Home Network Setup

Having trouble and looking for the best way to setup my home network with what I have and the restrictions of my house.

Here are the network devices I have: Linksys Wireless-G Router (WRT54G3G-VN), a NetGear switch (FS105), and a Linksys Wireless Access Point (WAP200).

Items that connect to the network:

Hardwired - Two PCs in the basement (call them PC-A, which is mine, and PC-B), PS3 (I know, it could very easily be connected via wireless, but I prefer it to be hardwired for some reason), and a connection for my house's security system.

Wireless - We have a few laptops, most of which are used in the "den". The Nintendo Wii is located up in the attic.

Here's the deal: Router is located in the basement, and it's wireless signal gets very weak in the den. So, my father bought the WAP200 to improve the signal. Because of placement issues (my mother wears the pants), my father placed the WAP200 in a spot in the basement directly under the den.

I never knew how to setup the WAP200 correctly, and it is showing. For a while, we had it working, but now we cannot connect to it or access the GUI. I cannot connect to 192.168.1.245. I can see that it has a strong signal, but cant connect.

The switch was purchased when we ran out of ports on the router for all of the hardwired devices.

When the WAP200 was being installed, I spoke with someone who told me that the I could either use it as an extension of my original Wireless Network or as it's own wireless network. I am going to assume I went with the second option, because when I view what networks are available, both show up. Name of the original network is Mandlebaum (seinfeld reference), and the network associated with the WAP200 is called linksys-G.

I really am in over my head with this. Too much stuff I don't know.

Please don't assume I have everything connected properly (in terms of the router, switch, and access point). More specifically, what's the best way to have this stuff connected? Which device should be the one that the modem is connected to, and where should I go from there?

Thank you very much for any help.

Update: I was able to access the GUI. Please advise on which mode would be best: Access Point, Repeater, or Bridge.
When the WAP200 was being installed, I spoke with someone who told me that the I could either use it as an extension of my original Wireless Network or as it's own wireless network. I am going to assume I went with the second option, because when I view what networks are available, both show up. Name of the original network is Mandlebaum (seinfeld reference), and the network associated with the WAP200 is called linksys-G.

 

My thought is the WAP200 should be set up as a repeater - on a home network, there should only be one device/router assigning IP addresses.

The modem should be first (FYI, check the modem specs to be sure it does not have a built-in router assigning IP addresses. Most don't; however I've run into a few that do, even if they only have one Ethernet port out).

Second is the router, followed by switchs (extra wired ports), wired connections and WAP200.

Hope this helps.

 

what speeds do you recieve from your ISP? This could be causing a bottleneck effect in terms of "seeing" the network but not being able to connect to it.

 

Thanks for taking the time to help.

Ok, so I changed it to a repeater in 192.168.1.245. I did not know that it was still going to appear the same.

Here is what I mean: Let's make this easy and say that I am looking at my iPhone. If I look for a Wifi connection, Mandlebaum and Linksys-G still appear, just like they did before I changed it to act as a repeater. My assumption was, when I changed it to a repeater, I expected it to just say "Mandlebaum" with a stronger signal (being in an area closer to where the access point is).

So now, I am assuming the difference is that both are shooting out the same IP address?

My other concern is getting a strong signal to the attic, where the Wii is, mostly for Netflix streaming. Right now, the signal is too weak and it affects the quality and speed. I am unable to get a wired device up there, say another access point to boost the signal. Is there anything I can purchase (i.e. a wireless repeater?) or do to my router (better antennae?) to improve the signal up there. When reading an article very quickly, it mentioned that proper antennae can increase the signal by 600%, which I find to be a bit ridiculous. I don't think I will be able to get a wire up there if I were to purchase another AP.

 

If you want a good router check this one out.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833162034

Dont let the price fool you. I installed tomato firmware on this same router and boosted the signal. I done this for my mother who lives about 150 ft from my brothers house. (The router is at my brothers) The signal is going through an exterior wall (wood construction) through a cinder block wall with a decent signal at my mothers computer.

I would purchase this over any linksys anyday and I like linksys! But thats just me. Check out the reviews on this one.