Connecting multiple hubs/routers

[Buzzbee]

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

[alastair]

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

[Buzzbee]

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

[alastair]

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

[Buzzbee]

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

[alastair]

"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

[Buzzbee]

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?

[alastair]

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?

[Buzzbee]

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!

[alastair]

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?