3 years ago
Is it possible to extend my Wireless Modem's range by adding a second WiFi Router?
So here's the deal. My family and I live in a very old house with very thick walls. We also happen to own one of the worst Wireless Modems/Routers known to man (thanks Bell) and it has the worst range imagineable.
This summer I'm setting up an office in our basement but the problem is that I don't get WiFi down there. I was curious if it was possible to setup a second wireless router that would be connected to the master modem/router via ethernet?
In other words, run ethernet down into the main floor where we'd hook up a second router which would broadcast a signal which would be easily picked up from the basement.
Does this make sense? Would it work? We can't really move the original modem, nor can we run ethernet throughout the basement...
This summer I'm setting up an office in our basement but the problem is that I don't get WiFi down there. I was curious if it was possible to setup a second wireless router that would be connected to the master modem/router via ethernet?
In other words, run ethernet down into the main floor where we'd hook up a second router which would broadcast a signal which would be easily picked up from the basement.
Does this make sense? Would it work? We can't really move the original modem, nor can we run ethernet throughout the basement...
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M$1 Answer
There are couple things you can do. First, try to replace the existing antenna of your wireless router. Getting a higher gain antenna like D-Link 2.4GHz Omni-Directional 7dBi Antenna would boost your wireless signal significantly. Amazon has one for $45.28 + shipping
http://www.amazon.com/D-Link-2-4GHz-Omni-Directional-Antenna-ANT24-0700/dp/tech-data/B0007XXU3E/
If you can detach the antenna from the wireless router, it means you can replace the antenna with something similar to the D-Link.
Alternatively, you can extend the wireless signal using something like Cisco WRE54G Wireless G Range Expander.
http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/products/WRE54G
Basically, it works as a repeater for your wireless signal. The price is more expensive than replacing the antenna. Amazon did not show me the price but it listed as lower than $99 + shipping
http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Wireless-G-Range-Expander-WRE54G/dp/B00021XIJW
http://www.amazon.com/D-Link-2-4GHz-Omni-Directional-Antenna-ANT24-0700/dp/tech-data/B0007XXU3E/
If you can detach the antenna from the wireless router, it means you can replace the antenna with something similar to the D-Link.
Alternatively, you can extend the wireless signal using something like Cisco WRE54G Wireless G Range Expander.
http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/products/WRE54G
Basically, it works as a repeater for your wireless signal. The price is more expensive than replacing the antenna. Amazon did not show me the price but it listed as lower than $99 + shipping
http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Wireless-G-Range-Expander-WRE54G/dp/B00021XIJW
source(s):
D-Link Antenna
http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=416
Cisco Wireless Repeater
http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/products/WRE54G
D-Link Antenna
http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=416
Cisco Wireless Repeater
http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/products/WRE54G
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
does that mean that my idea of adding a second router WOULDN'T work, or just isn't the easiest/most ideal solution?
Some wireless router can be set to extend wireless signal. It depends on the model and brand. What you need to look for is the settings to set the router to work in Bridge Mode.