Media for Two Netgear WGT624 models will not communicate

Two Netgear WGT624 models will not communicate

I have a pair of Netgear WGT624 routers. They have been configured exactly the same, other than for static IP addresses. Either router works fine to communicate with my wireless printer (HP 6980). So I know things are basically working. The problem is, the two routers do not seem to communicate with each other.

The intention of these routers is to establish fast LAN connectivity with my brother's house right across the street. Distance is about

60 feet.

I've been doing the testing with both routers inside at distances that vary from 3 to 12 feet. The printer is 30 feet away toward the other side of the house, and the reported signal strength is 5 out of 1-5. Ping timings with the printer is very good. ARP resolution shows the printer MAC address, so it is a direct in-segment communication. And this works for either router being used.

All the computers are in one room and connected with a wired switch. The routers are plugged into the switch one or two at a time to be configured and/or tested (and also when I need to do printing). I can ping the router IP addresses as well as the printer IP address just fine, but for the routers this is only when they are plugged in the switch. When I have one of the routers not on the switch, then it cannot be reeached.

Both routers are identical (except for MAC addresses): Manufacturer: Netgear Model: WGT524NA Hardware: V3H1 Firmware: V2.0.10_1.0.1NA

Both routers are set as follows: Channel: 08 Mode: g and b Security: WPA2-PSK [AES] SSID: (same including same as printer) Passphrase: (same including same as printer) RIP Direction: Both RIP Version: RIP_2B

If I can reach the printer (ping works, printing works) when just one of the routers is connected to the wired switch, why would I not be able to reach the other router? Are they somehow designed to not communicate with each other?