How can I extend the range of my wireless network?

[Doomer]

What's the device called? Bridge?, Access Point?, Repeater?, Booster?, None of the above?

Any brand recomendation would be good to.

TIA

 

[ktwebb]

A repeater and a bridge are basically the same thing in the wireless world. Though typically you would use the term bridge when extending the WLAN to a remote wired network segment while a repeater will repeat the signal to wireless clients. You can do on or the other, and sometimes both depending on your equipment.

But yeah, setting up a repeater will extend the WLAN. Amping the signal at the AP will also likely extend the coverage though this would be an option I would almost never recommend. The radios are pretty sensitive devices bidirectional amps will foul a radio eventually. Sometimes sooner than later.

As far as brand, as long as the hardware in question supports WDS bridging there is no requirement for same brand repeating. If not, then you'll need to buy an AP with a repeating function that matches the parent AP you already have.

 

[Doomer]

Originally posted by: ktwebb
A repeater and a bridge are basically the same thing in the wireless world. Though typically you would use the term bridge when extending the WLAN to a remote wired network segment while a repeater will repeat the signal to wireless clients. You can do on or the other, and sometimes both depending on your equipment.

But yeah, setting up a repeater will extend the WLAN. Amping the signal at the AP will also likely extend the coverage though this would be an option I would almost never recommend. The radios are pretty sensitive devices bidirectional amps will foul a radio eventually. Sometimes sooner than later.

As far as brand, as long as the hardware in question supports WDS bridging there is no requirement for same brand repeating. If not, then you'll need to buy an AP with a repeating function that matches the parent AP you already have.

Thanks ktwebb. I'm using a Linksys WRT54G. What exactly is a AP and how does it differ from a wireless router?

 

[JackMDS]

This page might help with the Bridge, Repeater, etc. issue.

Wireless Network - Configuration Modes.

The best Method to Extend Wireless Coverage depends heavily on the Specific Environment.

Look at these pages they describe most of the options that are within the means of Entry Level users, and choose the one that fits you environment best.

Link to: Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.

Link to: Wirelessly Bridging Home / Network.

Link to: Hi Gain Antenna for Entry Level Wireless.

:sun:

 

[ktwebb]

Originally posted by: Doomer

Originally posted by: ktwebb
A repeater and a bridge are basically the same thing in the wireless world. Though typically you would use the term bridge when extending the WLAN to a remote wired network segment while a repeater will repeat the signal to wireless clients. You can do on or the other, and sometimes both depending on your equipment.

But yeah, setting up a repeater will extend the WLAN. Amping the signal at the AP will also likely extend the coverage though this would be an option I would almost never recommend. The radios are pretty sensitive devices bidirectional amps will foul a radio eventually. Sometimes sooner than later.

As far as brand, as long as the hardware in question supports WDS bridging there is no requirement for same brand repeating. If not, then you'll need to buy an AP with a repeating function that matches the parent AP you already have.

Thanks ktwebb. I'm using a Linksys WRT54G. What exactly is a AP and how does it differ from a wireless router?

AP is access point. Your WRT54G is a Router/AP/Switch integrated into one device. I believe your gear supports WDS bridging.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: ktwebb
AP is access point. Your WRT54G is a Router/AP/Switch integrated into one device. I believe your gear supports WDS bridging.

It is v. 1-4 and was flashed with 3rd party firmware.

:sun: