WAP vs Repeater

[DanF]

What's the main differences between a WAP and a repeater?

[YeOldeStonecat]

Not all APs can repeat....

Repeaters have to have an access point to repeat from.....they usually cannot do a thing by themselves.

[DanF]

So, in which scenario would you use an AP? I want to simply extend a wireless signal, and was looking into one of these:

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/portabl...57?item=2#open full view

[FremontPC]

If you're ok with a hard wired connection to your device, a WAP will do the trick. If you want to stay wireless all the way, then use a repeater.

[YeOldeStonecat]

I prefer individual APs.....
If I need to blanket a large area, I simply add more APs where needed. Each AP is wired back to the central switch...and is stand alone..meaning, it doesn't care what other APs are around....it only deals with its clients, and the main switch.

Repeaters..may be fine for home users, lighter usage..but don't forget..each hop cuts speed in 1/2. Each user adds to that. I don't use them at all, doubt I ever will. A repeater relies on the AP or repeater before it. Think of it like a chain (except each link gets weaker and weaker as you travel down the chain).

[drpcfix]

I agree with above - extend with cat5 and more access points, not repeaters.

(or if you MUST use repeaters, explain with each 'repeat' your network gets about 5 million times less stable.)

[DanF]

I can't get the clients to drill holes in order to use a longer ethernet cable.

Are there any Power on Lines adapters that provide wireless internet coverage? I've only seen those that provide an RJ45 plug outlet. I will post a diagram soon in order to make things clear.

[datagnostic]

Originally Posted by DanF

Are there any Power on Lines adapters that provide wireless internet coverage? I've only seen those that provide an RJ45 plug outlet. I will post a diagram soon in order to make things clear.

You can just plug an AP into your power line adapter

[DanF]

That's an option too, but it would at to the costs. But as long as the client doesn't want to add a few cables, then this would be the way to go I guess.

Here's a plan (paint FTW)

[YeOldeStonecat]

Originally Posted by DanF

That's an option too, but it would at to the costs. But as long as the client doesn't want to add a few cables, then this would be the way to go I guess.

Client needs to realize you have to get copper to the location you want to put an AP somehow.....be it ethernet, or ethernet over powerline bridges, or Moca (ethernet over coax). He's gotta give up something....including some money.