solve the problem. I'm supposed to be able to access through a browser the setup area but that doesn't work either. P'raps I'll do something different altogether. Watch this space.

Any help here?

Thanks

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

alastair — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:29:30 GMT

you should be able to access it on 192.168.2.1

in the setup wizard make sure these are the basic settings

Connection Type = PPPoA

Circuit Identifier = VPI: 0 VCI: 38

Encapsulation = Routed VC-MUX

MTU = 1500

WAN IP = Obtain Automatically

DNS = Obtain Automatically

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

Buzzbee — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:33:03 GMT

OK, set up the Belkin, seems the MTU was set to 1454, changed to 1500 and now connected using it and not the 2700.

However, signal still not reaching other computers, not sure if the signal reaches nearer as the only portable laptop is out at present, but the fixed PC's and Mac are not receiving anything. Done some scanning as best I can.

Where to next my friend?

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

alastair — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:01:50 GMT

Check the wireless channel the belkin is using. if its 1 then boost to 6 or 8 or 10 or something that improves it.

If it doesnt work with the N ranged belkin i would imagine the only thing to do is to get a wireless range extender to boost the signal.

There is also the option of having a 2700 running a long ethernet cable to the belkin in the same room as the pcs and using the belkin as a wireless access point.

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

Buzzbee — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:48:15 GMT

Now boosted all the way to channel 13, tried a couple in between but no luck I'm afraid.

I have some cable so could rig up a caple link to the Belkin no problem, how to set up the two to talk to each other is the question!

If that doesn't work I'll have a go with the Hawking extender, one question, can the Hawking work cable connected to the 2700 or does it have to be wireless throught? Due to the problems I seem to be having I think cable might prove the best option.

Thanks

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

alastair — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:06:11 GMT

in the belkin page go through the quick setup wizard when its plugged into the 2700 its should detect the setup.

the hawking you plug in via ethernet > configure your current wireless settings so the hawking connects to it wirelessly > configure a wireless name for the extender so the pcs can connect to those settings > unplug the hawking and position halfway so it gets the signal from the 2700. your pcs should see the wireless name of the hawking and you should be able to connect to it.

otherwise theres the ethernet cable option to the belkin in the same room. which i suggest you take that road before the extender

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

Buzzbee — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:58:29 GMT

Tried connecting the Belkin to the 2700, ran the wizard or setup assistant but it didn't work, thought I could access the maual setup but as there is no direct connection to the computer am unable to access that either. Recon I need to set up the Belkin and perhaps the 2700 before they are connected somehow if that's possible. They are both set up to work on this computer so if I can access the setup I may be able to modify changes etc. if of course I know what to change, which at the moment I don't!!!!! HELP!

Thanks

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

alastair — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:17:08 GMT

may need to ask belkin if it can be used as a secondary router. if not then its a case of using a wireless range extender or getting a wireless access point that you can run an ethernet cable from the 2700 to it

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

Buzzbee — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:49:30 GMT

Have got the oportunity to borrow a Belkin F5D7132 Range Extender, so going to try that, if it works that's what I shall set up.

I will let you know of the outcome.

In the meantime, very many thanks for your fantastic support and patients.

Cheers

Michael Jay

Re: Connecting multiple hubs/routers

frdata — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 08:01:48 GMT

I have a BT Micro and want to add a wireless N hub/router. I saw several not hopeful posts from Jan has anything changed is it possible and how do I do it.

Thanks

Patrick