How do I use another Telus Wi-Fi Modem (T3200M) as an extender or put into bridge mode?

[Learner]

Hi,

  I've been trying to figure out how to use the extra T3200M modem in my household as a Wi-Fi extender or set up as another access point for the internet connection. The bridge mode is enabled on both modems; I don't know if that makes a difference.

  My main goal is to use it as an access point for upstairs while the main router (the same model) is connected in the basement to the internet (DSL).

  So far, I've tried different ideas posted online but no luck.  I figured out how to configure the Wi-Fi connections but no internet access on the 2nd modem.

Thanks in advance for any help given. 😀

[Nighthawk · Accepted solution]

The T3200 is not able to be configured as an extender. It will always act as a router and create it's own wireless networks. Bridge mode won't solve this issue and may actually make it worse if you're trying to set up a home network where the devices can communicate with each other.

If you plan to use the second T3200 as a router (separate wireless network), you'll need to run an ethernet cable from one of the LAN ports on your first T3200M to the WAN port on the second T3200M. Only then will it get an internet connection. If the first T3200 is not bridged, you'll also want to change the IP range (192.168.1.x to something like 192.168.10.x) on the second one so they don't conflict with each other. The second one would not need to be bridged.

Telus does also have the Boost Wifi extenders if you're just looking to extend your wireless network. There are third party wireless extenders out there that can be paired with the T3200 to extend the network. Some don't even need an ethernet connection. You'd end up having to buy them though as Telus doesn't offer those specific ones. I've never used them personally so I can't comment on which ones work best. I've always just used a third party router connected by ethernet to the T3200. I have never bridged my T3200.