Adding WIFI access points...

[bczygan]

I get my internet access by using an app to tether through my phone.

The range of this WIFI connection is limited.

Is there a way I can add either a wireless or wired network, or a combination of both, to extend this to my garage and other points on the property?

Bill

 

[aka Larry]

That's exactly what I did. I ran an ethernet cable from my router in the house to another one in the shop, using it as an access point. Works fine.

 

[tlmartin84]

I am using a ubiquity nano with access point. It works GREAT for a wireless setup.

 

[bczygan]

That's exactly what I did. I ran an ethernet cable from my router in the house to another one in the shop, using it as an access point. Works fine.

But how did you connect to the wireless access point in your phone?

That's where my internet service comes from.

Are there routers that use WDS to bridge?

Bill

 

[tlmartin84]

With the ubiquit nano station, u set it up to pick up the wifi from the phone. Just like any other wifi device that tethers off of it.

Then from the nano, it has a LAN port that you can directly plug a device into or as I did, I hooked mine into another wireless access point to "repeat" the signal.

This works way better than a "repeater" because the speeds do not drop.

 

[MikeMustang]

Cradlepoint makes routers like you are looking for. They pick up the wireless tether signal from your phone and redistribute it through your home network/wifi. I used one for years without issue when I couldnt get cable internet at my house. You can also get a USB 3g/4g modem from your cell phone carrier that will plug straight into the cradlepoint router.

 

[Git]

Simple way would to be to buy a router that can handle a "usb modem". You then tether your phone to the router with a usb cable

It is pretty common option in the higher end routers since 3G/4G can be used as a backup in case your regular internet goes down.

I found this tutorial as an example using a ASUS RT-N56U

http://blog.jigsawpieces.me/2015/02/27/how-to-tether-an-android-phone-to-an-asus-rt-n56u-router/

That router used is that tutorial is older but fairly inexpensive - about $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320062

 

[gungatim]

use a wireless AP bridge. I did that with my iphone until my work disabled the function. <$40 on amazon...TP-Link TL-WA801ND is what I had...

 

[eastbaysubaru]

With the ubiquit nano station, u set it up to pick up the wifi from the phone. Just like any other wifi device that tethers off of it.

Then from the nano, it has a LAN port that you can directly plug a device into or as I did, I hooked mine into another wireless access point to "repeat" the signal.

This works way better than a "repeater" because the speeds do not drop.

I'll second the Ubiquiti solution. I've used their multiple access point products at my parent's large house and they've been very reliable.

-Brian

 

[bczygan]

I'll second the Ubiquiti solution. I've used their multiple access point products at my parent's large house and they've been very reliable.

-Brian

Will they work with FoxFi?

Bill

 

[MFolks]

I was reading just this morning about this company:
https://www.eero.com/about-us#

 

[bczygan]

I was reading just this morning about this company:
https://www.eero.com/about-us#

Those won't work!

I have NO router or modem to plug them into.

My entire internet service is a FoxFi hotspot on my phone.

Any device must connect as a client wirelessly to that and then broadcast a hotspot signal to the entire house and yard.

Bill

 

[tlmartin84]

Bill I am not sure on that, I know it recognizes my phone when I set it up as a hot spot. Mine is an android platform.

My initial guess is yes due to the sofistication of the unit (It is professional equipment at a residential price), however I would check with them. Also realize the nano's come in two different channels, 2.4 vs 5.0.

 

[Denwood]

Based on my recent tests with some new 802.11AC gear, I can see that even with wireless N, you would be limited by the nano's 10/100 ports.

Seeing an iPhone 6 connect to a $129 AP at 300Mbps was a bit of a surprise this week. If you're going to invest in a router with 3G modem, I'd highly recommend finding one with 802.11AC

Internet speeds may be much lower, however LAN performance if you'd like to stream your own movies on wifi devices is something to consider...particularly if you have kids

 

[simpler=better]

Those won't work!

I have NO router or modem to plug them into.

My entire internet service is a FoxFi hotspot on my phone.

Any device must connect as a client wirelessly to that and then broadcast a hotspot signal to the entire house and yard.

Bill

$40

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L0YLRUW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bczygan]

$40

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L0YLRUW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This won't work.

There is no existing router to hook it to.

Bill

 

[pdude]

I have done this with a linksys in bridge mode and aruba instant AP in mesh mode. With the latter I connected one to my network and the other one in the garage area that is only connected with power and it connects to the other AP to make the internet connection.

 

[vwlfan]

Will they work with FoxFi?

Bill

The "WiFi Mode" in FoxFi/PDANET becomes more limited as carriers update their OS software for their phones. If you have an old PC/Laptop you might want to use "USB Mode" to tether your phone to the PC and then share out the internet connection from the PC.

 

[Beemer533]

Will they work with FoxFi?

Bill

FoxFi (PDAnet now) is only the app on your phone that creates the hotspot. As it creates a standard hotspot (assuming your carrier isn't doing anything to prevent it), you shouldn't have any issues with the majority of hardware as long as they are both using the same band (G, N, AC) and security (typically WPA2).