need to extend multiple wireless networks

Networking, Wireless Routers (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax WiFi), NAT, LAN configuration, equipment, cabling, hubs, switches, and general network discussion
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reallimey
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Joined: Thu Jun 18, 2015 8:11 pm

need to extend multiple wireless networks

Post by reallimey »

I have an Asus Rt-N66R and I have both 2.4 and 5 g networks with different SSID's and a 2.4 guest network. I am having issues in areas of the house where the signal is struggling to reach devices. I have set the channels and other settings and realize i probably need extenders.

My question is how can i extend both networks? form all the documentation i see and videos, it only shows the ability to extend a single network per extender. I now that the asus routers can act as an extender, but when it shows the setup it only shows the ability to select a single network. Is that actually the case and do i therefore need to buy multiple extenders?

Thanks
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Philip
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Location: Jacksonville, Florida

Post by Philip »

Using extenders (a.k.a repeaters) is usually not a good idea, I'd use them only as a last resort. The reason is that they reduce your network speed to less than 50%, and introduce/repeat a lot of wireless noise. They have to communicate with both the AP and all clients, and repeat all the wireless communication. See more here: http://www.speedguide.net/faq/access-po ... peater-388 . Most cheaper ones will only work N-150 mode as well.

If possible, Use an access point instead, connected with Cat5/Cat6 cable to the main router. That way, you can have both your 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks using the same access point. You can configure a router as an access point too: http://www.speedguide.net/articles/how- ... point-2556

If running a Cat5 cable is not an option, Powerline adapters work well to extend range as well.
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