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Forum Discussion
Should I bridge R8000 to RAX120 router?
Hello. I recently obtained the latest Nighthawk RAX120 to replace my current, still good Nighthawk R8000. If I bridge the old router to the new one, does that mean that my wifi signal will be stronge...
Not aware the R8000 can be used as a bridge/extender type configuration. Anyway, the best usage for this case is a network cable (CAT5E or better) from the new RAX120 to the location where you want to set-up the R8000 for additional coverage (effort is worth every penny and the hour of work!) - you might want to check the R8000 User Manual on page 138 ff., Use the Router as a Wireless Access Point.
schumaku wrote:
Not aware the R8000 can be used as a bridge/extender type configuration.
True, but this brings up the question as to what cbradley55 means by "bridge". This is a term that gets applied to various things in the router world.
The R8000 does not support wireless repeater operation or Wireless Distribution System (WDS) functionality.
schumaku wrote:
Use the Router as a Wireless Access Point.
Probably the best advice.
If you don't want to run a long cable from router to AP, then you can use Powerline Ethernet
to connect them over the mains circuit.
Then again, as the RAX120 fills the house with wifi, why bother?
Thanks for the response everyone. My house is wired with Cat 5 in all my rooms. So as I spend my evenings in my upstairs master bedroom, I was thinking I would connect to the R8000 (hardwired to the network) where my cellphone or laptop would have a direct line of sight to wifi, as opposed to connecting to the RAX120 that was located on the main floor, and not having to connect to my home network after going through the floor structures. So I assume that means the R8000 would be used as an access point; I used the term "bridge" because I thought it meant the same thing. I have the perception that when I am on the main floor, my cellphone seems to load webpages faster than when I am on the second floor.
cbradley55 wrote:
So I assume that means the R8000 would be used as an access point;
Sounds right. With a wired house, it sounds like a good idea. At least the R8000 doesn't just sit there gathering dust.
I find it easiest to use a standalone computer-to-router connection to put a router into AP mode.
cbradley55 wrote:
I used the term "bridge" because I thought it meant the same thing.You are not alone. The "bridge" word is widely misinterpreted, even by the people who make this stuff. That's why I ask for an explanation.
cbradley55 go for it - with the existing cabling you have the perfect environment to use the R8000 as a wireless access point. Technically you are perfectly right with the term "bridge" when it comes to the connection of different network technologies and topologies - here WiFi radios and the Ethernet LAN. A wireless access point is technically a network bridge.