Repeater for WGT624

Here is one

Robert...

I'm not familiar with Linksys (as I'm using D-Link), but I recently just ran into a very similiar problem. I've been using a D-Link 802.11a/b router (DI-764) for the past couple years (works great), but recently went to try to extend my range. I picked up a D-Link DWL-7100 Access Point (that can also work in other modes, including "repeater"). I figured I would use the new DWL-7100 (802.11a/b/g) as a simple repeater and then later perhaps use it as an access point since it also is capable of 802.11g. (My DI-764 is

802.11a and 802.11b only.) The DWL-7100 also has that "WDS" feature, which would not work with my DI-764. I was able to get 802.11b (11 MBS) to repeat, but it would not repeat my DI-764's 802.11a (108 MBS) or 802.11b (22 MBS). The increased bandwidth is by D-Link's proprietary schemes, but they are also capable of linking with "standard" 802.11a and 802.11b while in those modes. I'm guessing Linksys probably uses various proprietary schemes of their own to increase data rates as well.

I thought about taking the DWL-7100AP back (store has a liberal return policy), but after playing with it started to like it a lot. I ended up just hooking it up straight up to my router (ethernet) and it worked great as an access point. I now have D-Link 108 MBS 802.11g available, so got best of all worlds. I've since picked up another DWL-7100AP, which I'm using as a repeater to repeat the initial DWL-7100AP that is now being used as a second access point (router is AP as well). Its works great as a repeater, repeating an AP that is the exact same piece of hardware. This definetly wasn't the most "cost effective" way to extend my range, but since it added 802.11g into the loop figured it was a decent investment. (Looking at some of those new "wireless internet devices", such as media players and broadband phones -- which all pretty much seem to be going with 802.11g) :^)

If I had the option of using a higher gain antenna with my router/AP, I probably would've tried that first. Unfortunetly, the antennas on both my DI-764 and DWL-7100(s) are hard mounted and can't be replaced. (Well, I'm sure they could be taken apart and something rigged for it -- but they weren't manufactured with modular antennas that can be replaced.) Not having the option to replace the anntennas isn't a shortcoming of D-Link, but rather a requirement by the FCC since this DI-764 (and DWL-7100s) are, in addition to 802.11b/g at 2.4 Ghz, putting out 802.11a at 5 Ghz. D-Link's

802.11b/g 2.4 Ghz only stuff has modular antennas that can be swapped out.

Have ya done some googles for antennas? In addition to commercial high-gain omni and directional antennas, there is a lot of cool "home brew" stuff that people are doing. I wonder how long it would be before the FCC started knocking on my door if I put together a cantanna and used it with my 802.11a :^)

Thanks for the answer. Unfortunately, while readings the specs of the Sohoware access point I noticed:

"Designed with the latest mode options, including WDS, the AP allows for fast expansion of the wireless LAN by enabling repeater"

I assume that means that the Sohoware can only act as a repeater with a WDS compliant router witch is not the case of the Neatgear WGT624 router.

Thanks. Unfortunalety, I don't have access to the other router and I already returned the WDS repeater.

Forgot to mention that I've also since picked up an 802.11b repeater. (Well, I had actually ordered it while thinking about returning the DWL-7100AP -- which I not only kept but ended up picking up another one as well.) Anyway, the 802.11b repeater just recently and I threw it into the loop as well. Its the D-Link "DWL-800AP+" (AP/Repeater). Its a little guy, about the size of rubik's cube with simply just two LEDs (Power/Net Activity) and an antenna sticking out. If you are only wanting to repeat plain vanilla 802.11b, this could be something worth looking at. There are no "advanced features" such as WDS, it just simply repeats without any "data processing". (Garbage in, garbage out.) It can also handle D-Link's proprietary "Turbo Mode" for 802.11b, but works fine for plain vanilla

802.11b. Not familiar with Linksys, but I'd be surprised if they didn't have a simple repeater as well. If they do, definetly go with Linksys (main reason I stick to D-Link is just to ensure compatibility and to take advantage of their "proprietary features) , but it may be an option. The retail price ($80 to $100) for the DWL-800AP+ is far too much with most stores (online and brick), but they can be found for less than $50. I bought mine off Ebay for $42 and am happy with it...