[SOLVED] Need help setting up powerline to repeater

[Anson C]

I am trying to determine the best way to wire repeaters directly to the main router. I have a client that has a very large house on palm beach island with thick walls made of heavy plaster and concrete. He already has one repeater in place which is an Amped model REA20 ac range extender. the main wifi router that is hooked up to the modem is a Asus RT-AC87U. Currently his setup is working ok but does not cover many areas of the house and it is 2 networks with different SSIDs. I would like to purchase a second REA20 and install a few sets of powerline network adapters so that I can wire the repeaters to the main AP to get maximum signal quality. How can I wire the repeaters to the Asus and make 1 network with the same SSID throughout the house? Any help is appreciated.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

You can use ethernet over powerline bridges to basically run ethernet to access points around the house. They'll not be setup in "repeater" mode...but as individual access points. It's better to do that, than use actual repeaters. Repeaters cut the throughput in 1/2 for each client on the network...so it cuts down performance drastically. Having ethernet direct to access points is much better.

They even have combo units that are ethernet over powerline bridges with an access point built into them.

Single SSID, separate non-overlapping channels per access point.

 

[Anson C]

Thanks for such a quick reply. I will look into this now and hopefully get his network running properly. Do you think the Amped repeaters can be used as APs or will this require new hardware?

 

[PBComputer]

You can use ethernet over powerline bridges to basically run ethernet to access points around the house. They'll not be setup in "repeater" mode...but as individual access points. It's better to do that, than use actual repeaters. Repeaters cut the throughput in 1/2 for each client on the network...so it cuts down performance drastically. Having ethernet direct to access points is much better.

They even have combo units that are ethernet over powerline bridges with an access point built into them.

Single SSID, separate non-overlapping channels per access point.

This is the best way to do it. I'm off to quote for a job after lunch. This is the way I think I will be doing it, Unless I can convince them they really need Unifi's

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Powerline/wireless extenders...some like on this page....towards the bottom a bit. TPLink...I'm not a fan of that brand..but for residential would prolly be OK. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=powerline bridges&N=-1&isNodeId=1

 

[Anson C]

Powerline/wireless extenders...some like on this page....towards the bottom a bit. TPLink...I'm not a fan of that brand..but for residential would prolly be OK. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=powerline bridges&N=-1&isNodeId=1

Thanks Stonecat, I am looking at a few different models so I can get them in within a few days. I appreciate your guidance.

 

[HCHTech]

Also be aware that no consumer APs that I'm aware of do handoff, so using the same SSID may introduce problems if the signals overlap. A device will hang onto the weak signal of the main router, even though it's closer to the AP with a stronger signal. Train your clients to disconnect and reconnect when they change locations, or use different SSIDs named for location and train your client to connect to the strongest signal.

 

[HFultzjr]

I have used several of these with no issues so far. Residential installs.
The add ons are all most as much as the kit, though.
3 for 3 so far.

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-WPA4220KIT-ADVANCED-Universal-Powerline/dp/B00HSQAIQU

 

[NJW]

I have used several of these with no issues so far. Residential installs.

Me too. Easy clone of the Wi-Fi network, auto-channel selection for separation and hand-off between APs – Just Works.

They have a three-piece kit, with two APs and a standard Powerline with filtered mains socket on the front. (In Europe, at least – other markets may be different.) I keep an eye on the Amazon pages and snap up a couple of kits when they're on promo.

(These are the units that I have working across phases in a 3-ph. building, btw.)

 

[Martyn]

I mainly do residential and the TP-Link range work well. I service a lot of villages where old houses have thick walls where the Powerline range come in to play

 

[doubleohalex]

Thanks Stonecat, I am looking at a few different models so I can get them in within a few days. I appreciate your guidance.

We use the ZyXEL units, not the cheapest but we've had multiple installed for a couple of years now without a single issue. Plus, their support is amazing.