Wireless Repeater or WAP via ethernet

[11Blade]

Home ethernet netowrk connected via Dell Powerconnect 24 in basement.

Wireless router and internet modem upstairs in the office - ASUS RT-N16 with DD-WRT - rock solid router.

I am not getting great wireless coverage downstairs but I have gigabit ethernet available.

I would think the best thing is to go with a secondary router and use it as a WAP rather than using a wireless repeater.

I thought I should stay with ASUS and go with an RT-N12. It would also give me a switch in family room for xbox, tv and network player.

Anyone have recommendations for a solution? should I stay with Asus so the radio chipsets are the same?

 

[JackMDS]

Repeater client Bridge and similar concoctions work best (or at all) when the Wireless Chipset is the same, or if they are provided by the same company and thus was checked for compatibility.

 

[mammador]

so currently you have two subnets (WLAN and wired)?

You could simplify it and have the WAP upstairs, but all nodes connected to the same router.

 

[donfm]

This basic situation came up in another thread recently. If you can get a cable to the second router downstairs used as a WAP that would be the way to go for speed. As Jack mentioned staying with the same router for a WAP is probably the best idea for you with the least compatibility issues. Once connected you would probably want to put the routers on different channels to be safe.

 

[11Blade]

so currently you have two subnets (WLAN and wired)?

You could simplify it and have the WAP upstairs, but all nodes connected to the same router.

Sorry all one network. wireless router is upstairs where the cable modem is, plugged into the house switch via wall jack.

I have gigabit jack downstairs and want to extend the wireless network.

was wondering if I should just buy a 2nd router - flash to dd-wrt mode and run it as a WAP and plug into the network

or extend the wireless coverage with a repeater.

 

[11Blade]

This basic situation came up in another thread recently. If you can get a cable to the second router downstairs used as a WAP that would be the way to go for speed. As Jack mentioned staying with the same router for a WAP is probably the best idea for you with the least compatibility issues. Once connected you would probably want to put the routers on different channels to be safe.

Yes I have ethernet connectivity to the network downstairs.

Looks like I have to check the chipsets rather than just the manfacturer since I want to pair my RT-N16 with an RT-N12

 

[JackMDS]

If you are using the second Router as an Access Point and it gets its feed through wire then it does Not matter make or Chipset, any decent Router will do.

Chipset and make is important when a secondary Wireless Router is used as WDS/Repeater or Wireless Bridge.