Setting up a home network!!?

mekanik11

Junior Member
Mar 30, 2012
4
0
0
Hi... The wireless router given by the ISP just died so I got a ADSL modem and now looking to get a router + repeater.
need some help on how to set it up. I mean,
I think the modem should be in bridge mode.
Does the router connected to modem act as repeater or
Does the repeater come in-between the router(one connected to modem) and the other endpoint(home server).

Broadband is not more than 4Mbps.
Modem used is TP-Link TL-8817
Based on the replies i am looking to buy routers and repeaters.(Keeping it as less as possible)
My old wifi adsl+router dint have a very good range(Unknown brand)

I currently looking at TP-TL-1043ND/Asus RT-N16/Netgear JWNR2000 as possible router. Well these are within my budget and also support DD-wrt.

Any suggestions is highly appreciated..

setup I am trying to achieve:-
Recently purchased a laptop so looking convert my desktop to all purpose home server(file/media/storage etc..) therefore looking to place my desktop on the ground floor while use the laptop from 1st floor..

I trying to setup a wireless connection from my room(laptop) to the home server & also if possible setup a mediocre wifi coverage for cellphone. Its not big place but lot of walls present(not sure if that's relevant :hmm:)
 

Danimal1209

Senior member
Nov 9, 2011
355
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0
Why would you want a repeater? I don't see why a 4 port wireless router wouldn't do what you want it to do, what are you using the repeater for? If you DO need it, get a switch instead, it is a smarter device and will manage the network better.
 

mekanik11

Junior Member
Mar 30, 2012
4
0
0
I wanted to add a repeater coz I believe that signal will get weak from first floor to grnd floor... not very sure how good the signal would be as I am yet to buy a wifi modem...

Also I was trying to avoid wired solution, though its the best IMO... very long wires would be required so avoiding if possible...
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:

stevech

Senior member
Jul 18, 2010
203
0
0
Repeater (WDS) is the last resort.
First, consider using a WiFi access point (AP) or a WiFi router re-purposed as an AP. How-to on that is on many web sites such as SmallNetBuilder.com.

With an AP... connect it to your existing main router via
1. Cat5 cable if at all possible
2. HomePlug AV which is IP over AC power wires
3. MoCA which is IP over existing TV coax in the walls/attic.

SmallNetBuilder's web site has forums on these too.
 

mammador

Platinum Member
Dec 9, 2010
2,120
1
76
A standard patch cable wouldn't degrade for about 100 metres or so. Depending on the size of your house, I don't see why it should be an issue.
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,516
408
126
Best solution CAT6.

Next - additional Access Point connected to the main Router with Cable.

In many cases it is possible to Find good spot that can hence the WIFI without very long Cables.

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

E.g., Installing an Access Point on the same floor as the main outer but near an open space by the stairs can provide decent service to wider area of the house.

All others, like WDS, HomePlug, MoCA, are environment dependent, one can work well in one environment and not in other. If used make sure that the hardware can be returned if it does not work.


:cool:
 

mekanik11

Junior Member
Mar 30, 2012
4
0
0
A standard patch cable wouldn't degrade for about 100 metres or so. Depending on the size of your house, I don't see why it should be an issue.

It definitely does not degrade but was trying to avoid the hassel of maintaining the cable which eventually has to go through the windows if needed.

Best solution CAT6.

Next - additional Access Point connected to the main Router with Cable.

In many cases it is possible to Find good spot that can hence the WIFI without very long Cables.

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

E.g., Installing an Access Point on the same floor as the main outer but near an open space by the stairs can provide decent service to wider area of the house.

All others, like WDS, HomePlug, MoCA, are environment dependent, one can work well in one environment and not in other. If used make sure that the hardware can be returned if it does not work.


:cool:

Repeater (WDS) is the last resort.
First, consider using a WiFi access point (AP) or a WiFi router re-purposed as an AP. How-to on that is on many web sites such as SmallNetBuilder.com.

With an AP... connect it to your existing main router via
1. Cat5 cable if at all possible
2. HomePlug AV which is IP over AC power wires
3. MoCA which is IP over existing TV coax in the walls/attic.

SmallNetBuilder's web site has forums on these too.

So using a wifi router as a AP is best solution..:awe:
Actually i was thinking the repeater does what the AP , just refreshed my networking basics.. :sneaky:

MoCA is too much for my needs.

I did think of the Home plug opposed to Access Point but the electrical lining of the ground floor and first floor is separate. So homePlug AV is out.

looks like i will just get a switch and wifi router.
Connect the modem to switch from there to MY laptop and to wifi router acting as my AP.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Now only to find a sweet spot for the AP.

Thanks guys that was helpful..

Another query does Dual band router as AP have any benefits in the above scenario?
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,516
408
126
Quote: "Actually I was thinking the repeater does what the AP , just refreshed my networking basics".

A repeater can be a solution provided that it get a very good input as a signal and that you do not mind that it cuts the bandwidth into half at its output (because of the flip flopping between Receive and Send further).


:cool:
 

obidamnkenobi

Golden Member
Sep 16, 2010
1,407
423
136
Set up the wifi first and see how the coverage is. I got a decent N router and have wifi signal way down the street from my house, even in the basement several floors down surrounded by concrete walls. 802.11N goes pretty far..
 

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,570
10,200
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Your diagram won't work, unless you are able to get multiple IPs from your provider, or your modem acts as a router too.
 

mekanik11

Junior Member
Mar 30, 2012
4
0
0
Your diagram won't work, unless you are able to get multiple IPs from your provider, or your modem acts as a router too.

Please explain..
The diagram represents all the equipments locally so i wont have to worry about IP adds? I am sure my Modem/router can act as DHCP server...