How to Convert Linksys WRT54G to Be an Access Point
Start with a wired PC., On the back of the router, remove the "Run CD First" tape., Disconnect the existing network cable from the network jack of your PC, set it aside for now., Power the router., Press and hold the RESET button on the new router...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Start with a wired PC.
Document your current network's IP address scheme.
In this example, the existing router was
192.168.0.1.
DHCP settings and subnet mask does not matter for this example.
Substitute your network addresses in place of these settings if yours is different. -
Step 2: On the back of the router
Do not connect any cable to the "WAN" port....
Ever.
Put a new piece of tape over the "WAN" port socket to prevent you from trying., Take a new cable and plug into LAN port #2 on the new Linksys router and the other end into the network jack of your PC. , Plug the power supply into the AC mains and the output cable and plug into the power jack on the rear of the router.
One or more lights should become illuminated on the front to indicate it has been successfully powered up. , Resetting ensures that any customized settings are erased and the router is returned to factory defaults.
This usually isn't required on a new router, but if you suspect the router was returned and resold to you, it may not function as expected without resetting first (this is also the only way to access the setup page if you forget the login username and password).
Consult the manual for the location of the reset button, as it varies depending on model
- but is usually found on the rear panel near the power jack.,, If
192.168.1.1 will not load, try
192.168.0.1 or
192.168.2.1 instead.
The manual will provide the default IP address for the router if the router fails to produce a login page.
This can also indicate a router that has not been restored to factory defaults via reset procedure detailed above. , The SSID must match that of the primary router and the channel must be different than that of the primary router (Channel 1 for primary router and 6 or 11 for secondary router are good choices as they are separated enough by frequency). , Use of your cell phone number can be a good security key choice, as these numbers are not listed in any directory, etc.
Save the settings. , I set mine to the highest number in my network:
192.168.0.254.
This puts the access point "out of the way"
so to speak.
Note:
Some network routers are set by default to "start" in the high range (xxx.xxx.xxx.254), so if your network is like this, set the new wireless device to a lower unused number.
192.168.0.253 will do. , There only needs to be a single DHCP server on most small networks or subnets.
The original, main router (either a stand alone type or one built into your provider's cable modem or DSL modem) will provide IP addresses to all devices connected to it
- including those that connect thru the access point just created. ,,, -
Step 3: remove the "Run CD First" tape.
-
Step 4: Disconnect the existing network cable from the network jack of your PC
-
Step 5: set it aside for now.
-
Step 6: Power the router.
-
Step 7: Press and hold the RESET button on the new router for 30 seconds.
-
Step 8: Reboot your PC to make sure it gets a new address from the new router.
-
Step 9: After reboot
-
Step 10: start your browser and type in: http://192.168.1.1 - you will be asked for: Login ID = admin
-
Step 11: and a Password = admin (Linksys defaults).
-
Step 12: Go to the Wireless Configuration page and start configuring the wireless options
-
Step 13: such as Wireless SSID - Do not use "linksys"
-
Step 14: pick something else
-
Step 15: like "charlie".
-
Step 16: In the Wireless security settings page
-
Step 17: use "WPA-Personal" level security at minimum
-
Step 18: and a wireless security key at least 8 digits/letters long and you are done.
-
Step 19: Go back to the main Router page
-
Step 20: set the local IP address to an unused address on the original router's network.
-
Step 21: Set the "DHCP" Server to "Disable".
-
Step 22: Save the settings
-
Step 23: the router will restart.
-
Step 24: Connect the cable from your existing network (disconnected in Step 3) into the LAN Port #1
-
Step 25: and reboot your PC.
-
Step 26: Go find your wireless laptop
-
Step 27: and log into your new wireless access point
-
Step 28: satisfied that 15 minutes saved you $50.
Detailed Guide
Document your current network's IP address scheme.
In this example, the existing router was
192.168.0.1.
DHCP settings and subnet mask does not matter for this example.
Substitute your network addresses in place of these settings if yours is different.
Do not connect any cable to the "WAN" port....
Ever.
Put a new piece of tape over the "WAN" port socket to prevent you from trying., Take a new cable and plug into LAN port #2 on the new Linksys router and the other end into the network jack of your PC. , Plug the power supply into the AC mains and the output cable and plug into the power jack on the rear of the router.
One or more lights should become illuminated on the front to indicate it has been successfully powered up. , Resetting ensures that any customized settings are erased and the router is returned to factory defaults.
This usually isn't required on a new router, but if you suspect the router was returned and resold to you, it may not function as expected without resetting first (this is also the only way to access the setup page if you forget the login username and password).
Consult the manual for the location of the reset button, as it varies depending on model
- but is usually found on the rear panel near the power jack.,, If
192.168.1.1 will not load, try
192.168.0.1 or
192.168.2.1 instead.
The manual will provide the default IP address for the router if the router fails to produce a login page.
This can also indicate a router that has not been restored to factory defaults via reset procedure detailed above. , The SSID must match that of the primary router and the channel must be different than that of the primary router (Channel 1 for primary router and 6 or 11 for secondary router are good choices as they are separated enough by frequency). , Use of your cell phone number can be a good security key choice, as these numbers are not listed in any directory, etc.
Save the settings. , I set mine to the highest number in my network:
192.168.0.254.
This puts the access point "out of the way"
so to speak.
Note:
Some network routers are set by default to "start" in the high range (xxx.xxx.xxx.254), so if your network is like this, set the new wireless device to a lower unused number.
192.168.0.253 will do. , There only needs to be a single DHCP server on most small networks or subnets.
The original, main router (either a stand alone type or one built into your provider's cable modem or DSL modem) will provide IP addresses to all devices connected to it
- including those that connect thru the access point just created. ,,,
About the Author
Sophia Clark
Creates helpful guides on cooking to inspire and educate readers.
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