Having a wired connection on 2 separate floors with 1 modem, is it possible and what is the best way.?

Question

Like it says, downstairs I have a wired modem connected to a wireless router. Upstairs I have a pc and xbox 360 that recieve wireless signal but it is rather horrible. I've gotten a larger antenna but that did not help much, and I don't really want to replace my whole wireless network with wireless-n cards, routers, etc.

What I would like to do is have some kind of WAP or range extender in the room upstairs, that communicates with the wireless router downstairs. I'm wondering if there are any devices like this that also act as a switch (like a wireless router) so I can place it next to my pc upstairs and just run ethernet cables directy from my pc to the access point. Can you do this? Any suggestions on products?

Once again to clarify, I am looking for a device that will wirelessly communicate with a wireless router, that also includes a switch so I can connect wired devices such as pc and xbox to it. I know of range extenders, etc. but all the stuff has me a little confused.

Answer 1

There are indeed several products that will do what you need. These are "wireless bridges". Many of them have multiports for connecting ethernet devices into. (Wish buffalo still had them in the US) But Dlink has a nice unit for this the DAP1522, it can be an access point (wap) or a bridge (which is what you want)

It receives the signal and sends it to your connected units. Even though the 1522 is an N device, it will work well with G routers!

You will need to position it so that it does receive a good signal!!! That is the most important step. Once setup it will just work!

Here is an article from someone with a similar issue.

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,28...

Here is Dlinks Page on the unit

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=663

You can also get a SINGLE port bridge and connect it to a switch - it will be a little less expensive (not much.)

The other option you have is simply RUN A CABLE upstairs and use a switch for all your units.. It will work very well and be much faster than wireless.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

try changing channels it could be a clearer stronger signal