Optimum way to deploy two WRT54G(S) routers in a home environment?

Solution 1:

• Ensure one router has DHCP turned off and is configured as an access point.
• Connect the two routers via ethernet using the non-internet ports
• Give both the same SSID / Security settings but select different channels.

The optimal way is to connect both via ethernet (e.g Cat5e). If you cannot run a cable then consider using powerline adapters. Even a "mid-speed" connection over 100mbps powerline adapters will give you a connection of 30-60mbps, far more than you'll get trying to connect them wirelessly.

Your last resort would be to setup the second router as a WDS (Wireless Distribution Station) where it acts as a wireless repeater. The problems here are that a) every repeater drops the available bandwidth by 50% and b) it needs to be close enough to get a decent signal.

Solution 2:

From what I gather from here, https://serverfault.com/questions/33864/how-can-i-set-up-a-single-wireless-network-through-a-number-of-wifi-routers, in your case you need to

• set up the main one as a router, the other as a bridge (inheriting and passing DHCP)
• match their SSID's
• match keys and encryption types (WPA2 AES if you can)
• assign different channels (like 6 & 11)