Using router to extend wifi signal

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RisseN

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Hi All,

My main router connected to the phone line for internet access is: DLINK DSL-2750U.
Next, I have a Linksys WRT54GL router which I use to boost the signal from the main router in another area of the house. That is the setup i've had for a few years.

I now want to once again extend the range within the house, so I purchased a TP-Link td-w8961n. It sais it is a All-in-One Device: ADSL2+ Modem, NAT Router, 4-Port Switch and Wireless N Access Point. So I presume I can use it to once again extend the range of the wireless.

Im having a problem figuring out how to do this. I plug the TP-Link into my pc using a LAN cable, access the browser config tool but can't figure out how to set it up as a repeater/access point (I actually don't know if there is a difference between those to terms. Networking is not my strong suit).

Any suggestions or experience with the TP-Link as a repeater/range extender?

Many thanks.
 
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RisseN said:
Hi All,

My main router connected to the phone line for internet access is: DLINK DSL-2750U.
Next, I have a Linksys WRT54GL router which I use to boost the signal from the main router in another area of the house.

I now want to once again extend the range within the house, so I purchased a TP-Link td-w8961n. It sais it is a All-in-One Device: ADSL2+ Modem, NAT Router, 4-Port Switch and Wireless N Access Point. So I presume I can use it to once again extend the range of the wireless.

Im having a problem figuring out how to do this. I plug the TP-Link into my pc using a LAN cable, access the browser config tool but can't figure out how to set it up as a repeater/access point (I actually don't know if there is a difference between those to terms. Networking is not my strong suit).

Any suggestions or experience with the TP-Link as a repeater/range extender?

Many thanks.
Click to expand...
That model Tp-link does not appear to support WDS, so you can only extend the wireless reach by physically connecting it to an ethernet cable and using the DHCP relay feature - which it does support.

Your fragmented approach of using different manufacturers' devices is certainly not ideal.

I would highly recommend you rather opt to go for Ubiquity Wireless AP units for a setup like yours. The handoff / handover between wireless stations becomes almost seamless.

With your setup, it will be very haphazard and frustrating at times as it will not release to automatically grab the strongest signal when moving about.

For static & fixed stations in a certain area of your house this might not be an issue.

Also, due to it being a router you will have to program it differently to be incorporated by the other network.

Routers are not meant to be placed within the same subnet network, they are intended to connect different networks together.

That model router also doesn't have a WAN port.

Not ideal, but it can work with a bit of planning.
 
Darn, I should have done some research first. I just saw that it was touted as being All-In-one so I went for it. I wonder if takealot allows for returns/swaps.
 
Would it be worth getting a TP-Link TL-WA701ND. That is an access point which appears to have one LAN port. I need the LAN port because at the end of the house where I want to use this device, I will be plugging in my WD media player which doesn't have wireless.

So the idea was that I would be extending the wireless signal, and plugging my media player in (which doesn't have wireless).

I will look into takealot's swap policy if going for the TL-WA701ND would be workable better solution? The ubuity option is unfortunately out of my price range (I can only see one for about R1500)

Maybe I should even buy two,...that way I could get rid of the Linkysys router completely. I would just have the main Dlink, plus two TP-Link access points? Still not all the same manufacturer but better?
 
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If you're on a limited budget, perhaps going for a router isn't a bad idea as you will then have a backup router if your primary one does fail.

But strictly for your current needs you require an Access Point with at least one lan port - but it MUST have WDS capabilities and preferably DHCP Relay.

When it comes to media centres / home theatre PC's, it is always better to have a fully cabled Solution to the primary router.

If you can't afford what you need now, at least spend the money you can on something you might use later on when your budget allows you to upgrade.

You can even get away with a wireless extender that can be used in Bridge mode if you don't also require require additional wireless coverage.
 
The Zyxel WRE2205 Wireless N300 has the capabilities you need.

But then it is only to create a bridge between your existing wireless network and a lan connection to the media center.
 
If you do go the Zyxel route, then it's best to flash the Edimax firmware. Much better control, stability and performance.
 
Aquadyne said:
The Zyxel WRE2205 Wireless N300 has the capabilities you need.

But then it is only to create a bridge between your existing wireless network and a lan connection to the media center.
Click to expand...

Thanks for all your help. This sounds just like what I need. I just have two questions:

- The quick start guide talks about pressing the WPS button on my router, then the WPS button on the N300. I don't have a WPS button on the dlink or linksys. Will I then simply set everything up using the N300 browser config? (ftp://ftp.zyxel.com/WRE2206/quick_start_guide/WRE2206_002.pdf)

- If my house is in a straight line does it matter which order I place the linksys vs N300 since they both have lan ports which could be used by the media player? Currently it would be Dlink (ie: phone line/internet) first, then linksys, then N300 at the end with the media player. Would it be better to have the N300 in the middle or does it not matter? If I put the N300 in the middle, would any config need to change on the linksys?

Thanks again.
 
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I'd definitely keep the N300 at the end point due to its lack of processing & "computing" power.

Less varied traffic will move through it that way.

You will program the N300 separately before connecting it to your network. This can be done by doing a reset and then accessing it via the Web interface. For this you can use a phone, tablet or laptop.
 
RisseN said:
Darn, I should have done some research first. I just saw that it was touted as being All-In-one so I went for it. I wonder if takealot allows for returns/swaps.
Click to expand...

It's not a repeater device at all.

It's a Router + Modem + Access Point all-in-one.

It's meant for a network as a single device to provide all services.

You want a "dumb" Repeater/Access Point for your purposes.

Unless you run a physical cable to it, then it could do the job you want.
 
Aquadyne said:
I'd definitely keep the N300 at the end point due to its lack of processing & "computing" power.

Less varied traffic will move through it that way.

You will program the N300 separately before connecting it to your network. This can be done by doing a reset and then accessing it via the Web interface. For this you can use a phone, tablet or laptop.
Click to expand...

OK great, ill give it a go. Just need to see about returning this TP-Link this week in exchange for a N300.
 
I have tried 3 range extenders and none are 100% successful - TP Link (ok, just), expensive dual band ASUS (a bit better but "pauses"), a XYtel (rubbish) and now have an Apple Airplay. This is by far the best device, easy to set up and works better than advertised

I ran them all as Access Points, at the end of a LAN cable
 
Aquadyne said:
Reference the post below to change the Zyxel unit into a more stable and much better performing Edimax system.

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?p=16183324
Click to expand...

I've been credited for returning the tp-link so I was just about to order the Zyxel WRE2205 N300 which was listed on takealot last weekend when you recommended I get that instead. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be listed anymore. However they do have an Edimax N300 wifi extender (http://www.takealot.com/edimax-n300-mini-wi-fi-extender/PLID41124496).

It appears to be what I need and I presume there will be no need to flash the firmware from Zyxel to Edimax.

Just double checking before I place the order. I'd rather not have to send back a second device that doesn't do what I needed. I guess it's not ideal that I will have a dlink and a linksys and a edimax, but as long as it works.

Thanks.
 
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RisseN said:
I've been credited for returning the tp-link so I was just about to order the Zyxel WRE2205 N300 which was listed on takealot last weekend when you recommended I get that instead. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be listed anymore. However they do have an Edimax N300 wifi extender (http://www.takealot.com/edimax-n300-mini-wi-fi-extender/PLID41124496).

It appears to be what I need and I presume there will be no need to flash the firmware from Zyxel to Edimax.

Just double checking before I place the order. I'd rather not have to send back a second device that doesn't do what I needed. I guess it's not ideal that I will have a dlink and a linksys and a edimax, but as long as it works.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
It's the same device. Just branded differently.

Go ahead.
 
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