Wireless router VS repeater VS access point VS… extender? What the @#$%?

The title mostly says it all lads and lasses. Many years ago wireless routers more or less were the one and only thing and they could perform all of the above tasks depending on their software configuration, at least as far as I recall. Now I see all of these differently named network devices in shops, which basically look to be the same from the outside: a more or less fancy box with antennas. And some of 'em have ludicrous pricetags, particularly certain (router) ones with fancier boxes marketed as “gaming” stuff to rip off fools, or at least this is how it smells like to me.

Just recently I read this article: Access Point VS Wireless Routers VS Repeater @ TONS®

Of course I'm no expert in this, just aficionado. A friend of mine is in need for some inexpensive device as wireless repeater booster at home. For a small fee he requested me to handle this task for him. And honestly, my idea first idea is to get a router and configure it as a repeater. I have an Asus RT-N12 D1 at home as a repeater; and surely the bandwidth halves and bla bla bla, but in practice I can't complain.

And now, I've read about extenders (article: What is a WiFi Extender @ Actiontec). So, a powerline extender may also do the trick. However, an extender needs an ethernet connection with the main wireless router, and if such wireless router only has 100Mbps ethernet ports then I don't see how the extender will provide any real advantage over a repeater in this case, although the extender can be placed farther away. And hope they are easy to set up. Mmm…

I faced the same dilemma; how to economically extend my router's WiFi coverage to parts of my property that weren't well covered due to geography & structural obstacles.

I ended up with a three-node mesh network. Mesh networks are easily scalable if larger areas need to be covered by adding additional nodes as needed.

Many brands are available, some from relatively well-known manufacturers, others, not so much. After much research I chose a three node Linksys Velop system. In just under two years of use it's been very reliable.

slmjim

Ubiquiti

They make awesome products in the consumer, pro-sumer, and professional spaces. I’ve used access points (AP AC LR) and routers (ER-X) and they’ve been rock solid and high performing. I think I’ve had the access point installed for like 5 years and I’ve never had to mess with it. I’ve only had the router for a year or so but it’s been great. Once I discovered Ubiquiti, I’ve noticed their stuff being used everywhere… schools, coffee shops, offices, point-to-point long-range building connections, etc. They have a large product offering from the highly technical to the all-in-one and mesh networking devices.

+1 on the mesh solution. I have 3 tp-link decos and have great WiFi everywhere around the house now.

You need a Mesh network !

I have a Netgear RBK23, it works excellent. However there are even faster systems (and more expensive though)

Are the locations wired? If they are, the best approach will be to set 1 router and others as access points. Set the same SSID and security and settings on all of them, just change the channel so they dont interfere. This would be the most simple and robust system.

A lot is going to depend on the configuration of his house. Single story homes are easier to set up than multi-story ones especially if there’s concrete/steel/etc between the floors. I live in a 3 story 27ft x 60ft (or 8 x 18 meter) place with concrete between each floor and it was a challenge to get decent signal strength at the far corners of the upper and lower floors (router is on the middle floor). I eventually went with a Google WiFi mesh solution and was able to get 50mbps in the corners as opposed to 200mbps at the cable modem. For all practical purposes good enough for everyone’s needs.

My experience with PowerLine adapters was not very good. Mine only provided 40mbps when it was plugged in next to the modem and around 10mbps on the other floors. A lot depends on the quality/age of the power lines and our place was built in 1985 which is not particularly old where I live. We have 120v in the US and it’s probably different in places with 220v.

+1 on Ubiquiti/Unifi. All I will buy moving forward. Their quality, features, etc. are all very solid and the support forums are very active and answered any questions I had.

Routers “route traffic” to/from your modem (which is sometimes also integrated into a combo device of both router and modem) just like the name suggests. That doesn’t necessarily include wireless capabilities unless specifically stated.

“Access points” broadcast and receive wireless signals and transfer it to the router. There are now “mesh” systems with several to a lot of access points all broadcasting the same network with some tech wizardry that prevents interference and only uses a single SSID.

Repeaters take the signal from a wireless router and “repeat” it to achieve longer range - not a good solution because it needs to use the same channel (creating interference) or to use a completely different SSID.

Extenders take either a wired or wireless signal and broadcast or “repeat” it respectively. Usually have the same issues as repeaters AFAIK.

Depends how demanding end-user is.
For me Wi-Fi is fine to use it to sync phone, browse the web etc.
For low ping in online games, fast transfer rates I use 1Gb Ethernet on most of the machines here.
AP is RT-N66U with Merlin installed. Works as expected.
Mike

How come nobody mentioned DAS? Distrubuted Antenna System. :sunglasses:

Anyways , I think you are on a limited budget, doing it as a favour for a friend so the Mesh device might be out of reach.

If 100Mps is an issue, you need a Gigabit router, they are pretty cheap these days. But I think 100Mbps is OK for ethernet compared to 54Mbp Wifi.

All the budget extenders and repeaters are not that reliable .

I agree with Cyclops and BurningPlay, Going with Wired Access points will be the best value.

Not sure what’s your budget, but I assume as low as possible so you can upgrade the router to 1 Gbps, some decent ethernet wiring and get a bunch of used Linksys WRT54GL or Buffalo WHR-HP-G54. Basically good old Broadcom chips.
You can also mess with flashing custom firmware if that’s your thing. :sunglasses:

Thanks everyone for their points. Actually the requirements are low, just a router and smartphones as devices and few people at home. After looking here and there and viewing various youtube videos, maybe the most reasonable option is a simple repeater like the TP-Link RE220 (review @ CNET), which I don't see for sale nearby, just the RE200 :???: instead.

I've watched a few videos about the new “mesh” technology you are speaking of. Seems nice, namely concerning the seamless roaming between “access points”. Here is one of those videos:

Despite I could “catch” the language a bit better, I think I get the idea more than enough. I think my brother may benefit from this information, he had a @#$% experience with repeaters at home in the past. Still, these are “closed circuit” or non-standardized technologies…

P.S.: Still, a good old Asus RT-N12 router as repeater may be worth it, because of detachable (and upgradeable) antennas.