Can a Linksys WRT54G be used as an Access Point?Can a Linksys WRT54G be used as an Access Point?

Being that it is a highly affordable router, the Linksys WRT54G is becoming increasingly popular. Affordable as it is, this device is very reliable, and people are wondering whether or not it can be used as an access point. So, can you, and how should you go about it?

Routers are generally charged with internet transmission in various environments, and the one characteristic that stands out about them is the fact that they are very versatile in their functionality. It is possible to convert a router into a repeater, a Wi-Fi extender and also an access point. The Linksys WRT54G is a small router that is quite affordable, especially because it is cheaper than regular access points, and that is great at internet transmission. So, can it be used as an access point? Yes, the Linksys WRT54G can be used as an access point that can be added to an already set up wired network.

So, how should you go about setting it up?

Table of Contents

How to set up the Linksys WRT54G as an access point

Step 1: Connect the Linksys WRT54G to the internet

On a wired computer, find the router’s default IP address and password and note them down for later use.
On the back panel of the Linksys WRT54G, proceed to remove the Run CD First tape. Make certain that you do not connect a cable to the WAN port.
Disconnect the PC from your network by removing the network cable from the network jack. Proceed to connect one end of a new cable from the 2nd LAN port of your Linksys router and the other end to the network jack on your computer.
Go on and power the Linksys WRT54G. Make sure that the power ON indicator light is on and not blinking to confirm that the boot up is complete.
Proceed to reset the new router by pushing the reset button on it for at least 30 seconds. This allows you to get rid of previously installed settings, and allows the router to return to the default settings with which it came. Use a sharp and firm gadget such as a sewing pin to conduct the reset.
Once you have reset the router, go on and reboot your PC to allow it to acquire the new address from the new router.
Open up the web browser and key in the IP address as well as log in password.

Step 2: Configure wireless options

Find the wireless configuration page and create an SSID (router ID) for the new router. The router name you key in must match that of the parent router. Bear in mind that you need to select a different channel for the new router, especially one that is not crowded, and that is not too close to that of the parent router.

Step 3: Select a security key for the new router

Create a security code or key for your Linksys WRT54G. Try and make it at least 8 characters long, and incorporate different characters that include numbers, lowercase and uppercase letters and punctuation marks for better security.

Once you have created the security code or password, go on and Save Settings.

Step 4: Set up the Linksys WRT54G

You will need to give your Linksys WRT54G an IP address, and you will need to ensure that it is within the same subnet as the first access point. Have the router set to the same address as your first wireless router. Click on the ‘Save Settings’ tab to complete the setup.

Once you have finished, you will be required to change your adapters IP address to another that is within the same subnet, then reconnect to the Linksys WRT54G by keying the new IP address in the address bar of your browser. Go on and click ‘Save Settings’ to finish this step.

Step 5: Change the Basic Settings

On the Wireless Tab, find the Basic Settings. Find the Wireless Mode, Wireless Network Mode, Wireless SSID as well as Wireless Network channel to the same settings you have on the mother router. Proceed to click on Save Settings.

Step 6: Change Security Settings

Under the Wireless tab, click on Security and change the security and security key to the same ones you have on the first router. Click on Save Settings once you are done.

Proceed to click on WDS under the same Wireless tab, and select LAN under the first pulldown field. In subsequent fields, key in the MAC address of your first access point.

Disable the DHCP server by going to Basic Setup and selecting Disable, then click on Save Settings.

Step 7: Change the Interface type

Log in to the first router, and on its WDS setting, key in the MAC address of the Linksys WRT54G in the first field of the WDS setting. Proceed to setup the interface type to LAN.

Proceed to change the network adapter IP to static from dynamic. To test the connection, go on and open a command window and key in ‘ping [IP address]’. Do not insert any quotes

Step 8: Reboot your PC

Before rebooting, reconnect the LAN cable you had disconnected into the first LAN port of the router.

Once connected, proceed to initiate reboot and wait to make sure that it is complete.

When the reboot is complete, go on and connect your computer to the new access point.

Default Addresses for router logins

Feature	Address/Name
Default ID	admin
Default password	admin
Default IP address	192.168.1.1

Conclusion

While access points are incredibly useful, they have a tendency to be pretty expensive. With a cheaper router such as the Linksys WRT54G which is highly affordable, it is possible to set it up like as an access point. This way, you can save up more than $50 and still receive the same services you would if you bought an actual access point.

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Can a Linksys WRT54G be used as an Access Point?

How to set up the Linksys WRT54G as an access point