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Best range extender that doesn't require specialised source

I'm looking to buy a Wifi Range Extender that will extend the range of

*any* wireless network, regardless of whether the source wifi broadcaster is designed to work with multiple access points.

For instance, my home broadband ADSL wifi router is the Netopia 2247. This device isn't designed to work with multiple access points, so I need to get my hands on a repeater device that doesn't require the co- operation of the source.

A friend of mine has the D-Link DWL-G710 and it works well in conjunction with the Netopia 2247. However, before I go and splash out the cash for a D-Link DWL-G710, I want to be sure that I'm choosing the best product.

In looking for a product, my priority is range. I want to be able to go right down the back garden and still have decent internet access (yes, I realise my broadband is 1 meg and my network is 54 megs). What products would you suggest? I've taken a little look at the Netgear router which you can put different firmware on ("DD-WRT" or something like that), but my only problem with these is that you have to be on a different subnet to the network you want to access.

What's the best range extender device that doesn't need the co- operation of a specialised source wifi device? Also, I want to be able to use WEP and WPA.

Reply to
Tomás Ó h=C
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That's one of the problems with some consumer grade gear, it often can't interface with other manufactures equipment.

For example, you can connect any wireless client to a Linksys WRT54G wireless router/access point, but only the Linksys WAP54G Access Point can connect to the WRT54G when the WAP54G is used in client or repeater mode.

Get a REAL access point. The Inscape Data AB54G or Deliberant DLB270.

Reply to
DTC

Is there any kind of range extender that will:

1) Operate on a different channel to the wifi that's being extended (e.g. Channel 5 instead of Channel 8) 2) Have a different SSID to the wifi that's being extended (e.g. GardenPoint instead of KitchenPoint) 2) Use different encryption to the wifi that's being extended (e.g. WPA instead of WEP)

I've gotten a loan of a D-Link DWL-G710 and I've been trying it out. So far, it seems pretty shit.

Reply to
Tomás Ó h=C

A repeater will extend your range, but it uses the same channel as the originating access point.

What you want is an entirely separate access point operating in bridge mode.

I'm not fluent in AOL lingo...does that mean its good or bad?

Reply to
DTC

If by range extender you simply mean that you need wireless in a location out of your current router's range, then there are countless APs and routers that work as APs. This entails connecting the new AP or router-as-AP to your existing router via ethernet cable. You can configure the new AP for any channel, SSID and encryption you want that is supported.

You say that your existing router won't work with multiple access points, but I wonder if you are mistaken. Does not sound right. I think that as long as you have (or make availible) an ethernet LAN port on your router, then you can do it. There will be questions of getting addresses assigned from the router, but again, they should all do this.

My best guess is that you are thinking that you need WDS or some such on your router. Just connect the AP by cable.

As far as range goes, the most important thing is to get an AP with removeable antenna. This is more important than power. By placing a higher gain antenna on (or even a simple reflector) you can improve the range over a more powerful radio with a weaker antenna. Antenna choice and placement is a decision process, but the time you put into sorting it out will pay back in performance.

Finally, for choosing an AP, if you have a typical consumer home/small office setting, then just get an AP that gets decent reviews. I would go to Newegg.com and look at their APs. Read the reviews and get one that has a good track record. There are several for under $50 that should work fine. Must have replaceable antenna, as I said.

Steve

Reply to
seaweedsteve

I'm thinking of getting a Linksys WRT54GL and putting DD-WRT firmware on it.

Does anyone know what's the best version WRT54 to get? I've heard that WRT54GL version 1.1 is the best (note the GL instead of the G).

Reply to
Tomás Ó h=C

This DD-WRT wiki page gives some info on the various Linksys as well as other supported brands.

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Another available and compatible brand to consider is ASUS.

The $50 WL520gU looks similar to the WRT54GL except it has a USB port:

=46rom a customer review:

"DD-WRT builds v.24 RC5 and later run on this router. .....It is the lowest-price router I could find with the 240 MHz Broadcom 5354 chipset, 16 MB RAM, and 4 MB flash - which is a great spec to support a standard DD-WRT install, and a much better deal than the Linksys WRT-54GL."

The $70 WL-5000G Premium has 2 USB ports and more memory but it seems to have an older chipset...

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Might look for the Deluxe version instead of the Premium - check the "supported device" specs at dd-wrt.com

I kinda doubt that dd-wrt supports the USB ports - but if so, they could come in handy.

Steve

Reply to
seaweedsteve

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the link i forgot to paste:

Reply to
seaweedsteve

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