Need a Wireless Acces Point or Range Extender with Ethernet input option ..

[ahmadka]

Hi guys ..

Firstly, I have a simple question: What is the difference between a 'Wireless Access Point' and a 'Range Extender' ? Both seem to do the same thing, so why the two names ?


Coming to my issue, I've just moved into my new home, and I've just bought an Asus RT-N66U router for the ground floor .. I want to now put a Wireless Access Point/Range Extender in the basement to extend my RT-N66U's coverage there ..

I have a CAT6 Ethernet cable running from ground floor to the basement, so I need a Wireless Access Point/Range Extender which accepts an Ethernet input (coming from the main router), and uses that the extend the existing SSID's coverage .. This scheme is normally more recommended to get a better extended coverage in dead areas, as the source signal is now wired ..

So far I haven't found any access point or extender which accepts an Ethernet input ..

Also, my budget is about $30 ~ $35 ..

Any recommendations ?

 

[JackMDS]

Hi guys ..

Firstly, I have a simple question: What is the difference between a 'Wireless Access Point' and a 'Range Extender' ? Both seem to do the same thing, so why the two names ?

Range Extender is the marketing name for Wireless Repeater.

http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html

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In your case, buy a decent Wireless Router and use it as an Access Point.

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

If every penny is really an issue try this - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833166072

Otherwise (as minimum), I'll go with this - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833162069

 

[ahmadka]

Would love some more input from the community ..

 

[tomt4535]

Ethernet is the standard interface for an access point. They are all over the place, but here is a search from newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...rt&Order=PRICE

If you don't want to buy a purpose built AP, just do what Jack said and buy any old wireless router and make it into an access point. This method might end up being cheaper too, depending on the features that you want.

 

[Eug]

I just used a cheap wireless 802.11n router which I picked up for $12.99.

 

[JackMDS]

Ethernet is the standard interface for an access point. They are all over the place, but here is a search from newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...rt&Order=PRICE

If you don't want to buy a purpose built AP, just do what Jack said and buy any old wireless router and make it into an access point. This method might end up being cheaper too, depending on the features that you want.

+1

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That said, it all really depends on what the User needs (that providing that the person really knows what he needs beyond the social "Drama Queening").

One should notice that the stand alone Access Points up to $58 are all b/g/n only.

For $79 One can get this Wireless Router that beside being Dual band (a/b/g/n/) also Giga Switch and DD-WRT compatible.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833162070

In the case of the OP, if he does not care about Wireless signal in the basement he can configure a DD-WRT device to work as a Wireless Bridge and plug the basement devices into its ports.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Client_Bridged

 

[dealguru]

Since you have an ethernet cable running from the basement, all you need is a wireless access point. You can go for WAP54G from linksys (it has ethernet port), it's within your budget. If you want a more upgraded one, I believe the price is around $100

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Since you have an ethernet cable running from the basement, all you need is a wireless access point. You can go for WAP54G from linksys (it has ethernet port), it's within your budget. If you want a more upgraded one, I believe the price is around $100

Any cheap wireless router can operate as an AP too. No need to spend $100.

 

[JackMDS]

Any cheap wireless router can operate as an AP too. No need to spend $100.

This is true if you need the Wireless to be used in a Single room where the AP is.

The main differences in Wireless Routers is Not the capacity to Route but the quality of the Wireless.