Spreading internet connection

[RMat1985]

Hi,

My father in law has an ADSL connection on the farm. They do not have any cell phone signal. When we go to visit, we would like to use our laptops, tablets etc on the internet wirelessly. It would also be nice if my mother in law can use wifi to whatsapp my wife and her other kids.

The currently have a standard modem/router. What is the easiest way to get a wireless network going?

I don't want to mess with their stuff and then bugger a working wired connection up, so if there is an option to eg just plug one of the LAN cables into a router or AP, without changing any settings, that might just be the answer?

Will a range extender maybe work?

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

How big an area do you need covered?

 

[RMat1985]

Not too big. Maybe 30m radius or so.

 

[munky82]

If I understand correctly, your FIL has an ethernet only router?

If it has multiple RJ-45 (ethernet) ports, then you can maybe plug an Access Point (AP) like this one in:
http://www.incredible.co.za/product/80584/trend-net-150mbps-wifi-access-point-650/
It should just redistribute the internet connection over Wifi.

If the ADSL router only has one port, you may have to either get an AP with multiple ports and plug his PC into that while the ADSL is plugged into the input ethernet port, or get a USB wifi adapter/dongle for his PC and run it also through the AP.

If he doesn't have a PC, but a laptop, chances are good that it has a wifi card built in and you only need to use that, instead of buying a usb dongle.

 

[RMat1985]

Yes, he has a standard Ethernet modem with 4 x Ethernet outputs.

Should any AP with an Ethernet port work?

 

[newklear]

Yes any AP should work, obviously AP's have their pro's and cons, I generally try match brand names with router and access point but that is just me.

 

[Tim the Techxpert]

Hi There
+1 to Kasbah. It is the easiest solution to do and your in-laws may find additional benefits such as better wifi connectivity to smartphones.

Go for it

Tim

 

[VConnectZA]

I concur with the advice provided here. Any wi-fi access point (router) should be ample for your needs. Shop around, there should be a few options available. You won't be needing a 'range extender', as this is more for users that have wi-fi already but need improved coverage in areas in the home/business that get weak or no wi-fi signal.

Cheers.