Extend Wifi Network (netgear)

[sep]

Hi,

I did a couple searches on this topic. I did not find anything answering my specific questions. If I missed it, sorry. Please feel free to reply with link.

My current router is a Negear 3700v3. The key features that I like is the guest account. I'm okay with the performance, but range is not good enough for entire house and patio. My entire house gets a strong wifi single, but once you're out back it gets very week. That's because the router is in the basement. When in the house you only have at maximum one wall and a floor to transmit. The patio now adds a concrete wall and dirt.

I have a mudroom next to the patio that I can run a network cable up to for an AP. I was thinking of adding a netgear 3700 as an AP. This would give me the same primary/guest wifi. Also I have two wired devices I could use the ports from this router too.

So this leads in to my questions.
A. I wouldn't have to switch networks...It will just extend the signal?
B. Could I use a more powerful router to extend the network? Like a Netgear 4000 to be exact.

Thanks,
-JC

 

[azazel1024]

It won't extend the signal, it'll extend the network by broadcasting its own signal. Set the same SSID and disable DHCP on the second router...it is then in Access point mode (oh yeah, same password BTW).

Yes...you'd want to. The 3700 is frankly warmed over crap. I wouldn't get a Netgear, or at least that one. Maybe look at a TP-Link WDR3600. Inexpensive, works great (I have two of them). Also external antennas, so if this is really for outside coverage, get some RP-SMA pigtails, like 1m long ones, run the wires out through a window and stick them near the sofit of your roof. Then there are ZERO walls between it and your outdoor space and your access point is shielded from weather.

That is close to how I have my outdoor coverage setup. I have a TP-Link 841nd in my garage with the two antennas on 1m pigtails drilled and run through the top of the garage wall to outside with them sticking down from my roof. Works a treat and covers my entire 1/2 acre backyard (whole yard is a little over 1 acre) with good to excellent signal, including inside my shed 100ft from the antennas.

 

[JackMDS]

Get this and use it as your main Router.

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

Then configure the Netgear to work in the "Mud"Room (that is where it belong to in the first place ) like this.

Using Wireless Cable/DSL Routers (or Modem/Wireless Router) as a Switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

 

[s44]

B. Could I use a more powerful router to extend the network? Like a Netgear 4000 to be exact.

You could also use a real AP that will beat the pants off of both of them.

http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Netwo...dp/B004XXMUCQ/

 

[sep]

So why do I need to replace my existing router? I don't have any issues with it.

azazel1024, can you provide links to the RP-SMA pigtails and some examples online?

 

[azazel1024]

http://www.amazon.com/pigtail-cable-...ords=1m+rp-sma

One example. Just ensure whatever router you have, that has external antenna mounts, has RP-SMA. A few have SMA (just google RP-SMA vs SMA and look at pictures to see the different styles). Most are RP-SMA though.