Question How to configure my WRT-54GL as a "Bridge"?

[tighteewhitey1111111]

I've done computer repair professionally in the past, so I know some things (to give some people of an idea at what level to talk to me at), however networking has always been a weakness. I want to connect a bridge to my neighbor's wife and use his network. He's given me his Username and PW, and I've confirmed connection to his network via my smartphone, so I know they are correct.

I have a Linksys WRT-54GL that I'm very familiar with when it's used as a wireless router, but the "Bridge" part is new territory. I know there's a switch inside to go from "router" to "bridge", but after that I have no idea what other settings need to be done. I'm not sure what my (residential) configuration is going to be yet, and I don't know if that information is necessary to give me guidance. Minimally I just need an internet connection for my (LAN) desktop). There may be exotic things to do with wireless, but I don't need that right now. This is more of an "Emergency Procedures" situation.

Thanks in advance.


https://ibb.co/0BsMzqP

 

[bill001g]

Most routers like that have been put in the trash can since they are so old and only support the very old 802.11g protocol.

In any case. It needs to run in what is called "Clinet-bridge" mode. This is different than what you normally see called bridge mode. The common bridge mode make the device into a AP which acts as a server. You want your router to act as a end device..ie a client.

I am pretty sure those router had the feature. The big problem is if you are using a encrypted connection...and everyone does...you need a feature called WDS to allow you do pass mulitple mac addresses over a wifi connection. Your neighbor must have this option turned on. What I am very unclear about is if there was support for WDS on old routers like yours. Make sure you have the newest dd-wrt that will fit on your box. WDS is not part of the official standard. All the manufactures over the years have all done it the same way so thing are compatible. When it first came out there were all kinds of issues. I am not sure 802.11g even has the field.

I guess all you can do it try it.

 

[tighteewhitey1111111]

Ok thanks. This is exactly what I'm talking about. Had no idea it was so complex.

So, I found this:

https://www.linksysinfo.org/index.php?resources/guide-to-setting-up-wds-on-the-wrt54g-wrt54gs.33/

And then realized you might want to know what I'm doing, and why. I'm cancelling my old, current, "Legacy" ISP (under my wife's name), and want to set-up a new service with the same company, and they won't give me the new deal until after 30 days. So my plan is to use my neighbor's WiFi for 30 days, and then get new service installed. So, I'll be connecting my wireless router (WRT54G) to his wireless router (whatever it is, I have no idea), and then plugging in my desktop computer to the WRT54G. I'll hook up the WRT54G and start messing with it.

 

[punkncat]

DD-WRT is what you are looking for. It will make your WRT54G into a wireless repeater.
Be aware that there are certain models that this goes really well on, and some that it simply won't work at all. I have done this with great effect on an older one and have a newer model that I managed to brick trying.
I would suggest before even trying that you READ (read, read, read) everything you can about doing so. Make sure to look up your specific version and see the notes on how successful it is.

Otherwise, I would purchase one of the many good wireless repeaters or "net" devices currently on the market.

Would also point out that for one month it might be easier just to "hotspot tether" your phone if you have good service.

 

[tighteewhitey1111111]

Yesterday I hooked up the WRT-54G. It's been sitting on the floor and one of the antenna mounts broke-off, but can be pressed back into place. I can navigate normally through the settings in the router via my smartphone, however every time I connect the router to the whole network crashes. I get "The DNS Server isn't working" errors, and restarting both the computer and the modem fails to fix it, even if the router is off-system. I had to reset the modem. Despite this, I don't want to call the router "broke" because of the fact that I can access it normally via wireless connection. Have no clue why it would act this way. I also reset the WRT to no avail, and now I'm stuck.

 

[tighteewhitey1111111]

bump