I recently bought a wireless access point (NetGear WG602 v4) to increase the range of my network but I've been unable to set it up correctly. My network involves a wireless, Linksys router (WAG200G) which doubles as an ADSL modem and connects to my ISP. The PCs in the network use wireless, Netgear, network cards (WG111) to connect to the router and the Internet.
Thus far, I've only changed the operating mode of the WAP so that it's in "repeating mode" and have registered the MAC address of the router. The WAP sees the router but when I connect to the WAP's network, I can't communicate with the router.
Does the WAG200G support WDS - Wireless Distribution System? I believe the WG602 requires WDS to function as a repeater.
A couple of suggestions .....
1) avoid mixing equipment brands when repeating, it creates another layer of potential problems and frequently leads to tech support finger pointing - the problem is that the other brands doesn't whatever
2) avoid repeating whenever possible - there is a 50% throughput penalty because the wireless radios are half duplex, they cannot receive & transmit at the same time so they must first recieve the data packets, then stop receiving, switch to transmit and send them, and so on.
Consider returning the WG602 for it's equivalent Linksys product (or even the Linksys WRE54G - which is a Wireless Range Extender - another fancy term for a repeater, and I don't guarantee compatability with your WAG200G) or if you can't, consider connecting the WG602 as an access point and cable it back to the router and extend your network that way.
in order to use the WG602 as a repeater, it is recommended that you use a second wg602 as the access point.
linksys router <- ethernet cable -> WG602 ((- wireless communication -)) WG602 ((- wireless communication -)) Wireless computer
this is how the network setup should look with the WG602s as repeaters... but yeah take fordem's advice, you're intentionally halving the speed, and setting yourself up for performance issues, including lag, timeouts, and other wireless hiccups.
Unfortunately, I can't just exchange the AP for the Linksys model because they don't have the latter, or any other Linksys hardware for that matter. Also, I'd rather not fork out 50euros for another WG602.
[quote]consider connecting the WG602 as an access point and cable it back to the router and extend your network that way.[/qoute]
How does that affect performance? I suspect the performance hit is considerably smaller because of the cable.
Do you think I could use a longer antenna on the router to send the signal farther and what model/brand should I look for?
I would recommend getting a better quality antenna. as i think the wg602s have 6dbi antennas?
you'd be good with hard wireing the wg602, and getting a 20dbi panel antenna... but with that you're looking at a decent price for an antenna. Well, actually, you're going to be paying out the nose for a decent antenna.
you have to remember this stuff is expensive for a reason. it's not really supposed to be just a cheap throw it together thing.
consider connecting the WG602 as an access point and cable it back to the router and extend your network that way.
How does that affect performance? I suspect the performance hit is considerably smaller because of the cable. Thanks again.
There is no performance penalty - you'll get the full throughput of the wireless.
If you're going to go this route you'll need to configure both the router and the access point to work, so to speak, in tandem - both will need to have the same SSID and security (both encryption and if you use it, MAC filtering), and you'll need to set them on different channels, preferably 5 channels apart (1/6/11) to avoid interference.
I have tried all means to connect Netgear WG602v4 with Netcomm NB14wn but no success. WDS mode is active in Netcomm, have done MAC address in router for WDS and wireless client repeater in Netgear, tries with different channels, same SSID and WEP security...but did all combination but so far no success. Please help.
It did connect to Router but doesnt provide internet and most of times limited connectivity
We have a WG614v7 in our office. In the far end of the building is a common area that we allow small groups to use on certain weekend evenings and would like to have WIFI available. It is not right now. I purchased a WG602 V4 because it indicated that it was a repeater. After setting it up I was able to connect to only one computer at a time. I think it has something to do with WDS. None of the documentation with the 602 indicated that the host router needed to have WDS. I have spent some time digging through the forums and the confusion and must say I am still a bit confused.
Looking for options. Running a cat 5 cable from the office to somewhere in the common area, and setting up as an access point, while doable would be quite difficult. It would be preferred to simply put a repeater mid way between the two. So the question, or questions are; is there a device that can function as an actual repeater, without the need to add each users MAC address and keep the current WG614v7?
If we change the WG614v7 to something that has WDS am I correct that each connected device would need to be listed by MAC address? (That would not be possible).
Still quite confused by all of this. I think the reality is that the 602 is not a repeater but a bridge from the main AP to a single end user.
This did not answer either question, although I suppose in a round about way you said it is impossible to repeat with the current router. I think I'll go to Belkin and see if they are any more helpful, this forum certainly is not.
The issue is now moot although I seriously doubt that you will post this for others to see. Thankful to the Linux community for the dd-wrt firmware. Flashed the WG602 and it is doing exactly what I want it to do, repeating the signal from the WG614V7. So it actually is possible, just not with the stock equipment. Although you were not helpful directly, your arrogance prompted me to keep looking, so for that I am thankful.
