Can I use an Access point to connect wirelessly to a pre-existing wireless network?

Question

We have a wireless network already established in the house. However, can I set up an access point in the shop across the street that will connect to my wireless router at the house and extend the network? Many forums I have read talk about connecting the access point to a wireless router via Ethernet. I would assume that the access point could could do this, but I am unsure. I guess I just want to know if the AP can receive a wireless signal and then resend it to extend the range without having to connect it to anything using Ethernet. -Thanks.

Answer 1

you could get a range expander. what it does is takes in the broadcasted signal, and then rebroadcasts it to extend the range of your existing wireless network. sounds like this may be what you need.

Answer 2

Yes, you can. You need to set it up as an "ad-hoc" or "access point" and make sure the other router will allow it to connect. From there, the second router must be set to accept the same computers as what the first allows.

MaxMax08 is also correct, but sometimes the range extenders and high-gain antennae cost more than a new router.

Answer 3

Theoretically, up to 255 Wi-Fi clients, but practically much less. Just think that the bandwidth available is divided between the clients therefore at some point it becomes virtually impractical to connect. That is, if you want wireless access to internet. Just for having a LAN, it's still ok to have 255 clients. You can also limit the number of connections from the router settings.

Answer 4

Depending on your budget and distance between your router placement and your shop i would suggest bringing a MIMO router to your network. If the distance between the two routers is going to be under 1000 feet then 802.11n spec router should be able to substitute for two 802.11g's