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I have a Linksys wrt54GX2 (srx200 wireless router) (I have the cd)
can you use this to DETECT outside wireless connections?

This router has just been sitting here in my hardware pile- -doing nothing. Been wondering if I can put it to good use improving my connection to the local (free wireless inet) network connection that is shared in my apartment building.

I've always used a router/switch to just DISTRIBUTE or share out, a wireless or internet connection. As most homes do.

I was just wondering if you can also use this router TO DETECT a general (unsecured) internet connection.

I would think so, but I've only begun to search for info (on the web) about this. So far I haven't found much / anything that was terribly relevant. Mostly stuff about wardialing with mobile hardware. That's not my intent. I just was wondering if I can use it to better receive a weak signal, right here. (since I don't have access to the router and cannot change it's output or physical location).

Also, if someone has a favorite or known software or utility programs that function well with this router in alternative uses of network activity/security/detection/analysis. I appreciate any suggestions

just go ahead and comment upon the possibilities.
With Many thanks

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Short answer: not really. The WRT54GX2 (the SRX/“GX” family) was never built as a general-purpose client/repeater and most builds of that model use a Realtek-based radio that is poorly supported by the common third‑party firmwares that add “repeater/bridge” modes. Converting it into a reliable wireless client or repeater is therefore impractical in most cases. (en.wikipedia.org)

Practical alternatives that save time and give better results: use a modern 802.11n (or newer) USB/PCI adapter or a small travel router/range‑extender that explicitly supports “client” or “repeater” mode; set the old router up as a wired AP (disable DHCP, pick a LAN IP in the primary subnet) if an Ethernet drop is available; or buy a purpose-built wireless bridge/extender. An 802.11n/MIMO client will typically show noticeably better receive sensitivity and range than older single‑antenna G cards. For routers that can be converted to repeater/bridge there are DD‑WRT/OpenWrt guides, but they require a supported hardware revision. (en.wikipedia.org)

Troubleshooting given the tests already done: ’s working laptop WPC54GS indicates the building AP is reachable, so the desktop NIC, its antenna, drivers, or placement are the most likely problem. A useful troubleshooting path is: update/reinstall the NIC driver, disable wireless power‑saving in driver settings, confirm the antenna is correctly attached, try a known‑good USB/Wi‑Fi adapter close to a window, and run a scan to log RSSI and channels (Windows: netsh wlan show networks or use a Wi‑Fi scanner/sniffer such as Kismet or inSSIDer for a signal survey). These steps separate hardware, driver and interference issues. (learn.microsoft.com)

Security/courtesy note: even “free” or open apartment Wi‑Fi can be subject to owner rules and is unencrypted by definition — using a VPN and checking building policy are prudent. Given the WRT54GX2 limitations and the successful WPC54GS test, replacing or augmenting the client radio (cheap USB “n” adapter) is usually the fastest, most reliable fix.

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Member Avatar for stvrich

Another (related) topic may be, if there is any way to tweak basic settings for a Wireless NIC that would improve reception in fringe or border regions of a router. My nic is also a Linksys: WMP54G .
I've got a laptop with another Linksys pci card I want to setup and fire up to test if my NIC in the pc is just bad/broken antenna or something. b/c I USED to get an excellent signal here.

Member Avatar for UrbanKhoja

Another (related) topic may be, if there is any way to tweak basic settings for a Wireless NIC that would improve reception in fringe or border regions of a router. My nic is also a Linksys: WMP54G .
I've got a laptop with another Linksys pci card I want to setup and fire up to test if my NIC in the pc is just bad/broken antenna or something. b/c I USED to get an excellent signal here.

Evening,

With regards to the former, I'm not sure of that exact model but only a few routers will do what you're asking. As mostly they're designed to send data and provide an AP not connect to one.

Belkin do a number of products in a reasonable price range that may do it, something like a Belkin Gaming Adaptor with a higher gain aerial attached.

Onto the latter issue, a standard 54G wireless card isn't ideal for what you're using it with. A MIMO or even N card would be far superior, even though it's probably only a G router the better adaptor would still boost your receiving power somewhat.

Hope this helps,

Regards,

Dazza :cool:

Member Avatar for stvrich

Thank you, I was hoping that someone knew of a way to turn it into a poor mans repeater. I guess that is what I was aiming at. A "bridge" or "repeating" function. And a "hack" that'd turn a common router into one. ......... If it's just not (ever) suited then, No. Or, if it's beyond my skill... then, No.

Member Avatar for stvrich

An "n" card eh? Thanx Darren. I'll get one. STILL curious if there is a way to "hack" that router tho'. I know that SOME of Linksys's routers ARE the topics of software upgrades that the manufacturer didn't exactly specify.

Member Avatar for stvrich

I did some experimenting. I re-setup my old laptop with IT's network card. A Linksys WPC54GS removable pci. And it was able to hook up perfectly well. Usually 54-36 MBps with a good/strong signal. So it's either the network card in my main machine, or the machines physical location, etc. I STILL would be curious and interested in finding a way to use a router like mine to DETECT networks. IF it were possible. Thank You.

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