Need to connect 2 PC's to a wireless network...

[Viperoni]

I currently have a SmartRG SR505n DSL Modem + WiFi router in one room, with one PC connected via wired.

In another room, I will have 2 PC's on the same desk that need connectivity. Running wires isn't an option in the apartment.

I believe I only have 2 options for connecting these 2 PC's to the network:

#1: Grab 2 wireless cards
#2: Grab a wireless extender/bridge device, connect it wirelessly to the SR505n, and connect the 2 PC's via wired to the new extender/bridge.

I prefer Option #2 as the cost will be the same as #1, but OS's compatibility won't be a concern and I like the fact that most bridge/extender devices have built in 4-5 port gigabit switches.


So it seems like my options for a wireless bridge/extender are:

Linksys RE6500: http://www.linksys.com/en-eu/products/rangeexpanders/RE6500
Netgear EX6200: http://netgear.com/home/products/networking/wifi-range-extenders/EX6200.aspx

The Netgear has a USB port for a printer, higher powered WiFi, and DD-WRT support, so I'm leaning towards it...


Any thoughts on the solution in general, or any better suggestions for devices?

 

[JackMDS]

You are talking about Wireless Router configured a Wireless Client Bridge and Not about extender.

Your source Wireless is simple N thus a Dual Band AC extender is a Total waste.

Look for inexpensive N Router that can be flashed with DD-WRT (or Tomato and use it).

Two Wireless Cards should Not cost more than $30 -$50 (both) depending on the Wireless Distance.

Example - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9SIA24G1R20432

 

[Viperoni]

You are talking about Wireless Router configured a Wireless Client Bridge and Not about extender.

Your source Wireless is simple N thus a Dual Band AC extender is a Total waste.

Look for inexpensive N Router that can be flashed with DD-WRT (or Tomato and use it).

Two Wireless Cards should Not cost more than $30 -$50 (both) depending on the Wireless Distance.

Example - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9SIA24G1R20432

Seems like the Netgear EX6200 + DD-WRT flash would be the way to go then!

The SmartRG SR505n only has a dual-core 400mhz CPU + 128mb RAM, and I'd like to off-load WiFi duties from it in the future - I should have stated that I'd like to move to AC in the future, specifically on the 5ghz band as well (due to heavy congestion), so I'd do the following iterations:

1st Iteration:

SR505n --wireless--> EX6200 --wired--> 2 PC's

2nd Iteration:

SR505n --wired--> EX6200 or other suitable WAP --wireless--> EX6200 --wired--> 2 PC's

Or am I really overcomplicating this? LOL

 

[azazel1024]

You are over complicating it. Do you have current performance problems with the SR505n? If not, don't worry about it. Routing is generally more intensive than Wifi in terms of processing required. Most of the processing is offloaded on the radios themselves within a wifi router, not a lot is done on the CPU.

Now you might want something better because it HAS better radios, IE something that is 11ac on both ends, but offloading wifi duties because it "only has a dual core 400MHz CPU + 128mb of RAM" wouldn't be a reason.

 

[Viperoni]

You are over complicating it. Do you have current performance problems with the SR505n? If not, don't worry about it. Routing is generally more intensive than Wifi in terms of processing required. Most of the processing is offloaded on the radios themselves within a wifi router, not a lot is done on the CPU.

Now you might want something better because it HAS better radios, IE something that is 11ac on both ends, but offloading wifi duties because it "only has a dual core 400MHz CPU + 128mb of RAM" wouldn't be a reason.

Thanks, that helps clarify things a lot!


Now my final question: Can you anyone recommend a good, Server 2012 compatible wireless adapter, preferably internal? Or will anything that has Windows 8.1 x64 drivers generally work with Server 2012?

 

[azazel1024]

Generally anything that has Windows 8.1 x64 drivers will work on Sever 2012. They share the same kernel version.

 

[JackMDS]

In general using a Server with Wireless adapter is Not a good idea.

If you must, you are better off using a Wireless Router as a Client Bridge instead of simple adapter.

It does not need drivers it s more stable, its connect with a Wire to the Server NIC, and it let you to physically put the Wireless Device in the Best Spot above the System and clear of obstruction.

Here is the Basic idea - http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Client_Bridged