How to Configure a Linksys Bridge

A Linksys wireless bridge is an access point that is converted to "bridge" mode so that you can extend your wireless network to have a larger coverage area. You can use different Linksys products to operate with to form the bridge, including the WAP54G Linksys Wireless-G Access Point, and the WRT54G Linksys Wireless-G router. You will primarily use a second WAP54G to operate as the bridge device.

Things You'll Need

• WAP54G or WRT54G
• Second WAP54G
• Ethernet Cable

Instructions

1. Connect an Ethernet cable from the computer to one of the LAN ports on the WAP54G or WRT54G that is currently connected to your network.

2. Open a web browser and type in "192.168.1.1" and press "Enter." If you are using a WAP54G use "192.168.1.245" instead.

3. Leave the username blank and type in "Password" and press "OK."

4. Click on "Status", which is the right-most menu choice along the top menu, then select "Wireless" in the menu that pops up under the top menu. If you are using a WAP54G, click "Setup" in the top menu, then click "Basic Setup" in the menu that pops up under the top menu.

5. Make note of the Wireless MAC address.

6. Disconnect the Ethernet cable and reconnect it to the second WAP54G (first if you are using a WRT54G).

7. Log in to the router using the procedures in steps 2 and 3.

8. Click "AP Mode" in the menu that is under the top menu. The top menu has "Setup", "Wireless", "Administration", and "Status."

9. Select the third option down labeled "Wireless Repeater" and type in the Wireless MAC Address you made note of earlier into the text box.

10. Click on "Save Settings", then exit the WAP54G.

References

• Linksys: Configuring an Access Point as a Wireless Repeater
• Linksys: Accessing the Access Point’s Web-Based Setup Page
• Linksys: Accessing the Router’s Web-Based Setup Page