Plug in range extenders, do they exist?

C

Creepin_D

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Dec 17, 2000
Messages
1,231
My ISP provider installed the wireless router downstars. Because of this, I get not so great wireless single in some parts of my house upstairs.

I have an unused data connection upstairs, can I get a range extender that would work with my data port, do they exist?

If not, i'm gussing my only other option is to buy another wireless router for upstairs.

Let me know what you think my best option would be.

Thanks!
 
Get yourself a wireless access point. that would be the easiest route. A router would give the option of wired connections as well though.
 
Creepin_D said:
I have an unused data connection upstairs, can I get a range extender that would work with my data port, do they exist?
Click to expand...

This is extremely vague and it is not possible to give you a good, specific answer until you clarify. There is no way we would know what you are talking about when you use terms like "data connection" and "data port." Hopefully you mean you have an ethernet cable installed. If so, use it to hardwire a wireless access point upstairs. If you don't have ethernet, I would recommend using MoCA to connect a wireless access point from upstairs to your router, rather than a wireless-to-wireless extender, which are generally crap for both performance and stability.
 
I would consider options to get away from ISP hardware, Its sounds like you could run a single wireless AP/router upstairs and cover the house except the basement. Getting rid of the monthly fee could pay off for new equipment in a year or two.
 
Yes they exist...almost everyone that is a wireless repeater cuts your bandwidth you half when you use it.

The only wireless repeater exception I know of is made by Ubiquiti which uses 5Ghz for the uplink and provides 2.4Ghz for local use, but even that product requires both ends to be Ubiquiti based.
 
dandragonrage said:
This is extremely vague and it is not possible to give you a good, specific answer until you clarify. There is no way we would know what you are talking about when you use terms like "data connection" and "data port." Hopefully you mean you have an ethernet cable installed. If so, use it to hardwire a wireless access point upstairs. If you don't have ethernet, I would recommend using MoCA to connect a wireless access point from upstairs to your router, rather than a wireless-to-wireless extender, which are generally crap for both performance and stability.
Click to expand...


Sorry bout that..what I mean is I have an ethernet port upstairs that is connected to my wireless router downstairs. Do that make sense? :confused:
 
Creepin_D said:
Sorry bout that..what I mean is I have an ethernet port upstairs that is connected to my wireless router downstairs. Do that make sense? :confused:
Click to expand...

Yes. That is much more clear.

All you need is a wireless access point (NOT "extender") which you would hook up to your router via that ethernet port.

You will need to configure the access point separately from the router itself as far as enabling WPA and choosing a key phrase, etc. (Edit to note: this info can be set to the same as on the router - I'm just saying you have to put in the effort to set it up that way - it's not automatically going to synchronize)

Or if you don't need wifi downstairs, use that ethernet jack for your modem, and put the router upstairs, and connect the upstairs port to the WAN port on the router.... Modem LAN output -> downstairs wall jack -> (in-wall cable) -> upstairs wall jack -> router's WAN port
 
Last edited:
dandragonrage said:
Yes. That is much more clear.

All you need is a wireless access point (NOT "extender") which you would hook up to your router via that ethernet port.

You will need to configure the access point separately from the router itself as far as enabling WPA and choosing a key phrase, etc.

Or if you don't need wifi downstairs, use that ethernet jack for your modem, and put the router upstairs, and connect the upstairs port to the WAN port on the router.... Modem LAN output -> downstairs wall jack -> (in-wall cable) -> upstairs wall jack -> router's WAN port
Click to expand...

Cool, thanks. I'll look into the wireless access point idea. I didn't know they existed. hahahah

Any suggestions on which one I should get for a home network? I will not be using my wireless for gamming, just surfing and minor downloads.
 
Creepin_D said:
Any suggestions on which one I should get for a home network? I will not be using my wireless for gamming, just surfing and minor downloads.
Click to expand...

Then just get a relatively cheap 802.11N AP (rather than a better but unnecessary 802.11AC one) such as a Trendnet TEW-637AP or equivalent.

Some routers can also be used as an access point by disabling the internal DHCP server and connecting the router to your network via its LAN port. NOT the WAN port since that port is only for using it as a router - not useful for using it as an access point or ethernet switch. Not all can do this, so you'd need to see what good deals you can find and then see if those specific routers can be used in this way. There are likely also extenders (an extender will use wireless for both input and output, which as previously discussed is not ideal) that can also act as a regular access point, but not all will, so you'd also need to research each specific model to see if it can. Not all extenders even have ethernet/LAN ports at all, and those without them cannot do this. Those that have them MIGHT be able to do this.

If you aren't familiar with third-party firmware on routers and such, though, I'd stick to the access point for simplicity.

I used to use a TEW-637AP and it was about $30 and ran fine, which is why I mention that specific model. It isn't necessarily the best, but it was good and cheap.
 
Creepin_D said:
Cool, thanks. I'll look into the wireless access point idea. I didn't know they existed. hahahah

Any suggestions on which one I should get for a home network? I will not be using my wireless for gamming, just surfing and minor downloads.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry but am I the only one who is thinking this? You've been on this site for over 14 years and you've never heard of an access point? I'm not trying to be an ass, but seriously? I can understand the confusion on getting network upstairs/etc... as not everybody is a network guy... but never heard of an access point? Stop me now if I'm being an ass, lol.
 
dandragonrage said:
Then just get a relatively cheap 802.11N AP (rather than a better but unnecessary 802.11AC one) such as a Trendnet TEW-637AP or equivalent.

Some routers can also be used as an access point by disabling the internal DHCP server and connecting the router to your network via its LAN port. NOT the WAN port since that port is only for using it as a router - not useful for using it as an access point or ethernet switch. Not all can do this, so you'd need to see what good deals you can find and then see if those specific routers can be used in this way. There are likely also extenders (an extender will use wireless for both input and output, which as previously discussed is not ideal) that can also act as a regular access point, but not all will, so you'd also need to research each specific model to see if it can. Not all extenders even have ethernet/LAN ports at all, and those without them cannot do this. Those that have them MIGHT be able to do this.

If you aren't familiar with third-party firmware on routers and such, though, I'd stick to the access point for simplicity.

I used to use a TEW-637AP and it was about $30 and ran fine, which is why I mention that specific model. It isn't necessarily the best, but it was good and cheap.
Click to expand...

idk, for home pure AP are not as common as routers and generally are inferior and more poorly supported. For example, Likely just 'n' and not 'ac'. I think a cheap router is likely a superior option. They should be easily google'd diagrams of the topology and settings needed. This will allow that ethernet port to be available to plugged devices. If he'll never plug anything in, ever, then I would search both a router and AP for the better deal.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top