Suggestion for wireless router

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DravidDavid

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#56636 19-Jan-2010 18:50

This is starting to bug me. I have gone through so many different routers to try and provide a decent Wifi signal to the whole motel, but nothing seems to cut the mustard.

I accidentaly purchased a D-Link with an internal antenna. That sucked.

I had a Linksys WAG325N that did the job, but the modem inside dosn't work anymore.

The most recent wireless router I purchased today was a 288 dollar Belkin Wireless N Modem Router with 2 external antennas.

I don't want to buy another WAG325N, because of the modem problem. I think the only reason it did any good with our increadably thick walls and roof is because it has 2 antenna on each side of what looks like a directional antenna in the middle.

http://www.vstech.com.au/images/WAG325N-AU.jpg

I need excelent range and penetration. A router with directional antenna would be the best with an ADSL 2+ capable modem.

I want to avoid buying a modem and access point seperatly. But will as a last resort.

The budget ends at about 400 dollars.

Any suggestions?

CYaBro

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#291281 19-Jan-2010 19:23

Some more info might help like what sort of area you need to cover.
I doubt one wireless access point will provide coverage to a whole motel.

I have in the past got a wireless router with a removable anetenna and connected an outdoor antenna.
Or you can alos get outdoor wireless access points that use power injectors to get power and ethernet to the unit over one cat5e cable.

Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

DravidDavid

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#291290 19-Jan-2010 20:27

I've drawn a very basic diagram as to what I need to cover.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q131/13CentKiller_Sniper/whatitcovers.png

It is a two story house, with two sets of units on different ground levels.

The router covers the house and garden and top level of units all the way to unit 4, before cutting out.

If I could get a router with detachable antenna, attach a few high gain/outdoor/directional antenna to it, I would be sweet!

I can't seem to find a modem-router with the option to do this though. :( Like I said, our last Linksys WAG325N did the job, but I don't want to buy it again, becuase I have run out of patience with the Linksys brand. Most of their stuff I have found to be crap.

cyril7

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#291403 20-Jan-2010 10:22

Hi, I recommend that you either relocate the AP to the middle of the coverage area or use more than one AP you will need to run a cable between them to achieve this.

Other than that try a commercial grade AP like UBNT, the are reasonaly priced and good performers.

Cyril

drou

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#291946 21-Jan-2010 15:43

cyril7:
Other than that try a commercial grade AP like UBNT, the are reasonaly priced and good performers.
Cyril

Hi.
An Ubiquiti NanoStation or a Mikrotik Routerboard with a 400Mhz miniPCI Wireless card would be fine...
Or 2 APs in different locations...

DravidDavid

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#292207 22-Jan-2010 14:30

Looks like I will be sticking with my wireless router with internal antenna. What I found out is there is a power outlet by our pool area that gives line of sight to every single motel unit.

Is there such a thing as a completely wireless signal repeater? I know it will need electricity, but I'm not counting that. Is there something that will simply pick the signal from my router up and carry it on? If so, will I need to configure it with the router, or will it simply detect that it is there and automatically carry it on?

Cost isn't really an issue anymore. I just need wireless capability.

cyril7

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#292280 22-Jan-2010 17:32

Hi, all the UBNT (Ubitquti) have WDS repeater mode as an option, however you will need to have both WiFi APs that are compatible, so ideally to reduce grief a couple of UBNT Bullets with antennas (one near your router and one out in by the pool) and you are on your way. Be aware though that using repeater mode will halve the throughput, that said for the application you have (small hot spot) its not likely to be a major issue.

PM me if you want details on getting setup.

Cyril

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DravidDavid

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#292304 22-Jan-2010 19:35

Throughput is not an issue. Most people just want to fetch email and surf for news. P2P applications and such are blocked.

I've sent you a PM/EMail.

Cheers!

sultanoswing

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#292694 24-Jan-2010 16:35

DravidDavid: P2P applications and such are blocked.

...unless your guests use an encrypted VPN setup, which anyone ought to be when using public wireless hotspots such as those found in motels / hotels / libraries / cafes etc ;)

But good luck with your setup - I get annoyed when I check into a motel / hotel these days and the wireless internet lacks signal. It's not quite as bad as bed bugs, to be sure, but still something that puts off a repeat visit.

DravidDavid

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#292703 24-Jan-2010 17:07

I'm not going for a "complete lockdown" type setup. Most of out customers just want to see traffic and weather for the next days travel. Fetch email, use MSN/Skype...etc...etc...

The only thing that bothers me is the occasional guy that logs into some pornographic website I usually cut off.

Hopefully the UBNT NanoStation's will provide the coverage I need.

brcjackson

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#297706 10-Feb-2010 16:24

Try the Engenius 2610 (all built into one unit with directional ant & with POE), they support automatic mesh mode with a custom firmware. Try www.hot-spot.co.nz... they have the units with the firmware loaded or gowifi for just the unit.