wifi repeaters

Hi all,
Just after some advice. I'm looking into getting a wifi repeater to extend
my wireless coverage. I'm curious though - do they use the same channel as
the original access point, or a different channel?

Anyone able to suggest any decent way of doing this, cheaper the better and
I'm happy to buy old kit and reflash it

 

If you can get wired ethernet to a suitable location just add another
wireless Access Point ( use a redundant wireless router) - once you have
the 2nd one working make the SSID and passphrase the same but use a
different channel.

 

Does that allow anything attached to it to connect to the strongest signal
automatically while roaming through the house? I could run a network
connection to the room I'd like the repeater in, but it would involve using
power line kit. I'd prefer a solution that just plugs into the mains, gets
a wifi signal and repeats it, ideally on a different channel to minimise
interference. The end result I want is for the kit to connect to my router
while I my house, and then automatically roam onto the repeater (or
equivalent) when going down the garden, which is where the wifi signal
formally gets a bit patchy.

 

Should allow roaming. FWIW Develo do a WIFI extender that just plugs
into the mains socket. Only their latest stuff though. Won't work with
their old kit. If you have to by a pair of net-over-mains thingys
anyway might be worth a look. I have used a D-Link DP1160 IEEE 802.11g
Wireless G Access Point to extend a friends house with great results.
But that's an wired connection to the AP.

HTH

 

When using an old router for this purpose, plug the wired ethernet cable into
one of its LAN ports and also disable DHCP.

 

Something like the Edimax EW-7416APN would do the job, though there are
cheaper models without 11n or 11n-300. That model has "universal
repeater" mode which has its own SSID but uses the same channel as the
router - as well as allowing a simultaneous cable connection.

--
PeeGee

"Nothing should be able to load itself onto a computer without the
knowledge or consent of the computer user. Software should also be able
to be removed from a computer easily."
Peter Cullen, Microsoft Chief Privacy Strategist (Computing 18 Aug 05)

 

Good point I had forgotten !

Using cable or cheap mains adaptors is the cheap option.
I use this method (extra router) at "work" and it seems to work well,
though I am not sure how well it copes with someone walking around the
house while connected.
I suggest using different SSIDs when setting it up just to check
everything is working and accessible , then make the SSIDs the same.

 

Several access points can be configured to do this "out of the box", I've a
Belkin one I picked up at an amateur radio rally for £10 which will do it
(although I don't us it in that mode). However, I'd recommend a unit
designed for the job, I have a Tp-Link one TL WA830 I found on Ebay (New)
from on of the dealers for £30. (inc. delivery). It was delivered in under
24hrs. I bought it for use when on campsite in my motorhome.

You can set it up in various modes while connected via a CAT5, then leave it
"standalone" to "relay" your chosen network. It will also act as an ordinary
access point.

You can get the manual from the TPlink website before you buy, that should
answer all your questions.

Brian

 

Same channel, so they halve the bandwidth available.