Extending wifi from a lousy router

[1freedude]

Is there coax cable in the flat for TV?

 

[Octopuss]

No. We don't use that in this country for... 20+ years or so I think

So, any recommendations for a cheap enough AP that can be found 2nd hand? Not Ruckus, because as much as I love the brand (from my limited experience), it's virtually nonexistant in Europe, and the prices on Ebay are nothing short of ridiculous.

I don't even need any high speeds, because there is no communication or data transfers between devices, it's all about the internet, which is capped at 100Mb/s, so what I need is something that primarily has good "power". I'm not sure if there are even any differences in this regard between brands/models.

We used to have TP-Link EAP245 downstairs. It covered one somewhat open flat decently enough and wasn't particularly expensive, and it's something that's readily available around here as a brand.

 

[Bill_Bright]

So more antennas doesn't mean the device has stronger signal?

That is correct. What more antennas can (not necessarily will, but can) do is get you better reception with multiple devices located in different parts of your house. A single, properly oriented/placed antenna can be just as good as multiple antennas, or even better than misoriented or improperly placed multiple antennas.

Again, it is not really about signal "strength" - but rather signal reception and signal propagation (transmission). The signal strength is primarily determined by the transmitter's power, distance between ends, obstructions (like brick walls) in between, interference from nearby devices, and antenna type.

By antenna type, I mean primarily omni-directional (which these are) compared to directional. A directional antenna (like a microwave or satellite "dish") focuses nearly all the power to a single point where omni-directional is just that, "omni" or in all directions. An omni dispersal pattern results in the signal strength (on the transmit side) being divided millions of times. In other words, we are talking signal strengths in the 100ths of a microwatt.

Also, multiple antennas (or antenna "elements") are commonly used for different frequencies. Ideal reception is achieved when the antenna is "tuned" to the frequency it is to support. And that is determined by the wavelength of the RF. Think of the old style TV antennas. Each of those rods (elements) are "cut" to a specific length based on the frequency they are "tuned" to.

Wifi uses 2.4GHz, 5GHz and the newer 6GHz frequencies (or bands). So ideally, a wireless router will have antennas tuned to those frequencies. Note they my "look" the same size but inside the plastic, the actual antenna wire may be different length. FYI, the higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength.

Clear as mud, huh?

The TP-Link routers I've been looking at (Archer X72 or so) have six or so of them. That looks a little ridiculous but gives strong uneducated impression.

I am NOT suggesting 6 antennas is a total marketing "gimmick". For sure, as I noted above, multiple antennas can help with multiple devices where the signal is reaching the router from different directions. That said, IMO 6 antennas is probably a bit overkill and a little gimmicky. Three or four antennas is probably more than enough for most home and small office networks.

If you really want to increase the signal strength, use directional antennas like one might do if trying to extend their wifi out to a detached garage.

FTR, you can follow the link in my sig to see if my opinion might be worth anything.

 

[Octopuss]

I'll dig into the available APs and see what comes up on the 2nd hand market. I guess anything will do for 3 devices and one wall to penetrate.

 

[Bill_Bright]

You said in post #4, "two concrete walls".

If the 3 devices are located near each other (in the same general direction away from the router) then yes, that would hopefully work.

 

[Octopuss]

Yes, and I thought about another possibility in #25, which I'm going to do. Least headache when it comes to the amount of devices and extra configuration and figuring stuff out. Middle of the flat is more or less one wall in each direction.
Won't need to replace the router just yet either (but I will eventually).

 

[Bill_Bright]

I presume standalone AP has better signal than any router by design, or not?

No, not really - not as a general statement. There are cheap and top quality in both formats. There is no technical reason a separate AP would offer better performance just because it is a separate device.

If there's an argument to be made, a quality AP integrated with a quality router would be better since the AP would be direct connected (via internal Ethernet) to the router by a link that is probably less than 1 inch in length.

An AP located apart from the router would add several intermediary links (not to mention walls), any of which could adversely affect latency.

 

[Octopuss]

I wish there was 2nd hand market of Ruckus APs in Europe. I really like the R610 ones we have at home.
Ruckus' website also sucks badly. I was looking for a list of their APs, but what they have is only the current ones, and checking include discontinued models does nothing.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Many if not most wireless routers made for SOHO use can easily be configured as an AP only device. Something to consider if looking on the used products market.

 

[Assimilator]

• Buy new WiFi router, whatever tickles your fancy
• Connect new router to Hauwei modem-router
• Disable DHCP and WiFi functions on Hauwei, allowing new router to do these and Hauwei to just do modem things
• Buy as many WiFi repeaters/extenders as you need to get good signal, brand does not matter, they can be different from your new router (for example I used a TP-Link router with a NETGEAR repeater)
• Ruse new router + repeaters when you change ISP or move house, never again worry or concern about whatever the ISP provides you

 

[FreedomEclipse]

If youre on the market for a second hand router to use as an AP.

Beware of ones that are provided by ISPs as part of their service. Those usually run a cut down/more restricted firmware. Depending on the unit in question. You may be able to find the OEM firmware for that unit and flash it back on if DD-WRT or Tomato doesnt support the router.