Best Router for 1,650 square foot apartment?

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thm1223

thm1223

Senior member
Jun 24, 2011
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Hi guys,

I need a wireless router that can effectively saturate a large apartment. The problem is that the router will be placed at one end of the apartment, rather than in the center. Furthermore, the walls are very thick, and I'm worried that a regular router such as the WNDR3700/4000 or Linksys WRT54GL will not provide sufficient range/power.

What do you guys think I should do? Perhaps set up the router with a range expander or amplifier? Or if there is a router that can do the trick, that'd be great.

Let me know what y'all experts think. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
E

Enigma102083

Member
Dec 25, 2009
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It's not a consumer device, it's a carrier class CPE designed to be part of a meshnet. Because of this the interface assumes you're not retarded and doesn't hold your hand, it also has a fully featured CLI and can do a heck of a lot more than just basic routing and switching (VLANs, Radius gateway, PPTP VPN, etc), but because it was intended to be part of a wifi meshnet, it has a 1000mw transmitter in it. I've successfully connected a laptop to the wireless from over 1/4 mile (400ish meters) away, from inside a truck while the AP was indoors. If you positively want to make sure your entire apartment is covered for wifi and you don't want to spend the money for Unify APs then this is the way to do it. Also, it's an opportunity for you to learn more about networking and firewalls.
 
thm1223

thm1223

Senior member
Jun 24, 2011
336
0
71
Enigma102083 said:
It's not a consumer device, it's a carrier class CPE designed to be part of a meshnet. Because of this the interface assumes you're not retarded and doesn't hold your hand, it also has a fully featured CLI and can do a heck of a lot more than just basic routing and switching (VLANs, Radius gateway, PPTP VPN, etc), but because it was intended to be part of a wifi meshnet, it has a 1000mw transmitter in it. I've successfully connected a laptop to the wireless from over 1/4 mile (400ish meters) away, from inside a truck while the AP was indoors. If you positively want to make sure your entire apartment is covered for wifi and you don't want to spend the money for Unify APs then this is the way to do it. Also, it's an opportunity for you to learn more about networking and firewalls.
Click to expand...

Wow. :awe:

Sounds intriguing.
 
S

SNC

Platinum Member
Jan 14, 2001
2,166
202
106
Enigma102083 said:
It's not a consumer device, it's a carrier class CPE designed to be part of a meshnet. Because of this the interface assumes you're not retarded and doesn't hold your hand, it also has a fully featured CLI and can do a heck of a lot more than just basic routing and switching (VLANs, Radius gateway, PPTP VPN, etc), but because it was intended to be part of a wifi meshnet, it has a 1000mw transmitter in it. I've successfully connected a laptop to the wireless from over 1/4 mile (400ish meters) away, from inside a truck while the AP was indoors. If you positively want to make sure your entire apartment is covered for wifi and you don't want to spend the money for Unify APs then this is the way to do it. Also, it's an opportunity for you to learn more about networking and firewalls.
Click to expand...

Thats one hell of a radio in the laptop. While I have no doubt the laptop could see the radio, there is no way a stock radio in a laptop is going to be able to transmit back to the AP.
 
S

SNC

Platinum Member
Jan 14, 2001
2,166
202
106
thm1223 said:
Hi guys,

I need a wireless router that can effectively saturate a large apartment. The problem is that the router will be placed at one end of the apartment, rather than in the center. Furthermore, the walls are very thick, and I'm worried that a regular router such as the WNDR3700/4000 or Linksys WRT54GL will not provide sufficient range/power.

What do you guys think I should do? Perhaps set up the router with a range expander or amplifier? Or if there is a router that can do the trick, that'd be great.

Let me know what y'all experts think. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...

You will get a lot of APs and routers thrown at you, but what you have to remember is that the limiting factor is the device you have in your hand. You can have a radio that will transmit 1000 miles, but if your laptop can't get through the solid core door, it will not do you a bit of good. What you might want to do is run some sort of WDS or wireless distribution system, using some sort of mesh to re-transmit the signal both ways. I prefer to use apple devices in homes because it allows for airplay if you use apple devices. (others can stream to them as well with a little work). If airplay is not needed, then a few of these placed in the right spot will blanket the entire area. http://www.open-mesh.com/products/access-points/om2p-hs.html
 
Silenus

Silenus

Senior member
Mar 11, 2008
358
1
81
kevnich2 said:
Unifi Access Point - http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Netwo...i+access+point
Click to expand...

+2

This. Or rather...maybe 2 or three of these. Seriously.
Get any cheap router + DD-WRT (or use the router you already have?!). Add a cheap Gigabit switch. Take the effort to run a few wires to the Unifi Access points (and to any other critical device). For the price of a higher end wireless router you will have far, FAR better wireless experience.
 
thm1223

thm1223

Senior member
Jun 24, 2011
336
0
71
Silenus said:
+2

This. Or rather...maybe 2 or three of these. Seriously.
Get any cheap router + DD-WRT (or use the router you already have?!). Add a cheap Gigabit switch. Take the effort to run a few wires to the Unifi Access points (and to any other critical device). For the price of a higher end wireless router you will have far, FAR better wireless experience.
Click to expand...

Sounds like I'm going to get 1 or 2 of these devices. The problem is going to be running wires to them.

Would they pair up nicely with a WRT54GL or WNDR3700?
 
K

kevnich2

Platinum Member
Apr 10, 2004
2,465
8
76
thm1223 said:
Sounds like I'm going to get 1 or 2 of these devices. The problem is going to be running wires to them.

Would they pair up nicely with a WRT54GL or WNDR3700?
Click to expand...

If you can run a few wires up your wall from where your router's at (or relocate your router to a different area and put a UPS battery backup on it close to a wall where you can run wires up it) up to the ceiling, these mount nicely directly to the ceiling and you only have to drill about 1/2" hole in and pull just the network wire through, screw the mounting bracket over the hole, plug in the network cable, attach the unifi AP and it looks just like a fire alarm. Take the other end and plug it into the INCLUDED Poe injector and then another network cable into either your switch or router and voila.

I would disable wireless entirely on your router as it won't be needed. The advantage this has it that it removes the wireless from your router and the unif's were built for just wireless so the router can do just what it was built for - internet access. You can literally forget about your wireless as it'll run itself. The only added complexity is that you do need to install the unifi controller software on some computer on your network. This is required for initial configuration. After the AP is configured, you don't have to have it running but you can leave it running and it'll keep gathering stats for you if you want. It's a very small footprint on your computer, you won't notice it. Setup is also wizard and gui driven so it's easy so don't let that part scare you. These are designed for businesses so their extremely reliable and durable system.

I have two in my house and they've been running for months without any issues. For your sq footage, if you can install a network cable to the middle of your house, one will cover your area without a problem. My house is 2,600 sq foot and after i moved one to the center, it blankets the entire house.
 
Silenus

Silenus

Senior member
Mar 11, 2008
358
1
81
thm1223 said:
Sounds like I'm going to get 1 or 2 of these devices. The problem is going to be running wires to them.

Would they pair up nicely with a WRT54GL or WNDR3700?
Click to expand...

kevnich2 said:
If you can run a few wires up your wall from where your router's at (or relocate your router to a different area and put a UPS battery backup on it close to a wall where you can run wires up it) up to the ceiling, these mount nicely directly to the ceiling and you only have to drill about 1/2" hole in and pull just the network wire through, screw the mounting bracket over the hole, plug in the network cable, attach the unifi AP and it looks just like a fire alarm. Take the other end and plug it into the INCLUDED Poe injector and then another network cable into either your switch or router and voila....
Click to expand...

OP. Do you have either basement or attic access? If so, it shouldn't be TOO big a deal to get a wire or two run. You only need a single network cable to go to the Unifi access point. As kevnich2 mentioned, it includes a POE injector which can stay at your existing router end (IE: the network cable will carry data AND power to the access point). If you can get it closer to the middle of your apartment you can have a nice clean wall or ceiling mounted access point.
 
S

SNC

Platinum Member
Jan 14, 2001
2,166
202
106
thm1223 said:
Sounds like I'm going to get 1 or 2 of these devices. The problem is going to be running wires to them.

Would they pair up nicely with a WRT54GL or WNDR3700?
Click to expand...


Be sure to check with the owner before drilling holes into walls and running wires. ANY problem the owner can blame on you running wires in the walls or ceiling will be. There may be code issues as well, after ok'ing it with the owner, check with the township you reside in to be sure there is nothing in code you need to follow. Unlikely with LV but because it is a rental unit there might be.
Get it in writing!
 
JackMDS

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,557
431
126
kevnich2 said:
Unifi Access Point - http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Netwo...i+access+point
Click to expand...

This is the right approach (as oppose to "Macho" pie in the sky ones).

Just keep in mind that beyond one open Room many times there is No One Wireless/Access Point solution.

So there is two basic track.

1. Start with whatever Wireless Router you have and add Access Points.

2. Or bet on luck, buy a Good Wireless Router like this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833320091

And then add Access Points if needed.

You start with a one additional Access Point and add as many as needed.

P.S. If One has a situation of "my Wife does not allow wires". Under many circumstances it might be easier to ""replace"" the wife. :) - :sneaky: - :colbert:
 
E

Enigma102083

Member
Dec 25, 2009
147
0
0
SNC said:
Thats one hell of a radio in the laptop. While I have no doubt the laptop could see the radio, there is no way a stock radio in a laptop is going to be able to transmit back to the AP.
Click to expand...

More like a hell of a antenna on the AP.
 
K

kevnich2

Platinum Member
Apr 10, 2004
2,465
8
76
rsutoratosu said:
I like the pic on amazon

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-me...e=UTF8&index=0
Click to expand...

You can also turn off the LED, it doesn't have to stay on. Nice install pics lol. Honestly though if you can get a little cable up in the ceiling, just drill as small hole as you can to get the wire through with the plug. The mounting holes for the screws, you won't notice them at all in a ceiling. I mounted mine to the wall itself and used old construction box so if I need to remove the AP in the future, I just take a wall plate and screw it over top to cover it up :)
 
Red Squirrel

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
70,899
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126
www.anyf.ca
SNC said:
You can have a the worlds largest antenna but if the antenna on the laptop doesn't have nought power to get to it then it's not going to matter
Click to expand...

Yeah both have to be powerful enough. Physics. It's kinda like if you are talking to someone that is far and you are using a PA system, that person might hear you but you wont be able to hear that person talking back to you.
 
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