Re: Best range extender that doesn't require specialised source

On Feb 24, 5:56 am, "Tomás Ó hÉilidhe" <t...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Is there any kind of range extender that will:
1) Operate on a different channel to the wifi that's being extended
(e.g. Channel 5 instead of Channel 8)
2) Have a different SSID to the wifi that's being extended (e.g.
GardenPoint instead of KitchenPoint)
2) Use different encryption to the wifi that's being extended (e.g.
WPA instead of WEP)

I've gotten a loan of a D-Link DWL-G710 and I've been trying it out.
So far, it seems pretty ***.

If by range extender you simply mean that you need wireless in a
location out of your current router's range, then there are countless
APs and routers that work as APs. This entails connecting the new AP
or router-as-AP to your existing router via ethernet cable. You can
configure the new AP for any channel, SSID and encryption you want
that is supported.

You say that your existing router won't work with multiple access
points, but I wonder if you are mistaken. Does not sound right. I
think that as long as you have (or make availible) an ethernet LAN
port on your router, then you can do it. There will be questions of
getting addresses assigned from the router, but again, they should all
do this.

My best guess is that you are thinking that you need WDS or some such
on your router. Just connect the AP by cable.

As far as range goes, the most important thing is to get an AP with
removeable antenna. This is more important than power. By placing a
higher gain antenna on (or even a simple reflector) you can improve
the range over a more powerful radio with a weaker antenna. Antenna
choice and placement is a decision process, but the time you put into
sorting it out will pay back in performance.

Finally, for choosing an AP, if you have a typical consumer home/small
office setting, then just get an AP that gets decent reviews. I would
go to Newegg.com and look at their APs. Read the reviews and get one
that has a good track record. There are several for under $50 that
should work fine. Must have replaceable antenna, as I said.

Steve
.

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