Network guru's, can i connect two AP in the same network?

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 4:25 pm

In my basement I am wired and have a wireless AP there for the upper floors. Wanted to know if I connected a switch for the two PC's up there and plugged the 2nd Access point on the 2nd floor via the switch can both the AP's communicate and play nice in an effort to improve my signal from the 1st one to the 2nd one?

eGoCeNTRoNiX · Post by **eGoCeNTRoNiX** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 4:38 pm

I don't see why not.

b-man1 · Post by **b-man1** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 4:53 pm

yup...no problem. that's how businesses do it...multiple WAPs throughout the buildings.

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 5:03 pm

even if the 2nd one connected on a switch in my example is not connected to the wired LAN?

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 5:13 pm

Here's a quick diagram to better emplain my question

b-man1 · Post by **b-man1** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 5:25 pm

hmmm. then it's like a wireless bridge of sorts. not sure how that would work...they would be two separate wireless networks. not sure how to do that. all of the large wireless networks i've worked with have WAPs hardwired into the LAN at some point.

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 5:29 pm

Perhaps in repeater mode? I am still trying to research this but nothing clear out there.

MegaVectra · Post by **MegaVectra** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 5:36 pm

You need a Wifi Bridge.

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellit ... torWrapper

"You can also use the Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge as a kind of "cable-less cable" to connect remote areas together. Maybe Shipping is all the way across the warehouse from Receiving. Or maybe you want to set up a home office in your detached garage. With a Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge in the garage, and another one (or a Wireless-G Access Point) in the house, you're connected -- no digging trenches, and no overhead wires."

Newegg has it for 90 bucks. Free shipping.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6833124015

ZYFER · Post by **ZYFER** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 1:10 pm

Most of the wireless access points being sold now have a bridge mode.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 8:22 pm

Some access points can do this, some can't Some it works well, some it don't. I have personally had no luck with repeaters and don't recommend it.

Something I would consider more is a power line network device (I've seen them at Circuit City or Staples, and certainly online). These are two devices that plug into wall outlets and they have a network port on them. They carry a network connection across the power lines in your house.

The newest ones actually seem to work well. I'd put one in the basement and one in the upper floor to link your AP's together.

Of course you could also run a cable if it's not too hard. Get outdoor rated CAT5 cable at Home Depot and run it outside like a phone wire to connect he basement and the upper floors.