PCA Forums

I previously tryed another access point and card that I thought would be better but I couldn't get it to work at all so I returned it.
The access point I now have works fine BUT I'd like more range for when I move my laptop to different rooms. If I add yet another access point (exact same make/model as existing unit), will that work? Will one transmit where the other gets weak or won't I be THAT lucky?

I'd think that if one access point was going out of range (as the laptop is moved) that another one of the exact same model would transmit, right?
If not, why not?

No one has tryed that?

You're thinking about using the second accesspoint as a relay? ... I dunno if that'll work that way ... yer better check out a better antenna for your current access point with higher dBi gain ...

OK Doc, I'll give that a shot first and see if it helps. Thanks

You can setup two access points, but you should put them on different channels. However, most Wireless NICs aren't going to smoothly change from one to the other.

Your better bet would be to but a repeater. I know D-Link makes one: http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=18

It acts as a relay for the acess point, but it doesn't need to be connected to the network.

The other option is to relocate your access point so it's more centrally located, and at the highest point in the house.

I set my dad up with two access points and it works great. One is a D-link and the other is a netgear. As you walk throught the house it will switch from one to the other. It does take some configuration, but XP makes it easy.

Let me just point out that some WiFi NICs will not automatically switch - particularly if you use their software instead of XP's built-in WiFi manager.

D-Link and 3Com cards for instance will not automatically switch. You have to do a survey and then select the AP you want to use every time.