Question Do I need an access point or something else?

[ingeborgdot]

I have an AT&T router that is for my internet and is required to make my system work, so there will be no changes to that. Where I have my main router located the signal does not reach the other side of the house. I have my house wired with Cat 5e. Can I hook an access point to the Ethernet I have in the other section of the house? What would be the best way to extend the signal. I don't use the wireless much in that part, but I do use the wired access more than anything. I still need wireless though.
I have an older piece right now that is going bad and I need to get something new.
Any recommendations as to what people are using right now?

 

[mxnerd]

Since you have wired ethernet, just buy a router and configure it as an AP. Uplink one of the LAN ports. Set a different SSID than the main router.

You then have wifi connection and also have 3 ethernet ports left.

read the guide here

Using Cable,DSL Router as an Access Point

 

[ingeborgdot]

I guess that would be easy enough. Are there no options that are already an access point without having to make a router into an access point? Sorry for the laziness.

 

[mxnerd]

I guess that would be easy enough. Are there no options that are already an access point without having to make a router into an access point? Sorry for the laziness.

It's very hard to find one now. Even if you find one, it could be more expensive. Most AP now is wifi only.

It's also super easy to switch from router mode to AP mode for most routers.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Some models of Asus routers, offer an "AP Mode", in their software mode-switch, that's part of the quick web setup.

Some other brands and models, have offered physical switches to do that as well, but I can't recall which models off-hand, it's been a while.

TrendNet offered some specific AP models of their AC1200 line of routers/APs/Media Bridges. I think I have a BNIB one in storage. I'm using one on my Mom's PC, in Client Bridge mode, I think, or maybe just Client mode. You can use it as a straight-up AP as well.

I agree with @mxnerd , above. Most router vendors are no longer mfg'ing specific AP-only or AP-primary devices, rather, some of them are using software config switches to set up an "AP Mode" for that wifi router device. (Like Asus does now.)

 

[ingeborgdot]

Would something like this work?

Are you a human?

www.newegg.com

 

[mxnerd]

Would something like this work?

Are you a human?

www.newegg.com

I hope it will, but I'm not sure. That price is amazing with 4.3" LCD touchscreen, however.

https://static.tp-link.com/res/down/doc/RE590T(US)_V1_QIG.pdf

https://static.tp-link.com/res/down/doc/_1_RE590T_V1.0.0_UG.pdf

The manual tells you how to connect to the main router using wifi, but I don't know if you can just uplink the extender with cat5e cable through one of it's ethernet ports.

 

[mxnerd]

Well, I headed to Amazon for reviews of the TPLink and search review and Q&A, the answer is that this extender can't be used as Access Point.

Amazon.com: Customer Questions & Answers

That means you can only use its wifi to connect to your main router. Whether it will be fast, reliable or able to connect is not known until you buy it. You already said you don't get signal from the other side of the house.

==

Buying a router and turn it into AP will be better choice in my opinion. It will be more versatile .

 

[ingeborgdot]

Yeah, I think after talking with others, a router is what I need to get. Do you have any recommendations on a router? Thanks.

 

[mxnerd]

Probably a WiFi 6 mesh router?

Amazon.com: ASUS RT-AX56U AX1800 WiFi 6 Dual-Band WiFi Router, Lifetime Internet Security with AiProtection, Whole-Home WiFi with AiMesh, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, VPN Setting: Computers & Accessories

Buy ASUS RT-AX56U AX1800 WiFi 6 Dual-Band WiFi Router, Lifetime Internet Security with AiProtection, Whole-Home WiFi with AiMesh, MU-MIMO, OFDMA, VPN Setting: Routers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-RT-AX3000-802-11ax-Lifetime-Whole-Home/dp/B084BNH26P

Asus RT-AX3000 (RT-AX58U) Wi-Fi 6 Router Review - Dong Knows Tech

The Asus RT-AX3000 (a.k.a RT-AX58U) is a little Wi-Fi 6 router with a lot to offer. If you live in a small home, it's an excellent buy.

dongknows.com

 

[ingeborgdot]

That looks like a nice router. That will be nicer than my main one. It is only a small area that this new one will be covering. I wasn't planning on spending that much, but if I have to, I'll look into it. Thanks.