I have aPowerline AV 500 set up, Pass through adapter (XAV4501) and WiFi Access point (XWN5001).It works brilliantly.I wish to extend the reach by adding another similar access point, but Netgear don't sell them as single units.Question one, if I buy a new kit including the Adapter, can the adapter itself be used as an assess point? Question two, I have learned that I might be able to use an old router (N750/DGND4000) as an extender.I am a bit of a dunce in undersatnding whether this router is suitable, and furthermore challenged to configure it. I should be very grateful if someone could point me in the right direction, first by confirming whether what I've understood IS possible, and second referring me to the precise instuctions as to HOW to do it.Thanks a lot.

Any router can be set up as an Access Point, provided it is wired into the main network. The universal instructions are as follows: Disable the DHCP server on the router to be set up as an Access Point. Assign a static IP address to the router that belongs to the same subnet as the main router but is outside of the range of DHCP addresses managed by the first router. This will avoid an IP address conflict. Change the DHCP range to free up an address, if necessary. Write down this address. You will need it to log into the router. Connect one of the LAN ports on the router to the main router. Leave the WAN port on the secondary router disconnected.

Thank you for prompt response, but I said I was a bit of a dunce.DHCP, disconnect it...errr?Subnet, static IP address??...I'm really struggling with 2.If I make it to 3. do I leave the connection via the LAN ports permenantly connected, the new access point is some 50 metres away although on the same circuit.I'm really sorry, I need the ABC, if only 'Dummies for setting up a wireless access point via an old router' existed. I might need to call in an expert.Thanks again The Ether, much appreciated, at least I know it's a universal solution, once I've cracked the terminology maybe I'll succeed.

Perhaps this CNET article will help. The article is missing an important step. Between steps 2 and 3 there should be an additional step to change router A's IP range: 192.168.1.2. through 192.168.1.254. It should be changed to 192.168.1.3 through 192.168.1.254. This frees up 192.168.1.2 to be used by router B.

Thank you again. I'm away from home for a few days so will try again when back. A quick glance through the article tells me this should be relatively unchallenging to follow. Appreciate it.

Sorry not been back, away then ill. Tried this morning. I can't even get into the router's Access Point via ethernet cable to a LAn port...put in its IP address all it said was 'not connected to the internet'! Followed Mac instructions - no green dot showing connection. Am I being utterly dim, or is there something I'm missing in the router's set up/settings? In spite of your kind help, I'm in despair, if I can't even get into the settings, then there's not much hope for doing the more complex stuff. Durr...

Setting up old router (N750/DGND4000) to use as wireless access point

11 Replies

TheEther
Guru
May 31, 2017
Any router can be set up as an Access Point, provided it is wired into the main network. The universal instructions are as follows:

Disable the DHCP server on the router to be set up as an Access Point.

Assign a static IP address to the router that belongs to the same subnet as the main router but is outside of the range of DHCP addresses managed by the first router. This will avoid an IP address conflict. Change the DHCP range to free up an address, if necessary. Write down this address. You will need it to log into the router.

Connect one of the LAN ports on the router to the main router. Leave the WAN port on the secondary router disconnected.
- Sigo
  Aspirant
  May 31, 2017
  Thank you for prompt response, but I said I was a bit of a dunce.
  DHCP, disconnect it...errr?
  Subnet, static IP address??...I'm really struggling with 2.
  If I make it to 3. do I leave the connection via the LAN ports permenantly connected, the new access point is some 50 metres away although on the same circuit.
  I'm really sorry, I need the ABC, if only 'Dummies for setting up a wireless access point via an old router' existed. I might need to call in an expert.
  Thanks again The Ether, much appreciated, at least I know it's a universal solution, once I've cracked the terminology maybe I'll succeed.
  - TheEther
    Guru
    Jun 01, 2017
    Perhaps this CNET article will help. The article is missing an important step. Between steps 2 and 3 there should be an additional step to change router A's IP range: 192.168.1.2. through 192.168.1.254. It should be changed to 192.168.1.3 through 192.168.1.254. This frees up 192.168.1.2 to be used by router B.

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Setting up old router (N750/DGND4000) to use as wireless access point