Router Problem

[Mojo]

I live in some apartments and my friend from the next building down wanted high speed internet. He was too far away for a wireless connection so I decided to run him a line, although he can't get his router to function properly on the line I ran him. I'm guessing the reason is because the line I ran him is coming from a router that I own. Is there some special way I need to configure the two routers to operate in a way where he'll be able to use his wireless internet?

[Kohan]

Is his router successfully assigned an IP by yours? Have you tried connecting a wired device to the router at his place? Maybe the wireless isn't configured properly, and the connection between you and him isn't actually a problem.

[Jefe]

I don't think your router is allowing any IP to your friend's. Do you have a hub or switch? That would be a better alternative. Anyway, try to set your friend's router as an AP or gateway.

[Blabj]

Most routers by default aren't programmed to be assigned an IP via DHCP (this is what extenders/bridges/repeaters are for - so they can get more money out of you) Tell your guy to go buy a $15-20 network switch, or go the lengthy process and buy a DD-WRT flashable router, and follow the myriad of guides on their forums for using the router as an extender.

I have the same problem of wanting to use 2 routers, one as a network extender, however it isn't on DD-WRT. I've had (presumably) the same amount of success as your guy has, being able to use it strictly for wired connections only.

[Kohan]

It's odd that you say that, as I've never purchased a home/small business router which wasn't automatically configured to use DHCP. However, I agree with both you and Meteora about a switch being the better alternative.

If you folks don't want to buy new hardware however, it can work fine with two routers.

[Blabj]

It's not that they don't use DHCP, it's that most routers are designed to assign DHCP addresses to clients, like a server, not to be assigned one. It's a feature you're more likely to find on a $600 router than a $60 router.

Also, I didn't thoroughly read the OP, and saw he wanted to use his wifi also... It might be worth looking into buying a 2 port ethernet switch and placing it after your modem, and sending one line off to him. You should have more success this way than sending him a line out from your router.

[Kohan]

Oh, I completely misread what you said. Hurf. Sorry.

Now we wait with baited breath for the OP to respond.

[Blabj]

Speaking of networking... And in a some what blatant attempt at completely derailing a thread before the OP even has chance to respond... Have any of you guys ever heard of companies selling off or giving away their old server equipment? I'm looking to build a home file server, but I don't want to shell out like £150 for new drive caddies, I'd rather salvage an old rackmount case or steal the caddies out of another computer.

[Mojo]

I have a switch, but the switch isn't capable of doing WiFi and I can't place it before the router because I'm limited to 1 IP address. I'm somewhat confident that his router can handle DD-WRT, I'm currently running that firmware on my router as well. Can you point me in the direction of where I would need to go to 'bridge' these routers, or whatever process it is that needs to be done to get this working right?

[Blabj]

Linking Routers - DD-WRT Wiki

You'll probably want client bridged, as this works as both an access point for people behind the 2nd router, and a wifi extender, meaning he'll share the same wifi details as you.