setting up LAN for public access wifi : MBP doesn't see router

[partyplanet]

Hi, kinda new to routers/networks (i'm a android/mac motherboard tinkerer). I'm trying to set up my own WIFI network for my catalog web server at the bar where I host karaoke. The only wifi now is a weak signal from next door. Singers can connect to the next door wifi, but when more than 2 are searching my server, everything bogs down to a CRAWL.


I need to connect my MBP to router with ethernet, and then ethernet to powerbook, so the web server the MBP is creating can be broadcast by the router and sent to the powerbook (which serves as a song kiosk for those without pocket wifi). But neither laptop will access the control page despite trying many variations of Belkin's 192.168.2.1 default IP. Even tried making my own IP addy. just says "cannot connect" or find that page.

Limited resources have given me:
2006 MBP 2.3ghz (OS10.5.8)
Belkin Pre-N router
Powerbook 1ghz

Last night I used my friend's 2009 MBP to access the router, logged in 1st time. suddenly, my old MBP could then see it too. I changed the IP address to 192.168.2.7, verified that my phone and other wireless devices could see and log onto my song server, then shut it down, powered back up, and REVERIFIED JUST TO MAKE SURE IT "STUCK".

Of course, when I got to the bar, it was back to "Hey, F you. Love, Belkin"

Does anyone know what I can try to get my older 2006 MBP to recognize and play nice with this router? maybe without having a newer mac to hold its hand?


thanks for any constructive advice, not really looking for vague condescension.