CTR350 -> WRT54G router over Wi-Fi?

lanispet

Greetings, all...

Just got my CTR350 from 3GStore on Friday, and i was pleased with the effortless process of setting it up with my USB720 modem and laptop over wireless...

...However (there's always a however), the CTR350 just doesn't have the power output to get the wireless connection out to my garage. I can't move it, because the main reason I got the CTR was to gain an optimal location for the EVDO modem without running antenna coax all over the place.

My existing network has a WRT54G router hooking together my two regular desktops over Ethernet, then sending wireless out to the garage. Between the bigger antennas and better placement of the Linksys, there's no problem with the wireless there.

I've got it patched together by using the Ethernet port on the CTR350 to hook into the one of the wired ports on the Linksys, but since that entails a 50-foot CAT5 stretched across my living room, it's not exactly optimal.

This is probably a bit outside the range of tech support for the CTR, but i was hoping there was someone else who had configured such a system. For the life of me i can't figure out how I need to set this up. I've got both devices in the same subnet (CTR=192.168.0.1, WRT=192.168.0.254), the WRT in Router mode, using .0.1 as the gateway... and nothing. I can't even ping .0.1 from the WRT interface.

Does anyone know if I'm missing something dumb, or need to flash the WRT to DD-WRT firmware to use it as a bridge, or ?

Thanks,

...dave
from Acronym Central

visortgw · EVDO User Joined: 28 Oct 2005 Posts: 67

Does the Linksys router support WDS? If so, that may be your solution...

EDIT: Apparently, it does -- the Linksys site was doen for maintenance, but I found it elsewhere: http://www.linksysinfo.org/forums/showthread.php?t=47118

Hardware · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Posts: 141

You could just get another cheap Wireless Access Point and dump a huge antenna or amplifier on it and go that route.

Not really very clean but the CTR isn't meant to be used as a large area wireless router.

firedude · EVDO Junkie Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 435

I use my pumped up WTR54G router with my KR1 by disabling my wireless mode (can be done in the Cradle Point) and run a cable from one of the ports on my KR1 to the ethernet port on the WRT54G. Now that they (3G store) fixed (firmware) on the CTR 350 wouldn't it be possible to run a cable from the ethernet port on the CTR over the ethernet port on the Lynksys?

Tony

deparson · EVDO Junkie Joined: 30 Aug 2006 Posts: 248

You need the CTR plugged into the WAN port of the Linksys. I would set them up on totally different networks. e.g. CTR on 10. and the Linksys on 192.

The CRT will give the Linksys an IP address and the Linksys will give your clients one. That should work as-is.

If you want to go wireless, get a wireless bridge that will connect via Wi-Fi to your CRT and via Ethernet to your Linksys.

brecklundin · EVDO Newbie Joined: 25 Dec 2007 Posts: 5

firedude · EVDO Junkie Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 435

brecklundin

really in my opinion for what you want to do the KR1 is best suited. I'm already doing this with fantastic success using my WRT54G Router. I simply turned off the wireless mode in the KR1 and use it as a modem only when home. My pumped up WRT54G with the WRT-DD firmware covers (wifi wise) the entire campground I'm currently working at. Especially since I share the signal with a couple others from time to time.

I do however favor the CradlePoint for my travels. You can't beat! In my opinion that was what it was designed for, mobility. I'll be ordering one soon from 3G. That way I don't have to unhook everything and take the KR1 with me which I've done and works fine however the CradlePoint is simply best for mobility and traveling. Just my humble opinion.

Tony

Cowboy · EVDO User Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 28

Boy this is great news...not. I just returned a KR1 because I was told that the CR350 would be best suited for my need which is I need a robust wireless router to connect network equipment via gotomyPC.

It's starting to look like my jimme'd set up with ICS and the linksys is a better system.

Cowboy · EVDO User Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 28

I do have a linksys that is running dd-wrt but here is my situation.

I have DVR surveillance system that is networked, we use gotomypc to access the viewer and we need a wireless system for other computers in the barn.

Short of asking 3gstore to send the KR1 back what can I do?

byrd · EVDO User Joined: 21 Dec 2007 Posts: 49

Hey Cowboy, the CTR350 should work for remote access. I just setup UltraVNC tonight on my home PC and had it accessing my work PC in short order. I'm not currently using a second Wireless bridge plugged in the CTR350 ethernet port though, so I suppose that could complicate things. The thread here might be closer to your case: http://www.evdoforums.com/thread7946.html

I originally looked at GotomyPC, but am too cheap to pay for the service. I then found LogmeIn.com which has a free version of their service. The free version of Logmein isn't fully enabled though. I then found UltraVNC, which is great!... and free! Check it out if you get the chance. It has File transfer, Encryption Plugins, Text chat, and I found the interface to be noticeably faster with better video then Logmein.

My wife and I have a small horse farm, and we eventually plan on setting up a wireless monitoring system similar to that which you mentioned.

deparson · EVDO Junkie Joined: 30 Aug 2006 Posts: 248

The 350 will work just fine. No need to get another IMO.

Did you get it to work correctly? Do you need any more help? I know we can get it working for you if you have any problems.