Using a modem router as a wireless repeater

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Using a modem router as a wireless repeater

LizardNZ

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#242716 11-Nov-2018 00:03

I have a small collection of unused wifi modem routers and I would like to set one of them up as a wireless repeater to boost my wifi signal upstairs. (Yes, I know running ethernet cable up there is the easier solution (I've already done this out to my shed) but there are practical difficulties with the borked layout of my house and where my fiber box is. I also know you can buy hardware to do exactly this but I'd rather use use something I already have rather than create more future landfill.)

So I'm with Bigpipe UFB and my principal router is a Huawei HG659 (ex-Vodafone but now with Bigpipe firmware - which seems to be un-rebadged Huawei ware). The other routers I have are:

another HG659 (also with Bigpipe firmware)
two SHG1500s (Sercomm)that vodafone seem to have locked down pretty tight
TP-Link TD-W8960N
3Com WL-552 3CRWDR101A-75
a tinny little old Belkin something-or-other

The 3Com has a WDS function, which would identify up my WLAN but not connect. I think it only works with identical or similar routers.

I though that the bridging function on the HG659s might be the answer but I couldn't figure it out.

Any help would be much appreciated.

michaelmurfy

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#2123460 11-Nov-2018 01:13

What you're wanting to do will actually slow down your WiFi and potentially create problems. I never recommend using routers to do such things. Same goes for Wireless Extenders which are rubbish at best and can halve your wireless speed.

You're going to need to buy equipment if you like it or not. There are also multiple threads on here of ways to do this so I encourage you to search Geekzone to find some answers but in a nutshell:

1) Use powerline adapters to bring Ethernet to another HG659. Note however this will likely give rubbish speeds and it isn't a match to actually running Ethernet for the task. If you're on 100Mbit UFB it should be fine however I've seen in most cases these adapters achieve around 40Mbit in your average house. They're not the best.

2) Mesh solution - this will require new hardware. I always recommend the Ubiquiti AmpliFi for this task as it is a great router with support for Gigabit speeds and the mesh units are not that shabby either. This is however quite expensive to get into however but "just works".

3) Dedicated access points - the Ubiquiti UniFi line do support meshing and also are very good access points. You could try buying a UniFi AC-LR and using this instead of your HG659's wireless. You may find it'll cover your house no problems. If not however, just add another access point and use the wireless mesh feature if there is no way of running Ethernet.

Don't try to repeat the wireless signal, don't try and attempt to hack something into a client / bridge / repeater. Honestly, you'll get horrible performance and it'll give you problems. Just spend some money and do it properly.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
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sbiddle

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#2123910 12-Nov-2018 09:01

WDS was one of the worst standards every created. There is very good reason why nothing supports it any longer.

My comment is always that if you can't explain why repeaters are so bad then you should never use them. None of the hardware you have there is suitable to do what you want to do, and deliver a functional WiFi network.

You can use an old router as a cabled AP which will work, but once again re purposing a router as an AP always ultimately leads to tears like any hack in this world.

Bung

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#2123930 12-Nov-2018 09:34

sbiddle: .
You can use an old router as a cabled AP which will work, but once again re purposing a router as an AP always ultimately leads to tears like any hack in this world.

Is it that much of a hack? I'm sure I've got some old Netgear?? routers where this is mentioned in the manual and setup menus as an option.

antoniosk

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#2123941 12-Nov-2018 09:42

LizardNZ:

I have a small collection of unused wifi modem routers and I would like to set one of them up as a wireless repeater to boost my wifi signal upstairs. (Yes, I know running ethernet cable up there is the easier solution (I've already done this out to my shed) but there are practical difficulties with the borked layout of my house and where my fiber box is. I also know you can buy hardware to do exactly this but I'd rather use use something I already have rather than create more future landfill.)

So I'm with Bigpipe UFB and my principal router is a Huawei HG659 (ex-Vodafone but now with Bigpipe firmware - which seems to be un-rebadged Huawei ware). The other routers I have are:

another HG659 (also with Bigpipe firmware)
two SHG1500s (Sercomm)that vodafone seem to have locked down pretty tight
TP-Link TD-W8960N
3Com WL-552 3CRWDR101A-75
a tinny little old Belkin something-or-other
The 3Com has a WDS function, which would identify up my WLAN but not connect. I think it only works with identical or similar routers.

I though that the bridging function on the HG659s might be the answer but I couldn't figure it out.

Any help would be much appreciated.

I remember trying to do something similar, trying to set the backhaul over the 5Ghz channel and local coverage over 2.4ghz. Modest success but the CPU on the kit I was using (which were of similar vintage to what you've listed) just wasnt man enough for the job, esp on a 100mbps connection.

Without delving into 'borked' layout, it might be simpler just to run ethernet to each and use them as AP's,if poss?

________

Antoniosk

LizardNZ

8 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2123990 12-Nov-2018 11:20

Thanks all. I guess I need to think harder about how to run Ethernet to upstairs without making too many holes in my house (https://xkcd.com/905/)

1101

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#2124172 12-Nov-2018 14:42

LizardNZ:

Thanks all. I guess I need to think harder about how to run Ethernet to upstairs without making too many holes in my house (https://xkcd.com/905/)

powerline wifi kits . They work 90% of the time.

Yes, you wont get the Gbit throughput :-) , but will be GOOD ENOUGH
hell, they are faster than my home internet speed (ADSL)

raytaylor

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#2128907 18-Nov-2018 15:09

michaelmurfy:

What you're wanting to do will actually slow down your WiFi and potentially create problems. I never recommend using routers to do such things. Same goes for Wireless Extenders which are rubbish at best and can halve your wireless speed.

...

Don't try to repeat the wireless signal, don't try and attempt to hack something into a client / bridge / repeater. Honestly, you'll get horrible performance and it'll give you problems. Just spend some money and do it properly.

Ray Taylor

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