Need help finding a range expander - how about a linksys BEFW11S4 as a repeater??

[blackrain]

I bought the Linksys WRE54G about 2 years ago to improve the network signal on the 2nd floor of our home. It died in about a year. Tech support sent me a refurb as a replacement. That died in about a year as well. These are kind of pricy at about $80-$100. I hate to buy another one of these and have it die again a year later. Any suggestions? What is the difference between a range expander and an access point? Would an access point be more reliable?


Edit:
I suddenly remembered that I have another router, but couldn't remember which kind. I found my stashed BEFW11S4 and found this as well:
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15883013


Can someone help me/walk me through setting this up? Do I need to install a firmware update for my WRT54G as well for WDS? Do I need to install DD-WRT as well? I am a little lost here. Also, for the firmware upgrade for the BEFW11S4, what is the minimal hardware setup that I need? Can I hook up the BEFW11S4 to any computer in the house without an internet connection?

 

[Fardringle]

An access point connects to an existing wired network and provides wireless access to wireless devices, forwarding their wireless connection through the wired network.

A range expander takes an existing wireless signal and retransmits the wireless signal to improve signal strength in areas that are too far away from the main wireless source.

Depending on the model of your main wireless router, it may be possible to get another identical router and use them in WDS mode, having the second router act as a wireless repeater. In my experience, routers tend to be more reliable than access points so this would be a better option if your router is able to do it.

 

[blackrain]

An access point connects to an existing wired network and provides wireless access to wireless devices, forwarding their wireless connection through the wired network.

A range expander takes an existing wireless signal and retransmits the wireless signal to improve signal strength in areas that are too far away from the main wireless source.

Depending on the model of your main wireless router, it may be possible to get another identical router and use them in WDS mode, having the second router act as a wireless repeater. In my experience, routers tend to be more reliable than access points so this would be a better option if your router is able to do it.

I believe that I have a Linksys WRT54G router. Should I get an identical router? Does it have WDS mode?

 

[Boztech]

Since they are cheaper and support DD-WRT that's the route I would recommend. Plus, you would have a backup router on hand at all times.

Here is the guide for installing DD-WRT on the WRT54GL (newest available on Newegg): http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Linksys_WRT54GL
Here is the guide to setting up WDS on DD-WRT: http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.ph...54G_.2F_WRT54GS_.2F_WRT54GL_.2F_WTR54GS_boxes

 

[JackMDS]

The general approach that I take for Coverage issues is the following.

The best way is to lay few CAT6 cables to central locations in the house, install Access Points, or Cable/DSL Routers configured as an Access Points ( Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html ), and connect them to the Main Router.

You do not want/can not/hate/your client hate to lay Cables.

You start with One affordable Wireless Router that can do WDS (the reason to start with WDS capable Router is that in case you need to add more Wireless WDS hardware the original Router has to support it).

If you are lucky and your environment is conducive to get covered with one Good Wireless Router and you are done.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_Distribution_System.

Buffalo-HP-54G, Linksys WRT54GL, and Asus, 520GU can do WDS when flashed with DD-WRT firmware.

The Buffalo is the best, the Asus is the least expensive.

Due to the added flexibility, it is better solution to choose Routers that can work with DD-WRT
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

http://meanderingpassage.com/2007/04/15/dd-wrt-setting-up-a-home-wireless-distribution-system-wds/

It is a good idea to start with the Buffalo since it is a High Power Wireless Router that covers more distance to begin with, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833162134

Using a Laptop loaded with Wirelessnetview, do a Wireless survey, http://majorgeeks.com/WirelessNetView_d6102.html


According to the signal strength reading, identify spots that have strong signal. and spot with weak, or No signal.

Evaluate how you can cover the space and start placing WDS units.

Additional Wireless Routers in WDS Mode (Wireless Network - Configuration Modes. ) has to be placed in spots were the signal is good about Half way to the dead spots.

How many WDS units are needed? It depends on your specific environment (that is a good the reason to buying WDS units one at the time, try it, and decide on the Next step).

More about the topic.

Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html

Wireless Router as an AP - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html

Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html

Hi Gain Antenna - http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html

 

[blackrain]

The general approach that I take for Coverage issues is the following.

The best way is to lay few CAT6 cables to central locations in the house, install Access Points, or Cable/DSL Routers configured as an Access Points ( Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html ), and connect them to the Main Router.

You do not want/can not/hate/your client hate to lay Cables.

You start with One affordable Wireless Router that can do WDS (the reason to start with WDS capable Router is that in case you need to add more Wireless WDS hardware the original Router has to support it).

If you are lucky and your environment is conducive to get covered with one Good Wireless Router and you are done.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_Distribution_System.

Buffalo-HP-54G, Linksys WRT54GL, and Asus, 520GU can do WDS when flashed with DD-WRT firmware.

The Buffalo is the best, the Asus is the least expensive.

Due to the added flexibility, it is better solution to choose Routers that can work with DD-WRT
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

http://meanderingpassage.com/2007/04/15/dd-wrt-setting-up-a-home-wireless-distribution-system-wds/

It is a good idea to start with the Buffalo since it is a High Power Wireless Router that covers more distance to begin with, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833162134

Using a Laptop loaded with Wirelessnetview, do a Wireless survey, http://majorgeeks.com/WirelessNetView_d6102.html


According to the signal strength reading, identify spots that have strong signal. and spot with weak, or No signal.

Evaluate how you can cover the space and start placing WDS units.

Additional Wireless Routers in WDS Mode (Wireless Network - Configuration Modes. ) has to be placed in spots were the signal is good about Half way to the dead spots.

How many WDS units are needed? It depends on your specific environment (that is a good the reason to buying WDS units one at the time, try it, and decide on the Next step).

More about the topic.

Extending Distance - http://www.ezlan.net/Distance.html

Wireless Router as an AP - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

Wireless Modes - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html

Wireless Bridging - http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html

Hi Gain Antenna - http://www.ezlan.net/antennae.html

I have the following 2 wireless client devices:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833166022
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124093

Both are B/G, but the Linksys also supports N.

The Rosewill is near the router while the Linksys is on the second floor opposite end of the house.

There seems to be a good deal on this:
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=212961831

It is an N/B/G router. Seems to have strong signal like the other one mentioned.

The reviews indicate that this router is dd-wrt compatible, but not "tomato" (whatever that means).

Any advice?

 

[JackMDS]

Many Draft_N devices provide better bandwidth at short range.

The Buffalo has a signal as strong (and usually stronger) than Draft_N, but its bandwidth is at G level.

So YMMV, personally I do not use N cause I do not stream short range HD video, which is about the only thing that the current Darft_N is good for.

 

[blackrain]

Many Draft_N devices provide better bandwidth at short range.

The Buffalo has a signal as strong (and usually stronger) than Draft_N, but its bandwidth is at G level.

So YMMV, personally I do not use N cause I do not stream short range HD video, which is about the only thing that the current Darft_N is good for.

But I am asking what you think of this alternative Buffalo router at the G level?
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=212961831

 

[blackrain]

Note that I made some edits in my original post. I may have found a solution but need a little technical help.

 

[JackMDS]

The BEFW11S4 is an old 802.11b Router. Slow and never was good to begin with.

Since you have it you can try it.

The Buy.com Buffalo Wireless-N150 N is a Dratf_n Router. I never worked with it so I donot know what to say. If it works with DD-WRT it is OK you do need Tomato if it works with DD_WRT.

AS I said when I need less expensive I get this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-023-_-Product

Otherwise, I go with this, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-134-_-Product

This my preference that fits my needs, YMMV.

Take care.