So, striping away some of your old router’s features will convert it to an wireless access point which you will then use to expand your network and we will next show you how to do it.Īs we stated before, a wireless router without the routing capabilities and the DHCP server would just be an access point. While you could purchase a dedicated Access Point, it doesn’t really make sense, because (as seen before) wireless routers can operate as Access Points and, surprisingly, a router will be cheaper, since the market demand is better and the competition more fierce (therefore lower prices). If you didn’t know already, the wireless routers have – obviously – router functionalities merged together with wireless access points capabilities. Basically, this means that you give wireless capable devices a way to connect to your wired Internet network.Īccess Points are used quite often in a large office, where a good Internet connection will make a big difference in productivity you can also find this technology implemented in coffee shops or airports using the name of hotspots, but it’s most commonly used in homes, in the form of wireless routers. ![]() What is a wireless access point?Ī wireless access point is a piece of technology that allows you to convert a wired LAN connection to a wireless network. ![]() You can also have a look at the famous Linksys WRT54G.įrom here on you have several options, you can either use the router as a wireless repeater, a wireless access point or to create a wireless bridge. A good example is the TP-LINK TL-WR841N, which is a capable and inexpensive router (especially with an open source firmware, like DD-WRT). Note: If you don’t own an old, unused router, you can buy a cheap router and use it to expand your WiFi network. So, if you’re wondering how to extend your WiFi network, that old router can be the solution. We’re pretty sure most of you have an old router tossed in a drawer after you upgraded to a newer, more capable one, but, which unfortunately can’t really cover all of the rooms (especially if you have thick concrete walls). If you have WiFi-dead spots in your home and can’t afford such systems, fortunately there are alternatives. We have seen the Eero system in action and we were pleased by the result. Now, these systems do their job really well, you get a single unit to connect by wire to the Internet and the next two or three units will further send the signal throughout the house, thus eliminating any remaining blank spot. ![]() Following this pattern, last year, two interesting mesh WiFi systems have been released ( Luma Home Wi-Fi System and Eero Home WiFi System), also featuring the simple setup and configuration but, unfortunately, at an even higher price. Lately, we’ve witnessed an increased interest into releasing easy-to use routers, with a really user-friendly setup and configuration (although lacking in terms of ports and some software features).
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