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I have quite a simple home network setup, but can´t seem to find out how to make it work. What I have is this: A main router/modem located in a small "shed", with a static IP from my ISP. This router/modem has access to a panel with rj45 outlets that covers most of my home. If I connect my pc to an outlet, let´s say on the second floor, I get around 300Mbps - which is what I pay for. This router/modem also has a wireless feature. But the problem is that it only covers most of the first floor, and I would like Wi-Fi coverage all over my home of course.
The optimal scenario for me would be to plug in my old router on the second floor (and another one I bought for the first floor) to any of the rj45 outlets, so it can extend the wireless coverage (with the same SSID), and communicate with the main router/modem via the LAN connection. Furthermore, I would like my phone/clients to always choose the strongest signal, so my phone doesent hold grasp of that bad router/modem wireless connection even though I´m stand right next to the second router. The solution I imagine:
I´ve read about Access points, bridging and WDS. My old router only supports WDS which, as I understand, only connects to the main router via wireless. So how is this possible? Do I need to buy another type of networking equipment to achieve this?
Thanks!
Regarding google Mesh, please see my comment to Jacob Mueller. But ok, it seems like I have to invest in another mesh technology, to make sure that my phone/clients always chooses the strongest signal AND the AP´s are using ethernet to communicate to each other with? – Farsen – 2019-05-06T17:45:56.443
You can get by (mostly) with your average Joe routers configured in AP mode. It just won't hand off as seamlessly/may disconnect. If you go the actual AP/mesh route, then yes, you will want to ensure they're hooked up to a switch and not different networks through a router. – Havegooda – 2019-05-06T17:54:26.140
Ok, so in my situation, why would I choose an expensive mesh solution when I can have AP´s hooked up to ethernet? Is the only drawback that the client looses connectivity for a couple of seconds when it switches AP? So I guess my best bet is, like you say, find some average joe routers that supports bridge/AP mode, and hook them up. – Farsen – 2019-05-06T18:09:00.463
If you're OK with that drawback (I would, personally), then there's no major reason you should go for the mesh solution. I'd get the inexpensive APs and do some basic configuration/power level adjustments – Havegooda – 2019-05-06T18:22:52.880