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Forum Discussion
range extender of access point?
I currently have a Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Tri Band WiFi Router and have been having a helluva time getting wifi signal on the other end of my house. Today, I bought the Nighthawk X6S AC3000 Tri Band WiFi Range extender. The question i have is, do i run this as an extender, or an access point? Not really sure of the advantages/disadvantages of each one. Hoping somebody could give me a good, honest answer! Thanks in advance!
7 Replies
An access point typically has a hardwire ethernet cable between it and the "Server/Router" which makes it a more stable setup than a "Wireless Range Extender" which may need to be manuvered closer to a device or the device closer to it and the range extender is more susceptable to interferances like walls, appliances, windows, etc.
The extender would be easier to setup than an access point.
To setup the extender, locate it close to your router so that it receives a good signal, set it up and configure it, then move it to it's new remote location and test for connectivity. If you have poor connectivity, locate it in a different location until you have a good connection. This may mean that you might need to locate it closer to your router not just a different location at the same distance away.
There are good Netgear YouTube videos depicting this process.
additude wrote:
The extender would be easier to setup than an access point.
Really? A standards compliant network cable and you have a reliable connection from the router to the place where the access point has ot be installed - very diferent from the hit-and-miss with these wireless backhaul experimenting, where the results often show that distance is to big, the building construction is to prohibitive to 5 GHz, the connecitons become unreliable, never had thrse problems with wired access point installations. Granted - installing a cable does take more time and effort. However, it's worth every Cent, every minute fo installation work.
Anyone can drape a cable over stuff, hide the cable behind desks, chairs, furniture, tack it to the wall running down a hallway and knotch it thru door closings and maybe even just drill holes thru walls and push the cable thru them....
But if you wanted at least the minimal semi-professional installation then it's going to take more work than just having cable all over the place. Especially depending on installation requirements which the OP did not specify.
At least to have it neat in appearance may require fishing walls or running cable in the attic....
But who knows...?? Surely you do of course.
Why don't you just stick to answering the OP's questions with your own ideas instead of plucking feathers out of other peoples ideas...
