I want to purchase a 2nd wireless router to extend range, need help with setting up and terminology

Hey guys, I currently have a Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 wireless router (flashed to Tomato firmware) and cable internet. Multiple people use my connection (family, a neighbor) and the wireless router is in the front of the house. I get a very good/excellent connection at the back of the house but my cousins, who live next door, usually get only a fair signal. Overall, it's nothing horrible since the router has a fairly nice coverage. But I was thinking about purchasing a 2nd WHR-HP-G54 wireless router and having it in my room (back of the house) so that I can extend coverage for the other people and also connect my Xbox 360 via an ethernet cable connection.

Now here is where I am confused. I know wireless routers can serve as an Access Point (as it is right now), bridge, client, and repeater. I just don't know which one is the one I need to configure to for the uses I have stated above.

Can someone explain to me which configuration I need to set it to and more importantly, how can I do it correctly and avoid common mistakes? I will flashing to DD-WRT, as it seems to be the best firmware for a job like this.

Thanks in advance!

 

There are a couple of downsides to wireless repeating (it cuts throughput in half). I recommend you read this:
Everything You Need To Know About Wireless Bridging and Repeating - Part 1: WDS - SmallNetBuilder

 

thanks for the link, it was a good read. unfortunately, networking isn't my forte and that was a lot of information to absorb. didn't realize how much work had to be done just to extend the network. can anyone explain each step in layman's terms or have a guide for beginners? that would be awesome!

if throughput is cut in half, does that mean any devices connected to the extended AP router has half the speed as opposed to being connected to the main AP? i was hoping my "neighbors" could benefit from a boost in speed with better signal strength. the last thing i want to do is make their internet slower than it already is.

another reason why i wanted to purchase a 2nd wireless router and extend range was to connect the xbox 360 in my room to the internet. i figured, it's a better choice to spend $60-70 on a wireless router than on the xbox wireless adapter, which is around the same price.

 

just watched this video: YouTube - Extending wireless network range with a repeater HP and Netgear

not sure how accurate or correct it is but it definitely helped to clear the mess.

 

From wikipedia:

 

A couple threads from the past. Good Info!

http://forum.notebookreview.com/networking-wireless/421129-last-attempt-setup-repeater.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/networking-wireless/456183-wireless-repeater.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/networking-wireless/442050-using-2-routers.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/networking-wireless/391275-upgrading-my-home-wifi.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/networking-wireless/310778-need-help-setting-up-network.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/networking-wireless/316520-wireless-n-router-repeater.html

 

Thanks for the links and definition, definitely helpful, although I hope I don't run into that many issues.

Basically, I believe what I need is Repeater Bridge mode, which I think the Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 supports with DD-WRT v24. I want laptops near the rear of the house to connect via wifi and have a physical ethernet connection for the xbox 360.

What I still don't understand is the difference between Repeater Bridge mode and WDS (Wireless Distribution System). Is there any?

 

WDS is the standard according to which two APs "talk" to one another over WLAN. In repeating mode, it's also what's responsible for the throughput reduction (therefore, as has been mentioned, if it's feasible to connect the 2nd AP via Ethernet cable, go for it).

There are two different WDS modes:
(i) bridging: only the APs talk to one another, your wireless devices (laptops, smartphones, etc.) aren't allowed to connect
(ii) repeating: the APs talk to one another, and your wireless devices may to connect to either AP as well

It's all in the article I linked...