kair: Linksys WRT54G and WDS

The following instructions will help you to extend the range of a Linksys WRT54G using an AirPort Express Base Station (AX). With minor modifications, these instructions should also work for an AirPort Extreme Base Station (AEBS).

Before You Start

In order to add an AX to your existing Linksys WRT54G wireless network you should, first take the following precautions:

1. Disable or remove all firewalls on the computer on which you will be configuring the network. You should be able to re-establish your previous computer configuration after the network is set-up.

2. You must be running at least Version 4.1 of the AirPort Software. Make sure all of you system software is up-to-date by running Software Update found in your Apple Menu. Repair Permissions both before and after updating your software.

3. Perform a Factory Default Reset of the AX.

4. Immediately before performing the configuration process, Restart the computer on which you will be performing the configuration. Ideally, you will also shut down any other devices connected to the wireless network, but you probably will be able to configure the network without doing so.

5. Each step of the configuration process must be closely followed. Skip no steps, and perform no shortcuts.




Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready the Linksys WRT54G

1. Log into your Linksys WRT54G administration web page. In a new browser window, type the router address (the following steps assume that you have not changed the default router address. If you have changed it from the default, then use the address you have assigned, the default administration password is "admin" no quotation marks): http://192.168.1.1

2. Check the Firmware version of the router. You must be running Version level 3.01.3. The latest Linksys WRT54G Firmware can be found here.

3. If you need to update your router firmware, detailed instructions for updating can be found in the Users Guide here, which essentially instructs you to open the Administration tab from your Linksys configuration page, choosing Firmware Upgrade and following the on-screen instructions. If you need to update your firmware, make sure you restart the router.

4. While logged into the updated router using the instructions above, record the following information, which is found in the Wireless/Basic Wireless Settings:

Wireless Channel pulldown menu - make sure channel 11 is selected
SSID - (ie your network name), capitalization counts)
WEP Password (choose 128 bit, type in a passphrase, key the "Generate" button, and write down use the hexadecimal equivalent generated as Key 1)
Status Tab (make sure Wireless is selected) and record the MAC address listed here




Configuring the AirPort Express

1. If you have not already performed a Factory Default Reset of the AX, do so now. This is accomplished very simply by holding in the reset button on your AirPort Express while plugging it in. Continue to hold the reset button until you see the yellow light flash green four times. This may take longer than the time recommended in the referenced instructions. Release the Reset Button and allow the unit a few seconds to cycle.

2. Connect the AirPort Express to your a Linksys WRT54G LAN port using a CAT5 ethernet cable.

3. Launch the AirPort Admin Utility (not the AirPort Set-up Assistant) located in the Utilities Folder in the Applications Folder on your computer hard drive. The AirPort Admin Utility should list the Default Address name of the AX you are adding to your network to extend the range of the network using WDS. Select the AX. The status light on the AX should flash.

4. Click Configure, and choose the AirPort tab on the new window. Under the Base Station heading chose a name. This name will show up in the "Select Base Station" window once your configuration is complete. Contact and Location are optional, and may be left blank.

5. Under the Airport Network heading's pulldown menu choose "Create a Wireless Network (Home Router)." In the Name field, enter the SSID you copied down per the above instructions (enter it exactly or you will create a separate network).

6. Click on Change Wireless Security. Select 128 bit WEP in the pulldown menu. Under Network Password, you're going to type in the Key 1 hexadecimal password proceeded by a dollar sign ($). Re-enter the hexadecimal password in the Verify box.




7. Change to Channel 11.

8. Under the Internet Tab in the pulldown menu Connect Using, Choose AirPort (WDS).

9. In the MAC Address window, type in the number you recorded, as instructed above.

10. Select "Also Allow Wireless Client Computers.

11. Now, under Configure, you have a choice. Either select "Using DHCP, or Manually. Many people have had success using the DHCP option, however, a manual configuration is often used to overcome some networking anomalies. If you choose Manually, use the following information to configure the AX:

IP Address: 192.168.1.201
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Router Address: 192.168.1.1

12. Under the Network tab, deselect "Distribute IP addresses.

13. Under the WDS tab, check "Enable this Base Station as a WDS.... In the pulldown menu, select "Remote Base Station." Also select "Allow Wireless Clients on this Base Station." If all is working as expected, the Main AirPort ID box should automatically display the MAC number you entered in step 5.

14. Under the Music tab, if you'd like, select "Enable AirTunes on this Base Station." Under "iTunes Speaker Name" enter a name for your remote speakers. This name will show up in an iTunes pulldown menu once your configuration is complete.

15. Click "Update" and load your new configuration into your AX.

16. When the AX recycles, disconnect the ethernet cable between the WRT54G and the AX. Unplug your AX from the power, and move it to the remote location you have selected for extending your network. Plug it in to a wall outlet and after the AX resets it should display a solid Green light.

If you're using your extended network to distribute iTunes to remote speakers there are two additional steps to perform.

17. You'll need to use an adapter cable to feed the mini jack out on your AX into your stereo or powered speakers. Launch iTunes and look in the lower right of the resulting window.

18. There should now be a pulldown menu that offers you a choice of music destinations, either Computer, or the name you entered for your remote speakers. Select the remote speakers, and iTunes should stream to those speakers.

This User Contributed Tip could not have been written without the extensive efforts of Pete May who did most of the research required to create this Tip and deserves all of the thanks. Thanks also to Henry B., Duane, and iFelix, without whose help it would not have been created.