Wireless Range Extender - compatibility

[paulsiu]

I recently purchased a Berkin Access Point/Range Extender. After playing around with the AP, I was unable to figure out how to get it into the repeater mode. I call Berkin and they told me that I can only use it as a repeater if I use it with another Berkin AP or router. I thought this was rather odd, I thought all I needed to do was to specify a ssid and have it repeat it.

Is this true though, I double-check the other vendors, Dlink at least indicated that they will work with just about any 801b or g router or AP. I like to be able to reuse the extender at different locations. For example, if I visit my friend, it would be nice to extend the network to the patio. He doesn't use the same brand of AP as I do.

Paul

 

[paulsiu]

I read through a few of the companies literature. A few indicated on the box that it will work with other devices, but if you read the manual, most say they will only support connection to the same brand. I am not sure why a repeater would be so limited. I was unable the impression that all you would do is to do a site survey, select ssid to repeat and that would be it.

In the Dlink site, there is also a comment that Windows Zero Config has problems when there is more than one signal with the same SSID. If you are using a repeater, you will run into that situation. Since I don't have a repeater, I don't know what effect it will have on the connection, but it seems like using a repeater is something that should be used when you have no other choice (especially since you have only half the bandwidth). It may be better to use a better network card with a better reception, get a better antenna to increase the range, or try to hook up two AP via a ethernet cable.

 

[JackMDS]

1. There is a difference between Stand alone Access Points that can be configured as a Repeater or a Client, and the Stand alone Extenders.

The Stand alone Extenders are more compatible in general. The Access Points need to be associated with the same chipset device.

2. Even when they claim that it is generally inter-brands compatible, it not always so.

3. Quote: ?In the Dlink site, there is also a comment that Windows Zero Config has problems when there is more than one signal with the same SSID?.

This is probably one of the blame shifting stories.

It might be more accurate if it would say. ? D-Link hardware have this problem?.

I do not think it applies to all brands Wireless hardware.

:sun: