As the wireless coverage in John999boy Towers isn't quite 100% with the supplied Sky router I was considering adding another one at the master socket and moving the Sky router more centrally via existing cat5.

I've already got the router password etc so entering that won't be a problem however I just wondered if I still let the Sky router continue to dish out the IP addresses via DHCP (even though it wouldn't be connected to the phone line) if that would be an issue? This would mean I get 2 different wifi networks though.

Alternatively what other piece of network gear could I use to add in the existing network that just gave me one wifi network?

You can leave the existing router where it is, then run a network cable to the secondary location. Then place an access point there, you can set routers up as access points.

Essentially you give it the same SSID, turn off DHCP, give it a static IP and select a different channel to the router.

There is plenty of information if you google for it.

You can leave the existing router where it is, then run a network cable to the secondary location. Then place an access point there, you can set routers up as access points.

Essentially you give it the same SSID, turn off DHCP, give it a static IP and select a different channel to the router.

So you are basically saying that an access point is a router without the telephone bits? Is there something else that 'extends' the main wireless network on just the same channel though? Maybe something similar to (but not necessarily) this?

Wouldn't it be easier to move the 'old' Sky router to the new secondary position (giving me better coverage of 'b' & 'g' where it's needed) and do as you suggested regarding the DHCP off and fixed IP on the 'new' 'n' router? I sometimes need 'n' settings at the first location hence the need for putting it there. Still 2 networks though!

Maybe the new 'n' type router's range will be better than the existing Sky router so I could do as you say and turn off the Sky wireless and then I've only the one network to consider?

to be continued.......

Doing it that way would work, as long as the Sky router isn't locked down so as you cannot.

You would be best to use the new router to do the routing and the existing router as a wireless access point.

You cannot use the same channel, you have a choice of 11, and it doesn't matter which as long as they aren't the same.

Thanks.

I'll have a play when I get the new bits and see which way gives the best coverage then.

you could use a bridge like a netgear 606 bridge.

You program with your sky router info and it'll do the rest. Will also allow printers via usb or cat 5 too.

This is where I get confused!

What's the difference between an access point and a bridge?

A bridge clones your existing setup to extend range. It is still an access point.