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rayjai's avatar
rayjai
Guide
Aug 19, 2022

Use another router to repeat mesh wifi outdoors

Hi, I have poor wifi signal outside my home, I am trying to have the wifi reach the gated entrance of my home. Is it ok for me to use my old non-mesh wifi router to repeat the signal? will it still somewhat be seamless? I'm doing this for a doorbell camera. Thanks!

6 Replies

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User

    What orbi model do you have? 
    What router do you have? It depends, if this model router has a repeater function support, it maybe possible to use this to repeat the signal from the Orbi system. If no, the only other option with this router would be to ethernet connect it and configure AP mode on the router which would make it its' own wifi signal and would need to use separate SSID name and channels far apart from what the Orbi system uses. 

     

    Other suggestion would be to try a EX7500, 7700, 8000 or EAX30 or EAX80 wifi extenders. 

    • rayjai's avatar
      rayjai
      Guide

      I have the RBS750, my old router is a Tenda ac1500. The Tenda has these repeating options, WISP and Client+AP.

       

      I would like to keep the SSID the same if possible, if not, i guess i'll have to change it then,

       

      What's the difference between, EX7500, 7700, 8000 or EAX30 or EAX80 wifi extenders and another satellite? 

       

      Thanks!

       

      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru - Experienced User

        You'll have to contact Tenda for additional help and information regarding there product. 

         

        EX and EAX do same thing however wont' have the wireless/wire backhaul support or UI integrate into the system like the RBS will. 

  • CrimpOn's avatar
    CrimpOn
    Guru - Experienced User

    rayjai wrote:

     I'm doing this for a doorbell camera. Thanks!


    Any decent WiFi repeater will work for this application. There is no need to "mesh" because the doorbell cannot roam between access points.  It does not even have to be on the same channel or have the same WiFi name (SSID) as the primary system.  (I would argue to keep it entirely separate.  The doorbell has to be configured only one time.)

     

    The issues I see are:

    • Distance  (how far is it?)
    • Power

    If the Orbi network does not extend a strong enough signal from the house to the gate, I have a concern that any WiFi access point located in the house will do so. Perhaps located in a window facing the gate will work.

    The most common placement for WiFi extenders is at a point where the primary WiFi signal is "good enough" to get a satisfactory link to the primary WiFi system and "close enough" to the desired service point for the device to get a strong enough signal.  People often opt for "in the middle" (half-way).  There is probably no source of electrical power between the house and the gate.