Extending Wi-Fi signal with AP/Router

Hey guys,

Just need a bit of advice and clarification.

At work we have a combination wireless and wired network.
Most clients connected to gigabit switch, some laptops connect via wireless.
The wireless router connected to switch, and internet is Wimax, connected to WAN port on router.

Now my problem is this, down at the far end of the building the wireless signal is pretty bad, and often drops off.
There is one guy in particular that complains that his Galaxy S2 often struggles with Wi-Fi.
What I would like to do as an easy fix, is disconnect the CAT5 cable from his laptop and stick it into a LAN port on another router/AP, then make his laptop connect to the added router via wireless.

Will the main router and secondary (extender) router still talk to each other if they are connected through a switch?

Is the following correct, and is there anything else I need to know?

• I must turn off DHCP on second router
• Second router must be assigned an IP outside of DHCP range on main router
• SSID of both routers must be the same.
• Second router must be is AP mode (not router mode)

Anything else?

You can get a router with a repeater mode.

Like the intellinet one, my friend has one, works perfectly to extend the range.

Will try to get the model number from him.

The lan cable to link the 2nd AP is a good idea as it means less wireless bandwidth being used for the 2 APs to talk to each other or pass data along.

I normally set the DHCP on the second router to pass requests on to the DHCP of the first router (can't remember exact wording offhand I'm afraid). Otherwise you can set router A to use half the range and router B the other half.

e.g.
Router A: DHCP for 192.168.x.1-192.168.x.50
Router B: DHCP for 192.168.x.51-192.168.x.100

Same SSID is ideal, but bear in mind that you may have issues with some devices if you move around with them. If you connect to router A and then move to the far end most devices will still connect with router A even though signal strength is bad. Only by disconnecting and reconnecting does it switch. Unless the signal is so bad it disconnects on it's own.


The alternative is to configure it in wireless repeater mode like ost has suggested.

If you configure it with "WDS" it will allow you to move around freely with devices which will automatically switch to the router with best signal strength without you noticing it. This can be a bit fiddly to get right for most technicians who aren't too familiar with it.

CodeMaster said:

Hey guys,

Just need a bit of advice and clarification.

At work we have a combination wireless and wired network.
Most clients connected to gigabit switch, some laptops connect via wireless.
The wireless router connected to switch, and internet is Wimax, connected to WAN port on router.

Now my problem is this, down at the far end of the building the wireless signal is pretty bad, and often drops off.
There is one guy in particular that complains that his Galaxy S2 often struggles with Wi-Fi.
What I would like to do as an easy fix, is disconnect the CAT5 cable from his laptop and stick it into a LAN port on another router/AP, then make his laptop connect to the added router via wireless.

Will the main router and secondary (extender) router still talk to each other if they are connected through a switch?

Is the following correct, and is there anything else I need to know?

• I must turn off DHCP on second router
• Second router must be assigned an IP outside of DHCP range on main router
• SSID of both routers must be the same.
• Second router must be is AP mode (not router mode)

Anything else?

Click to expand...

Yes, the routers/APs can still communicate through a switch.

Nope, that pretty much covers it.

Thanks guys.
So since I haven't bought hardware yet, I am sensing that the recommendation would be to rather buy an AP rather than a router (cheaper option)?

Will most likely get this one. I know it probably won't be the greatest quality at the price, but to basically give him access for his smart phone - it's plenty good enough.
https://www.nivo.co.za/#buy~trendnet.wireless.n.access.point.tew.638apb.~p28234

Make sure the AP is compatible with primary router.

Ps called DHCP relay or passthrough.

Sheesh spelling

Use a ZyXEL WAP3205 that will sort out your problems. I run 4 of them at home to extend the network to the neighbours

I found a Cisco Home Networking product on their local FB page, the RE1000. It should be perfect for your application! Search for the RE1000 or Extender on the Facebook page

I was also pleasantly surprised about the pricing from the distributors, the Cisco Home Networking products are very well priced and competative compared to other consumer products.

E1b0 that facebook page does not exist and Cisco being cheap........ that I have to see.
Although must admit they are the best in the switching and routing space, wireless atm could be better with others.

I have a DLINK DWL2100-AP that does this 100%, so you might want to look into that model as well.
It has build in DHCP relay, and Wifi Seperation, MAC filtering etc