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RAX30 Bridge Mode
I live in an apartment complex which global wifi across the building. I'd like to setup a local network using the RAX30 in bridge mode. I assumed the RAX30 could connect to the building WIFI and then bridge that to a local wifi network that only I can connect to. Is that possible? I couldn't figure out how to set this up in the nighthawk app. TIA!
Good call. My coat closet has an access panel for the building's fiber to eth switch. I tapped into that and am now running the RAX30 in its normal router mode. Thanks for the suggestion!
9 Replies
The RAX30 requires the WAN Ethernet port to be connected to an Ethernet port on the host router. So, no.
It appears that what you want is a WiFi Extender, which is designed to connect to a host system using WiFi and create a local network (probably with a different WiFi SSID).
It might be worth asking other tenants about this issue. There may be provisions in the lease agreement regarding setting up conflicting WiFi networks.
It appears that what you want is a WiFi Extender, which is designed to connect to a host system using WiFi and create a local network (probably with a different WiFi SSID).
SunshineSail: This will work if the building WiFi just requires knowing the network name and password. But if it requires other authentication (username and another password), then it won't work.
I believe it's just a standard wifi password. No 2nd layer login. Is it compatible?
I believe it's just a standard wifi password. No 2nd layer login. Is it compatible?
You need an extender or a router that supports a WiFi WAN connection (also called WISP). So the RAX30 won't work.
Is your goal to get better wifi or ethernet connections? Or is it to isolate your local network from the rest of the building?
If your goal is isolation (preventing neighbors from seeing/accessing your connected devices), then you need a WISP router. AFAIK, Netgear doesn't make a router that supports WISP. Most of these are travel routers - TP-Link does make some, including this one:
If the goal is to get better wifi or ethernet, then an extender would work. Netgear's are shown here:
Note the extender needs to be placed in a spot where you get good building wifi.
Yes, a WiFi Extender (from anyone) would connect to the apartment WiFi system and create a separate WiFi network.
The RAX30... will not work.
Does the apartment limit the number of devices which can be connected to the central WiFi network? In other words, "why do you want to do this in the first place?"
You might even just check with them (apartment managers who setup the wifi, not the front desk people) to see if one of the access panels in the apartment has ethernet that you can connect your own AP to. Many have this option. It'd give you faster speeds as setting it up with an extender in the middle will decrease your speeds and increase you latency.
Good call. My coat closet has an access panel for the building's fiber to eth switch. I tapped into that and am now running the RAX30 in its normal router mode. Thanks for the suggestion!
