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Ignoring the WiFi bit for a moment, it sounds like you have two devices acting as routers, the Virgin and the Netgear which isn't right. Are you sure you don't already have the Netgear acting only as a WiFi access point already? Might be called 'bridge' or various other things in the setup. But if two different devices are actually working as routers and handing out IP addresses I would expect all sorts of problems.
If you don't actually have any problems other than the one you've described, the WiFi part is simple. Give the networks the same name and key and that's it.
The terminology is 'wireless access point' or AP. An extender usually means a device that just repeats a WiFi signal rather than one that plugs into your wired network.
chez_jay-
Are you sure you don't already have the Netgear acting only as a WiFi access point already? Might be called 'bridge' or various other things in the setup.
One issue is I'm struggling to get in to the settings of the Netgear router to check it's settings as the admin password isn't working. I'll have to do a factory reset I think.
Once I do that I'll check to see if it's in bridge mode and to see if simply calling it the same as downstairs network works.Thanks for the advice.
TTM
This stuff makes my head hurt, so please excuse my lack of technological nouse.
My current setup is Virgin cable broadband in living room which provides wi fi for downstairs (mostly) and sends an Ethernet cable upstairs which connects to a Netgear wgr614. This router is in upstairs office and links via Ethernet to desktop mac and also provides wi fi to upstairs (mostly).
Now, because I'm rubbish at all this, when setting all this up years ago I created two different wifi networks. One downstairs and a separate one upstairs. It's a pain as devices don't auto switch and often need to be manually switched.
I think what I want to do is have the upstairs router act as an extender? So the whole house is on one network. Having started to read about it though, what should be relatively simple has got me stumped. Anyone able to point me to an idiot proof guide? Or suggest another option if this isn't the best solution.
Sorry for the essay.